Obituaries

WILLIAM CHARLES POWELL

Peacefully on the afternoon of December 9, 2021, with his family around him, William Charles Powell finished his fight with Pancreatic cancer.

Bill was born in Winnipeg on September 5, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Winnifred Powell, his sister Freddie Turnbull, brother in-law Gordon Turnbull and brother in-law Jim Ellison. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lorraine, children Chris (Cathy) and Kathy (Steve), and sisters-in-law Lily and Lois (Vic). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Liam, Kaylee, Meredith and Russell, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom and Dad were married in 1967. Their home in Oak Bluff was bought in 1968, where they lived until this fall. Chris arrived in 1973 and Kathy followed in 1975. Bill was always involved with the kids. He was a scout leader and Civilian Instructor for Air Cadets, and driver and enthusiastic cheerleader for ringette.

In 1962, as a young man, Bill bought a cabin on Lee River. Boating, water skiing and fishing were favourite activities enjoyed by all. Many wonderful memories continue to be made at the cabin by friends and family, now into its fourth generation of cottagers.

Bill worked for MTS from 1958 until his retirement in 1993. He started as a linesman and ended as a manager.

After Dad retired from MTS, he and Mom did some travelling. There were a couple cruises and trips to Mexico and Cuba. Several winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona and they spent some time in Victoria BC. Their favorite trip by far was the road trip to Alaska with their 5th wheel trailer with friends Barb and Brian.

Bill had a long list of hobbies and interests including model trains, RC airplanes and reading. Mom and Dad founded the pickleball club at the Oak Bluff Rec Centre. They were charter members of the Oak Bluff square dance club, dancing for many years and making many friends. Dad enjoyed golfing, playing in the Manitoba Seniors Golf Association. He was also an avid skier, taking the family on many trips.

For many years the garage was full of airplane parts as he worked on several different aircraft. He actually finished one, getting the Aeronca Champion air worthy and flying it for several years.

But Dad’s first love, after mom, was cars. If it had wheels, Bill was interested in it. He loved nothing more than puttering around in his garage working on his latest project, be it airplanes or hot rods. He had a long line of cars pass through the garage. From a 38 Ford Coupe to his 67 MG Roadster. The one that stuck around the longest was his beloved 1953 Chevy Bel Aire.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Cancer Care Manitoba and Palliative Care. The family is also grateful for the support of his many friends during his treatments this past year. The many meals, cookies and rides were always welcome and appreciated.

The funeral service will take place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 830 North Drive, on Monday December 20th at 1 pm. Due to limited seating, please call (204) 475-7549 to register beforehand. Double vaccinated only, must be masked. Service will be live streamed on St. Paul’s Fort Garry Facebook page. Internment to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for the Rehabilitation Centre for Children or the Manitoba Cancer society.