WILLIAM (BILL) ALEXANDER HENDRY

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WILLIAM (BILL) ALEXANDER HENDRY Peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2003 at the Selkirk and District General Hospital, with his family by his side, William Alexander Hendry, aged 78 years, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to mourn are his beloved family, loving wife Emily of 57 years; daughters, Sharon (Lloyd), Susanne and Nena (Al) sons, Gordon (Donna), Ian, Kerry (Mary), Collin and brother Ian of Victoria, BC; grandchildren, Nick (Charlene) Shiels, Tannis Tataryn, Craig (Rebecca) Tataryn, Kelly (Kyle) Bloomfield, Trevor Hendry, Charna Grexton,Ryan Hendry, Ashley Hendry, Joe Sinclair, Tyson Sinclair and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and May; sons, Bill Jr., and Mark and brothers, Donald and Russell. Bill worked for Manitoba Rolling Mills from 1942 to 1985, retiring at age 60. During this time he left briefly to serve in the Signal Corps in the Liberation of Belgium and Holland, returning as a decorated soldier. He was an active and proud member of Selkirk Legion Branch 42. Always active in union politics, he served as President of Local 5442, United Steelworkers of America from 1964 to 1979. Upon his retirement in June, 1985, his many friends honoured him with gifts and a huge party. He was quoted as saying, "Ive always been a proud steelworker and will continue to be". That same summer Bill moved to his cottage in the Village of Dunnattor, where he lived until last year. He loved his cottage and the local nature, in particular feeding the birds and maintaining Purple Martin houses. Bill loved all nature and always looked forward to family camping trips. Bill was known by all for his honesty, grit and his sharp wit. His pet peeve was to be called "Bill Henry"! He strived to make his workplace and his world safer, happier and healthier. Although he was proud of his many accomplishments, his family was the most cherished. Dad kept his sense of humour to the bitter end. Until he lost his power of speech, visits to his bedside often produced more laughter than sorrow. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude for all the TLC administered by the nursing and palliative care staff at Selkirk and District General Hospital. The care they gave extended beyond the call of duty. We also wish to thank Dr. Badenhurst and Pastor Reimer for their expertise and compassion. Prayers were said on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 8 (today) at 1:30 p.m. also at Gilbarts, with Pastor Walter Reimer officiating. A private family interment will be held prior to the service. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Selkirk and District General Hospital, 100 Easton Dr., Box 5000, Selkirk, MB R1A 2M2 or to the Bayview Evangelical Free Church, Box 1709, Gimli, MB R2C 1B0. God saw you getting tired, So he wrapped you in his loving arms And whispered, "Come with me." You suffered much in silence Your spirit did not bend You faced your pain with courage Until the very end. You tried so hard to stay with us Your fight was not in vain God took you in his loving arms And saved you from all pain. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangments.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2003