WALTER AGUSTUS

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WALTER AGUSTUS "BILL" ROSE After a full, rich and rewarding life, Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday morning, December 18, 2003. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife and soul-mate, Jean Patricia and her daughter Carrie and Carries children, Peta, Kisani, and by Wendys children, Jason and Shawn. Bill will also be missed by his daughter Angela (Bill) Serediuk and children, Victoria (Dale) Boxendall, Edward R. (Terri) Gardner, Nancy (Gary) Barnes and daughter Jennifer (Alan) Weitzel and children, Heather (Ryan), Hale and Christopher. Bill was predeceased by son-in-law Alan; one grandchild; one great-grandchild and Jeans daughter Wendy. Bill was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England on December 31, 1907. After boarding and prep schools, he attended the London School of Economics and Harvard University (MBA). During the Second World War, Bill joined the Royal Artilleryregiment and attained the rank of Colonel. Bill was written up in dispatch for "Meritorious Service". After the war, Bill joined the Hudson Bay Company, London, England, corporate office as Commercial Secretary in the fur buying division. In the 1950s Bill immigrated to Canada with the HBC first in Montreal then Winnipeg. In 1965, Bill formed W.A. Rose Limited and through his business relationship with Mr. Sam Bronfman, he became the distribution and manufacturers agent for Seagram Wine and Spirits brands in Manitoba. As President, Bills executive and business acumen provided the drive to position Seagram brands to top of the industry for over 25 years. Bill also accepted the additional responsibility of Western Canada Sales Manager ensuring Seagram brand growth for Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. In 1987, Bill decided not to renew his agency agreement in order to enjoy life with Jean at their special grains farm in the McCreary area. Bill and Jean sold their farm in 2002 and relocated to Carman, MB. Bills generosity of time and resources was truly reflected by his actions in charity and business associations. He became President, Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation; President for two terms, St. Charles Golf and Country Club; President, Winnipeg Executive Association and held memberships in Winnipeg Winter Club, Manitoba Club, Winnipeg West Rotary and Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club. Bill also ensured that members of his staff were active in community service clubs. Bill was a benefactor to the Winnipeg Arts commmunity. Recipients of his generosity included the Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. His sponsorship through the "Seagram Pops" and "Seagram Classics" was instrumental in engaging popular and world acclaimed artists to perform in Winnipeg. Sponsorship of major rural Manitoba events was a priority for Bill. His generosity was extended to the Manitoba Stampede in Morris, Brandon Winter Exhibition, Trout Festival in Flin Flon and the North-West Roundup in Swan River. Bill had a passion for golf and also enjoyed squash and tennis. He was a major sponsor of mixed and senior curling at provincial and national levels. Many rural Manitoba curling clubs received support for local bonspiels and club building events. The family expresses appreciation to the staff at the Carman Hospital for their care and compassion. In accordance with Bills wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating his life was held on Monday, December 22 at Doyles Funeral Chapel in Carman. Honorary pallbearers were Peta Nolan, Kisani Frechette, Jason Borne and Shawn Borne. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 2109 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or to the Canadian Cancer Society of Manitoba, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB. May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace. Forever in our hearts and souls Love Always - The Rose Families. I love you in big ways I love you this minute And Ill love you always - Jean. \r

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2004