DAVID WILLIAM (BILL) ERNEST LARNER, SR
Sadly on Monday,
November 18, 2013, we lost the center of our universe. William (Bill) Larner
passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital Asper Cardiac ICU. After a short but
valiant battle, he passed away surrounded by his family. He was born June 26, 1947 in Shoal Lake,
Manitoba to Nell and William Larner Sr.
A few years later his little sister Kathy came along and they were as
close as any siblings could be. He grew
up in Kings Park, Fort Garry where he and all his buddies created chaos and
havoc to the best of their ability.
In October 1974 Bill
met his wife-to-be Donna and seven months later they were married. “Together Forever” was their motto and they
were seldom apart and often seen hand-in-hand walking the dog or going to Home
Depot on a date.
In February 1977, a
son - Bill Larner Jr. was added to the mix. How he adored that little man. Then
in l981 Geoffrey made us four. Who likes even numbers? In 1982 Robbie completed our crew. Bill’s
boys were his world. He never missed a
hockey, baseball or soccer practice or game, which was quite a feat considering
there were three of them and one of him – but somehow he managed. Bill was a firm believer in teaching the boys
the best values he could. Hard work,
honesty, integrity and humor were traits he instilled in his little boys and
today they live by that. His pride in
how his sons grew up into mature men was his greatest achievement. After raising three boys, then came the
grandchildren. Would you believe it? We got three precious girls. Bill wanted
to teach them about cars and guy things and couldn’t get over that girls really
were very different from boys. He would
play hairdresser and tea party just because it made them laugh. It didn’t end there – two step-grandchildren
were welcomed into our family circle in the last few years. The more the merrier!
For the past 14 years
Bill was employed at the University of Manitoba, Education Building. Many strong friendships were made during that
time and his absence will leave a very large void.
Helping people or
animals came so naturally to Bill. He
spent many years as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance attendant. He lead the cubs and scout organization in
Sanford for 12 years and helped with the management of numerous sports
teams. Wayward and stray animals always
became family. Bill was a kind-hearted, caring man who was devoted to his
family and friends. Always a smile and a
kind word, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Left to mourn are
Bill’s best friend and wife, Donna (nee Prystenski); son Bill (Michelle,
daughters Molly and Raven, stepchildren Holden and Micah); son Geoffrey
(Jennifer and daughter Lillian); son Robbie (and four-footed grandson Major);
sister Kathy (Paul); nephews Erin and Shawn (and their families);
brother-in-laws Brian and Bob (and their families). He will be missed terribly by his
mother-in-law Elsie Petriew and by best friends Bob and Lesli; as well as by
pets Abi, Fat Pauly and Pagan. Bill was
predeceased by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his Mom and Dad; and
numerous good friends who are waiting with open arms, ready to create chaos and
havoc and get the party started.
A Celebration of
Bill’s Life will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
in Room 200, Education Building, University of Manitoba. See the attached link for parking. http://umanitoba.ca/education/media/Education_Building_Parking.pdf
Sincere thanks go to
Rick and Melanie (EMT’s) from Macdonald Ambulance Service. Our family would
also like to extend special thanks to staff and doctors at the Victoria
Hospital for the care Bill received during his stay. Our deepest gratitude goes
to Dr. Moon and the amazing team at the St. Boniface Hospital Asper Cardiac ICU
that dedicated their time, energy and extensive knowledge to give Bill the best
chance they could. Your exceptional care and focus to meet Bill’s and our
family’s needs was overwhelming. There are no words to express our feelings.
All of you are truly “Angels”.
In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Cardio Vascular
Research Fund, C1026 – 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6.
“Sweetheart, I have
loved you so long and our life could never have been better.
I know you are
pain-free and dancing with the angels.
Sweet dreams. We will
always love you.”
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL &
CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 -
4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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