WILLIAM JAMES RUMSEY

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WILLIAM JAMES RUMSEY Peacefully on Monday, December 31, 2001, William James Rumsey passed away at the St. Boniface General Hospital after a lengthy illness. Bill was born on April 29, 1924 in Fort William, ON, son of William Charles Rumsey and Mae Cecilia Ryan. He attended Mount Carmel School until he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Artillery at the age of 16. He was accepted into Officers Training School where he graduated with the rank of Second Lieutenant. After serving six years in the Artillery which included time in England and north west Europe, he returned to Canada in 1947 with the rank of Captain. In 1949, he began working with TCA, now known as Air Canada, in the Finance Department and remained with the company for over 40 years until retiring in 1989. Bill devoted a large part of his time to community work over the years. He was active in the Cub and Scouts movement for over 10 years. He served as an alderman for the City of St. Boniface in the early 70s. He was the founder of the Winakwa Credit Union, Past Director of the Credit Union League of Manitoba, and Past Director of the Cooperative Credit Society of Manitoba. He was a member of the Norwood-St. Boniface Royal Canadian Legion as well as a member of the Belgian Club. He served as Past Grand Knight and Charter Member of the Windsor Park Knights of Colombus and was a proud member of the Fourth Degree Sir Knight Francis Patrick Kennedy Assembly holding various positions in both. He was on the Board of Directors of The St. Boniface Museum for many years. He proudly served as Commanding Officer of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Cadet Corps for five years. St. Bernadette Parish played a very important role in Bills life. Since its inception in 1961, he was a devoted parishioner who served his church in countless ways. Bill will be remembered by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis, son Darryl (Gloria, Adam and Myles), son Brian (Jan, Haley), daughter Maureen Horaska (Rick, Keith and James) and daughter Janet. He is also survived by his sister Mrs. Marie Kettlewell and his brother Mr. Fred Rumsey, nephews and nieces. Bill was a very proud man who cherished his military career, his time with Air Canada, his involvement with the Knights of Colombus and his participation at St. Bernadette. He took great delight in the many accomplishments of his children and, in later life, his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a strong supporter of the Manitoba Bison Basketball Teams, Nicolett Inn Basketball Teams and the Montreal Canadiens. He enjoyed the social companionship of his friends as well as his yearly trips to the United Kingdom. The family wishes to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the staff of 5E at the St. Boniface General Hospital and Dr. Alexander Pan, both whom treated Bill with compassion and care. Also, The Pastoral Care, especially Fr. Fred and Fr. Charles, and the many friends who came to visit. Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd. Private family interment to follow. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, in memory of Bill Rumsey, donations may be made to the St. Boniface Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, or The Catholic Foundation of Manitoba, 218 - 210 Masson St., Winnipeg, MB R2H 0H4. In care of arrangements GREEN ACRES FUNERAL HOME 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2002