WILLIAM NELSON BARRITT

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WILLIAM NELSON BARRITT September 3, 1921 - June 16, 2005 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William (Bill) Barritt on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at the Victoria General Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. Bill was the beloved husband of Constance (Connie) nee Langford, to whom he had been married for over 62 years. He was the only child of loving parents, Nelson and Eva Barritt, who predeceased him in 1946 and 1967, respectively. His strong presence and loving support will be profoundly missed by Connie, his daughter Patricia Barritt-Cleary of Winnipeg; daughter and son-in-law Carol and Paul Barritt-Flatt of Kirkland, Washington; and his four grandchildren, Quintin Barritt-Cleary and Christian Barritt-Cleary of Winnipeg, Megan Barritt-Flatt of Winnipeg, and David Barritt-Flatt of Washington, D.C. Bill was a complex man of character and integrity, once an officer and always a gentleman. He was born in Winnipeg and raised in Winnipeg Beach, MB, where, as a child, he learned the ways of the woods. His family moved back to Winnipeg when Bill was 12 and there he received his rigourous education from the Jesuits at St. Paul's College and subsequently at the University of Manitoba. Bill saw action during the Second World War as Officer and Tank Commander with his beloved armoured regiment the Princess Louise 8th New Brunswick Hussars. He served in Canada, Britain, the Central Mediterranean and Continental Europe. He subsequently joined the Fort Garry Horse Regiment (Reserves), attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer. He held his Garries in great affection. As a Professional Engineer, Bill enjoyed a long and illustrious career both in construction and transportation. For many years he contributed his expertise to the betterment of his fellow man as an international consultant in many third world countries. Bill was a deeply learned man whose life exhibited a richness and depth beyond the ordinary. He was a respected and compassionate leader of men who was accomplished in many endeavours. He was truly a man's man', with his love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing, archery and German Shepherd dogs. He was a scholar, whose particular enduring interest was history. He was an artist, producing many exquisite works of fine needlepoint and petitpoint, a lifelong passion he learned while recuperating from war wounds in Arnhem, Belgium. He was a collector of fine china and a connoisseur of fine wine. His greatest love, however, and the centre of his life was his wife, Connie, who gave all of this meaning. For all of us, Bill was a tower of strength, someone his family and friends could always count on for support, encouragement, truth, loyalty, challenge and inspiration. His standards were high, both for himself and others. He was a kind man whose courage was great and whose respect for others equally so. He will be greatly missed. The family wishes to extend our gratitude to the following individuals who helped so generously in Bill's time of need: Janice Brickey, for her professional care, kindness, and compassion; Chris Carlyle, for her advice and friendship; Jules Severdija, for his kindness and support. We also express our gratitude to the staff and Palliative Care Team at Riverview Health Centre and to Dr. Heather Domke and the nurses at Victoria General Hospital. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Interment will follow in Thomson In the Park Cemetery. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillivray Blvd. - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2005