REVEREND CANON WILLIAM MCGREGOR

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REVEREND CANON WILLIAM MCGREGOR 1918-2004 Born in Dublin, Ireland and died peacefully on his birthday, at sunrise, June 27. Survived by Dorothy, his love and wife of 58 years, five children and spouses, 13 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson: daughters, Wenonah Moore (Doug), Dorothy Mash (John), Ailsa Lauder (Drew) sons, Bill (Joanne), and Rob (Lorraine) grandchildren, Cara (Andrew), Ryan (Helen), Cristy (Matt), Adam, Duncan, Carley, Shawn, Martin (Susan), Troy, Cole, Kian, Kristopher, Nathalie; and great-grandson Royce. Bill and Dorothy came with their first two daughters to Canada in 1950 to the Anglican Diocese of Saskatchewan, parish of All Saints in Leask, SK. (1950-55). In his ministry he served the parishes ofHoly Trinity, Meadow Lake (1955-57), St. Pauls, North Battleford, SK. (1957-68), St. Saviours, Winnipeg, MB. (1968-75), and Holy Trinity, Winnipeg (1975-84), from where he retired.. Many parishes had neighbouring churches under the same parishes, and Bill was Rural Dean in the Diocese of Saskatoon. After retirement, Bill did summer and interim work at many parishes in the Diocese of Rupertsland, was an active member of St. Aidans, Winnipeg; St. Pauls, Yuma, Az.; Villa Alameda, Yuma, Az; and Holy Trinity , White Rock, B.C. Bill was ordained deacon in 1951, priested in 1952, and graduated from Emmanuel College, Saskatoon (S. Th.) He was a teacher in Ireland and both his teaching and his quest for learning continued throughout his life. He was extraordinarily well-read and found inspiration for his sermons in poetry, in people, and in Gods world around him. He took many courses over the years, and he in turn gave back his knowledge. He returned part-time to University (St. Johns College, Winnipeg) when his children were there, and after retirement took diverse subjects at the Extension Division, University of Arizona. He shared the goodness he found in Gods creations in his ministry in the church and in his life, leading trips to the Holy Land,exploring North America with his family, Europe and Hong Kong with his wife, explaining desert life on walks in Arizona, the night sky everywhere he travelled, and sealife off the pier on his daily walks on the seawall in White Rock. Many people will remember his sermons, his eloquence, and his absolute faith. Some sought him out years later to let him know how he had touched their lives. And in later years, the stones he collected and polished, and then gave away as gifts with a message for us all. Bills family would like to add to his thanks to Doctors Ursula Lee,Spangehl , and Claybeck for their care and support. Thank you also to the treatment teams in three Medical, Emergency, and Palliative Care Units at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, for their gentle and personal care. The family gratefully declines flowers. If you so desire, a donation could be made to the Primates World Relief and Development Fund, in care of Holy Trinity Church, White Rock; the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4050 Graveley, Burnaby, or the Palliative Care Unit of Peace Arch Hospital. A celebration of Bills life to take place on Wednesday, 30 June, 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, White Rock, the Rev. Neil Gray officiating.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2004