WILLIAM OKILL CHUBB -

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WILLIAM OKILL CHUBB 1916 - 2005 William Chubb (SBSTJ, DScA) passed away peacefully on July 31, 2005 at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit, at the age of 88 years. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret in 1987. He is survived by his brother Frank and sister-in-law Jean; children; Robert Chubb and Marion Mustapha; his son-in-law Rusdi Mustapha; and granddaughter Jennifer Mustapha. Bill was born on November 2, 1916 in Quebec City, in the Province of Quebec. He and his older brother Frank were brought up by their widowed mother Constance Learmonth in their grandparents' home. Upon graduation from the High School of Quebec, Bill entered Universitie Lavalle and graduated from Ecole Superieur de Chemie with a BSc in 1937 and achieved his doctorate in 1941. Following graduation he moved to the North Shore of Labrador, working for 2 years for Saint Lawrence Sea Products. Following his work in Newfoundland, Bill joined the Department of Agriculture in 1943, beginning his working career with the Federal Government in Ottawa. In 1947 he was transferred to Portage la Prairie where he became the Director of the Portage Research Station. Then he was transferred to the Morden Research Station in 1964 where he worked until his retirement in 1981. Bill worked as a Weed Control and Safety Office and was also the Computer Requirements Advisor for the station. During this time Bill travelled to various conferences and seminars, as well as courses on computer technology. He served on the Expert Committee on Weeds, Western, from 1947 to 1981. As well, he conducted First Aid course for both his colleagues and the community in his capacity as a member of the St. John Ambulance Association. Bill was active in the St. John Ambulance Association until the weeks before his death, enjoying regular meetings of their Friendship Group. He travelled to Ottawa in 1990 where he was invested as Serving Brother Order of St. John of Jerusalem in recognition of 40 years of service on October 26, and is an Honorary Life Member of the Priory of Canada. He was also honoured for 40 years of service with St. John Ambulance Manitoba in 1999 for his service from 1954 to 1994. One of Bill's other interests was the library. In Morden, he served on the Board of the South Central Public Library as Secretary, Chair and Treasurer, as a citizen appointed member. In 1985 he was honoured for his contributions to the board. Bill also was an early member of the Manitoba Library Trustees Association and was a Past President and Honorary Life Member. His interest in literature also led him to community theatre. Bill's first involvement was in Portage la Prairie with the Portage Little Theatre when someone took him by the ear . He initially became involved in production backstage, but later acted in and directed several plays. In fact, as Elwood in Harvey, he met his late wife Margaret (nee Milne) who was also in the cast. Bill was also involved in community theatre, The Company, in Morden for 25 years and enjoyed every moment with the other people involved. He travelled to Ottawa with The Company as part of cast and crew of The Icelander for the 1971 Multicultural Festival and appeared on-stage at the St. Boniface Cultural Centre in a 1987 production of Au Temp de la Prairie. He also was part of the cast of The Piano Lesson, a Winnipeg Film Group production. Bill was also active in summer theatre workshops with the Manitoba Summer Festival of the Arts and later the Summer Theatre School Manitoba. His interest in community theatre continued with his support of the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. Although retired, Bill remained interested in the world around him. He was widely read, politically aware participating in discussion groups and attended musical events. He lent his support to various Winnipeg charities though the Winnipeg Foundation and supported institutions such as the Dugald Costume Museum, Prairie Public Television and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. Among his family and friends he will be remembered a a man of curiosity, conscience and integrity who contributed to his community. His late father was described a man of conspicuous ability , a quiet retiring nature with moral standards exceptionally high , amiable, accomplished, dignified and modest . All of these would describe Bill. He will be missed. An informal memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, August 7 at 7869 Roblin Blvd. (3.5 km west of the perimeter) between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bill's name to CancerCare Manitoba, the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Fund) or the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (2 Forks Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4X1). Basic Cremation Service 475-2100

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2005