WILBERT MURRAY SPENCE

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WILBERT MURRAY SPENCE "WILLIE THE GYPSY" Wilbert Murray Spence, also known as Willie the Gypsy, passed away Friday, August 30, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 59 years. Willie was born in Dauphin on March 4, 1943. He was raised in rural Dauphin where he received his education and in his early years worked for farmers in the Dauphin area. He later worked for various employers including CN line to Churchill and McLeods in Winnipeg. Willie dedicated the rest of his years to the Manitoba Metis Federation and country music. In the early 1970s he travelled across the province for the Manitoba Metis Federation helping to establish locals. In 1978 he also represented the Metis nation at the Institute of Urban Studies in Chicago, IL. In the 1970s and 1980s he also travelled extensively across Canada with his cousins the C-Weed Band. Willie loved and lived country music and could often be found entertaining in someones home or at some function. Willie had a strong mind and quick wit and often brought many smiles to peoples faces. He is survived by special companion Cecile Missyabit and her son Waylon; sisters, Elsie (Arthur) Pacey, Florence Kipling and Frances (Malcolm) brothers, Jimmy Spence (Ruby) and Alvin Spence (Arlene) three aunts; 23 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Avena Spence; brothers, Donald and Garland Spence; and sister Yvonne McCorrister. Prayers will be said on Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aboriginal Funeral Chapel, 724 Selkirk Ave., Winnipeg. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Parish, 794 Ellice Ave., with Fr. Robert Bernardin officiating. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tex McKay, Barry Spence, Brian McCorrister, Jason Kipling, Ira Pacey and Buck Pacey. "KEEP IT COUNTRY WILLIE" ABORIGINAL FUNERAL CHAPEL 724 SELKIRK AVE. 586-7700

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2002