Obituaries

WILLIAM (BILL) FREDRIK RAUTAVUORIApril 30, 1952 – September 12, 2016
   It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William Rautavuori on Monday, September 12, 2016 at Ste. Anne Hospital in Ste. Anne, Manitoba at the age of 64 years.   Remaining to forever cherish Bill’s memory are his son Daniel; his new born granddaughter Preslie; daughter-in-law Casda; four step-grandchildren Kennedy, Dex, Denem and Kaleigha; cousins he adored in the Thunder Bay area and Ottawa; nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law; colleagues and many others who were fortunate enough to have known him and call him a friend. Bill was predeceased by his wife Sylvia; twin brother Richard; mother Aili; and father George.    Born in Winnipeg, Bill was a decorated Winnipeg Police Officer for 28 years. He spent most of those years in the Identification Department where he won multiple awards for most cases solved. He gave all of himself to serving and protecting the Winnipeg community and saw things no human being should ever have to witness. Still, he maintained his kind, loving and humorous nature throughout it all.    As good as a police officer as Bill was, he was an even better father. He was always there for every hockey and baseball practice and even coached some years. He put his joints through great strain, getting on his knees while play wrestling with Dan so that he would be the same height as his little boy. Even as Dan became an adult, Bill was unbendingly supportive of all his son’s endeavours, including becoming a professional wrestler, making all that time Bill spent on his knees worthwhile.    Bill was proud of his Finnish background and would use any Finnish word he knew at every chance he got. He absolutely adored his grandkids and would call them “Beautiful good boys and girls” in Finn. He loved how they called him “Isa” (pronounced “ee-sah”), which means grandfather. What brought him the most joy was Dan and Casda’s union and his brand new granddaughter who was born of their love.   In his younger years, Bill was a talented artist and certified pilot. Like his father, George, he had a knack for building things. He was a great cook, specializing in chili, stew, burgers and pickerel. However, he was a connoisseur at cooking lobster and would explain in intricate detail just how he cooked it so perfectly every time. He enjoyed playing golf and, most of all, cribbage, where he was known to unleash his hilarious victory dance every time he won a game against his son. He was shockingly on top of pop music…even at 64 years old, he would be heard singing along to any Katy Perry song that came on the radio, bang-on with every word.    Bill was a genuinely good and honest man…honest to a fault at times, which he was fondly known for. If it was on his mind, it would likely come out of his mouth. If you asked him how he was doing, you were getting a candid answer whether you wanted it or not.  Honesty and integrity were huge to Bill, and he was undoubtedly the personification of such noble traits.   In compliance with Bill’s wishes, no Funeral Service will be held.   In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you make a donation to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess St, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1M3, which Bill donated to on a monthly basis for years.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Dad, as sad as I am that you’re gone; as much as I already miss you, it brings me great happiness to know that you’re now free and at peace in a far better place than this world. You were an authentically good man through and through. You gave so much of yourself as a police officer and even more as my Dad. Thank you for everything you were. We all love you, Isa. Enjoy the show from the best seats in the house. I’m proud to be your son.
“Any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad.”