WILLIAM GEORGE MACKIE

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WILLIAM GEORGE MACKIE (Bill) It is with great sadness that our family has to announce, Bill passed away August 23, 2001. He was 46 years old. Bill was born on April 11, 1955 in Winnipeg, the first son of John and Irene Mackie. He spent his first 11 years on a farm near Purves, MB, where he attended one-room Willowdale school. After it burned down, he went to school in Crystal City. He loved sports, and spent endless hours playing baseball, football and ball hockey with his brother John and best friends, Eddie and Ernie Bright of Snowflake. After his dad passed away in 1966, Bill moved with his family to his moms childhood home at 342 Oakwood in Winnipeg. He attended Churchill High School, grew his hair long and became the worlds biggest Doors fan. Later, he received a degree from Red River Community College, cut his hair and became one of Winnipegs first generation of punk rockers. He worked for the City of Winnipeg for many years, until he suffered a severe back injury in a car accident in 1999. Bill was a great guy, funny and generous and filled with life. He was small in stature, but had a giant personality, hence nicknames like Big Bill and Mr. Big. He loved the Bombers, cars, cats and black leather jackets, but most of all his countless friends including his legion of co-workers at the City. He loved taking care of people and cooked his mom dinner almost every night until she died. He will be sorely missed. Bill was predeceased by his parents, and his aunts and uncles he grew up with at Oakwood, Edie, Hazel and Ray. He will be remembered by his sister Debbie; brother John; niece Kelly; brother-in-law Tracy; aunt Hazel Sansome; and cousins, Brian Lunney, Jeff Lunney, Dale Jack, Roy Jack and George Moore; along with a world of friends. A small wake was held at his sisters place August 26. He was buried with his mom and dad in Crystal City.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2001