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Bill Harper

Image by Nick Andréka

WILLIAM (BILL) F. HARPER

October 1, 1947 – August 29, 2025

William (Bill) F. Harper, born October 1st 1947, died August 29th 2025, surrounded by his family, near and far, who love him deeply. 


As per Bill's wishes, there will be no formal service. If you wish, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name.


Bill’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.



ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Marg (Wedlake) Wilson

September 23, 2025 at 11:47 PM

To Bill's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Bill through work and he was so kind to me in so many ways. He sent a card when my dad died. He brought cookies to my office one morning when I was going through a rough patch. There were so many other small gestures but I've remembered them, and him, all these years. He was a good friend. We're all lucky to have known him.

The Lowe Team

September 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM

Mark and family,

On behalf of Lowe Mechanical, we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time and we are here to support you in any way you may need.

Diane & Philippe Leclercq

September 8, 2025 at 1:42 PM

It is with great sadness that we found of Bill’s passing. As neighbours for 30 years, he would greet us and take the time to chat, stopping whatever he was doing to discuss on various subjects. He would talk to us in French, wanting to practice the language which he mastered quite well. We would talk about sports, world competitions and issues and more. We will miss those very special moments. C’était toujours un plaisir de discuter avec Bill; politique, société, voyages et surtout soccer. Puisses-tu trouver, là où tu es, de bons matchs de basketball à arbriter. To Gail and family, we wish you a lot of courage in these difficult times. May all the wonderful memories with Bill live on forever.

Linda Dmyterko

September 6, 2025 at 5:56 PM

My deepest condolences to you and your family Gail on the passing of Bill. May you find comfort and peace in the company of each other and those who love and care for you during this difficult time.

 

Just want to share the heartfelt admiration, respect and gratitude I had for Bill both as a friend, colleague and mentor. I know for a fact that Bill (along with you Gail) played an instrumental role in me having had an opportunity for a job interview at St. John's which eventually led to me being hired as permanent staff. . . and for that, I am forever grateful.

Once hired, I had the wonderful privilege of working on "Team Harper" alongside Bill, and like the "caretaker" person he was, Bill took it upon himself to mentor, guide and shield me through all the ins and outs of teaching . And when issues would arise he would say to me "you let me take care of it, I'm closer to retirement than you are" and in true Bill fashion, off he would go and fight/advocate for his "Team" with the school Administrator's. Thank you Bill, thank you so very much for your belief in me, your friendship, and all the wonderful breakfasts and get togethers we had long after the days of the classroom.

I'm going to miss you Mr. Harper . . . breakfast get togethers won't be the same without you. May you rest easy Bill Harper.

 

And again, my condolences to you and your family Gail. May you find peace,comfort and strength from each other during this most difficult of times.

 

Blessings to you all

 

 

Jennifer and Terry Proctor

September 6, 2025 at 11:07 AM

Gail, Kelly, Karen and Mark

 

We are heartbroken for you. Bill was a most wonderful man. As lifelong friends, we have so many memories. We always had such a good time when we were together. Gail, our most recent visit with you in June was a special honor. Bill was struggling and yet he chose to share some of his limited energy to visit with us. Always such a generous person. This photo is from the Manitoba Marathon's "Pasta Dinner" the night before one of your many full marathons that you ran. May your precious memories of Bill & your Dad nurture you during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Bill.

Mike Gartner

September 6, 2025 at 11:01 AM

Shocked and saddened to learn of Bill's passing. Teri and I wish Gail and family peace and comfort. Bill and I taught together at Sisler for 16 years. He was an exemplary teacher and a man of character and integrity. Bill was committed to his students. What I also remember is just how much fun we had--school programs, travel with students, coaching, interacting with staff (especially the annual hockey drafts). I consider it a privilege to have been his colleague and friend.

Ross Wedlake

September 6, 2025 at 10:03 AM

I knew Bill as a colleague at St. John's High School, a referee and a friend. I had the pleasure of refereeing with him numerous times. We had many conversations about education and basketball. I could tell that he took his responsibities very seriously as both an educator and official. He was always looking to improve at everything he did, I will miss his friendly greetings and welcoming handshakes. My condolences to his family.

Rob Clements

September 6, 2025 at 7:12 AM

Never forget having him for home room teacher. Played basketball for him and got my first ever school jacket. Great memories from a great person.

Brian Thompson

September 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM

It was a pleasure knowing Bill and working games with him for many years. My condolences to his family

Edgar Ruiz

September 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM

My deepest condolences to the family, Rest in peace Bill H.🕊️

Adam Wedlake - Basketball Manitoba

September 5, 2025 at 12:46 PM

On behalf of Basketball Manitoba, I extend my deepest condolences to the Harper family. Bill embodied what it meant to give back to the game. His work as a referee and mentor left a lasting impact on basketball in our province. Bill believed in leaving the game better than he found it, and he certainly did. His presence on and off the court will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Bill.

Reid Kenyon - MABO President

September 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Bill was a true gentleman and a good friend to the basketball referee world. Bill was a person who I know believed leaving the game a better place than you found it. As a basketball referee administrator, referee assignor and referee colleague, I truly appreciated Bill for his dedication to the game on and off the court. We will miss Bill - condelences to the Harper family from the entire MABO association - MB Association of Basketball Officials.

Lorelei Krasnowski (Federchuk)

September 4, 2025 at 7:10 PM

Mr Harper was one of our teachers at Sisler!! He was such a kind man to us all. We just had our 40th reunion and missed him not being there. RIP Mr Harper

Nicholas Scott Hermansen

September 4, 2025 at 1:39 PM

Bill was my uncle and he also shared the name William with my older brother. I guess it was a bit of a Harper tradition.

he was and has always been such an example to me. Scholar, athlete, great father, devoted to his family. I'll miss him.

,

Nicholas Hermansen

Ben Szymkow

September 4, 2025 at 10:26 AM

Bill was a truly a soft spoken tremendous person. I was fortunate to officiate with him. I have fond memories of Bill. Thanks for our time together.

Dan Kinaschuk

September 4, 2025 at 8:42 AM

Bill and I have a long history together, from the days of teaching together at Sisler and St.Johns to officiating basketball for the past 30 years. I always called Bill " The Ironman of Basketball Officials". As recently as 3 years ago, Bill would often ride his bike to his games, officiate for 3 hours, then ride home, including winter. Miss you my friend...rest in peace.🙏

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