Obituaries

WILLIAM (BILL) CHRISMAS March 12, 1930 – May 5, 2016
 
   After a long struggle with MS, Bill Chrismas passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2016, with his family by his side, at the age of 86 years.   Remaining to forever cherish Bill’s memory are his daughters, Judy (Joe), Diane (Herb), Gail (Alan), Carol (Bo), Bonnie (Mark) and Sandy (Rick) as well as their mother, Dorothy. Also left to cherish his memory are his 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen and Flossie; sister-in-law, Vi; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his brother, Doug; brother-in-law, George and second wife, Bonnie.   On March 12, 1930, Dad was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third child of George and Mary Chrismas. He spent his childhood in Vivian, Manitoba on the family farm. In 1950, Dad married Mom and they moved to Winnipeg, where they had three daughters, Judy, Diane and Gail. During this time, he worked for the City of Winnipeg with his brother, Doug.   In 1958, Dad decided to move his family to Balmoral, where Carol, Bonnie and Sandy were born and completed his family. He started out with a mixed farm, but soon found poultry to be his passion. During this time, Dad served on various boards, including the Manitoba Turkey Board, Canadian Turkey Board and Granny’s Chicken Board. He was never afraid to take on new ventures, which included the Balmoral Snack Bar and a cement business. He decided to venture into the hog industry and built two hog barns. At this time, Dad married his second wife, Bonnie, and moved just outside of Balmoral.    In 1992, Dad was diagnosed with MS. He struggled with this and eventually retired into Balmoral. During his time in town, he became a regular at the Balmoral Rec Centre, where he met some new friends, as well as reconnected with old ones, and they enjoyed many great conversations. In 2010, Dad was no longer able to live on his own and he decided to move to Betel Care Home in Selkirk. Two years later, Dad moved to Rosewood, which he considered his home. He met many great friends and lived the remainder of his life there.    On Saturday, May 14, 2016, Bill’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Stonewall United Church, 369 – 1st Avenue North, Stonewall, Manitoba, with Rev. Leonard Oracheski, presider. Interment will follow in Victoria Cemetery, Balmoral, Manitoba. Pallbearers will be Joe Stefaniuk, Alan Schick, Mark Yeomans, Rick Whittom, Bob Chrismas and Bo Yeomans.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Judy, Diane, Gail, Carol, Bonnie, Sandy, Herb Menzel, Bo Sweeney and Rick Thomson.   The family would like to thank Dad’s special friends in Rosewood, the staff at both Betel and Rosewood and Dr. Graham for all their care and compassion.   In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Dad may be made to the MS Society of Manitoba, 141 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 0R3.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com 
 “May the wind always be on your back.”