WILLIAM KERR

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM KERR William Kerr passed away peacefully with his family at his side on July 4, 2003 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 81 years. Surviving are his wife Frances and sons, Brian (Patti) and Bruce; and granddaughters, Jennifer and Shauna. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Jessie Kerr. Bill was born and raised in the St. James area attending Linwood and Britannia Schools. He worked as an office clerk for Searle Grain before the outbreak of the Second World War. Bill enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942 and served on destroyers and minesweepers as a stoker on the East and West coasts until the end of the war. At the end of the war, Bill returned to Searle Grain. Shortly after, Bill met the love of his life Frances and they were married in September of 1946 and enjoyed 57 happily married years raising their family. In 1946, he went into business with his father-in-law Alf Lockwood at Grosvenor Meat Market where he remained as the owner until his retirement in 1985. Although he took no holidays in 39 years, he spent many enjoyable summer weekends with his family and friends at his cottage at Gimli. Bill and Frances bowled Wednesdays at the Empress Lanes where he was the Treasurer of the Wednesday Night Mixed Bowling League for 21 years. Bill attended night school at Red River Community College and earned his 3rd Class Power Engineer Certificate. During retirement, Bill and Frances took time to travel to Alaska, England and Scotland, Australia, Hawaii and the Caribbean. He was so well thought of by his customers that upon his retirement, several customers held a retirement party for him and financed a cruise to Alaska for him and Frances in thanks. Bill was a charter member in 1954 of the Optimist Club of St. James and served twice as President, was raised in Fort Garry Lodge No. 130 A.F. and A.M., a charter member and Past Master of Gateway Lodge No. 171 and Past Master of Millennium Lodge No. 182. The family wishes to express their thanks for the care and compassion of the doctors, nurses and aides at the Grace Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. Following a gathering of friends, the interment will take place in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Hospital or to CancerCare Manitoba. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2003