WILLIAM “BILL” ROY MARK

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of William (Bill) Mark.  After a courageous battle with cancer he passed away at home with his wife by his side, just as he hoped it would be.  His journey with cancer started in 2011.  The first battle he won and survived in remission until the cancer returned in 2023.   He always said this time was a gift and he respected the time he felt privileged to have. He cherished his time with his grandchildren, family and friends until his final time came.  The one wish he had during this final battle was that he reach his 70th birthday.  He did this on April 8, 2024 with all those near and dear to him to celebrate.  

Bill leaves behind, and will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley of 48 years; son Chris (Sue); daughter Kelly (Jody); and grandchildren, Aiden, Julia, Isabelle, Victoria, and William.  Predeceased by his parents, Roy and Nora; and his sister Shirley.  He leaves to mourn his brothers, Roy {known as Bud}, Mike, and Arthur; sisters, Marge and Sandra; and many nieces and nephews.  As well as many family and friends.

Bill was born and raised and lived his life in Winnipeg, MB.  He was a dedicated working man, who for most of his career, rose before the sun to start his day driving trucks for numerous companies until he was hired on by the garbage industry where he retired from Waste Management.  He took pride in his work and rarely missed a day of work.  Once Bill retired he had more time to spend with his grandchildren and enjoyed having beers with his friends. 

Bill and Shirley married in 1975. Soon after they had their children Chris and Kelly whom he loved and was very proud of.

The family spent many summers at the trailer in Petersfield Campground spending days on the boat or in the swimming pool and nights around the campfire with friends.  As the kids got older, his hobbies switched to weekly bowling on a league and golfing. 

Bill was the head of the family and his throne was his lazy boy chair.  One of the sayings most of us will remember and have been the recipient of is, “Get out of my chair” while he shooed you away with an arm gesture if you dared to sit in it when he was around.  It did not matter who you were.  This became a favorite game of his children and then his grandchildren.  Him sitting in this chair holds a lot of special memories for many of us.  “What’s behind Papa’s chair” for the grandchildren to find a special gift, a cuddle with grandpa while watching their shows, Bill/dad sitting there while having many conversations and laughs and as kids, Chris or Kelly sitting in front of the TV, while he sat in his chair to change the channel for him.  What a happy day when the remote was invented.   

His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he took an active interest in all their lives and loved to tell his friends stories about them.  He always had something special for the grandkids and they never left without the candy bag he would put together for each and every one of them which included their individual favorite candies and chocolates.  

He showed his love through small gestures such as always wanting to make sure his daughter Kelly had a sandwich and 2 chocolate bars to eat if he was picking her up from work, to make sure he had his son Chris’s favorite drink for when he came over for visits and to make sure his wife Shirley had supper to eat when she was coming home after work once he was retired.  And once he figured out technology, he would randomly text to say hi or check in.        

Bill had a love for music, whether it was blaring music in the basement, going to the Spike to watch live bands with his friends or dancing to a good song.  Using music to soothe the soul is one of the things he has passed down to his children.    

Bill had many friends, as he loved sitting around a table with friends telling stories and laughing with a beer in hand.  He is known for his laugh, big smile and bear hugs and kiss at the top of the head when he was saying good bye to you.  There is now an empty chair at his table at the Lincoln/Crown/Green Brier where he enjoyed many laughs with his countless friends.  These friends were his extended family and he cared for all of them very much.     

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Cancer Care Manitoba for their care and compassion.

We invite you to share pictures and memories on this page.  He loved to laugh and tell stories and that is exactly how we can all honor and remember him.      

Bill/Dad/Papa, we love you and will miss you very much.  We wish we had more time with you but life sometimes has other plans for us.  You will be forever remembered. 

Cheers Bill/Dad.  This Blue is for you.

A social “come and go” gathering to celebrate Bill will take place from 3:00pm – 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the West Kildonan Legion, Branch 30 on 1748 Main Street.    

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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