WILLIAM (BILL) W.S. CHURCH

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Whitelaw Smith Church on Monday, March 16, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Bill will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Jean, and four sons, Tim of Winnipeg, Man., Bill (Heather) of Richmond Hill, Ont., Brian of Fort Frances, Ont., and Dave (Kara) of Calgary, Alta.
He also is survived by his brother, Jim (Gwen) of Fredericton, N.B. and sister-in-law, Elizabeth, of Point La Nim; as well as five grandchildren, Riley, Max, Hannah, Natalie, and Julia; and several nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Robert (Bob).
Bill was born in Moncton, N.B. to Alice and William Church. He attended Gunningsville Elementary School, Moncton High School, and the University of New Brunswick, where he studied engineering.
While in university, he participated in the United Naval Training Division, where he earned consecutive awards for being an outstanding cadet. This involvement in the navy provided the opportunity to travel extensively to many countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
He worked his entire career at various engineering positions in the pulp and paper industry. His employment began in Bathurst, N.B. with Consolidated Bathurst. This led to his being employed as the project engineer in charge of the engineering office and assistant superintendent of the paper machines in a brand new mill in New Richmond, Que.
In 1973, he became the plant engineer in Stephenville, NL for Labrador Linerboard. Upon the closure of that mill in 1977, he moved to Fort Frances, Ont., where he worked as the energy engineer until retiring in 1997.
Bill had various interests which lasted throughout his life. As a child, he spent many hours building model airplanes and trains with his brother, Bob. He also enjoyed spending time fly-fishing with his dad and brothers.
He learned to play the clarinet in high school and was a member of the Moncton High School band. His love of music led him to learn to play the banjo and ukulele, and participate in sing-alongs at parties.
He also collected records which ranged from classical to country. On most Saturday mornings, the house was filled with music.
His handiwork with electronics began in his teens when he built his own Hi-Fi system. This later led to several more involved projects ranging from calculators to a colour TV.
Woodworking also was a passion. He built the furniture for his first home once married, as well as go-carts for the kids and many other creative projects.
Camping with the family was the highlight of every summer. These trips saw us visiting every province and several states. Of course, visiting with relatives and close friends usually determined the travel route.
In recent years, Bill applied his design knowledge and carpentry skills towards extensive house renovations, which included redesigning of the kitchen, living room, and dining room as well as the addition of a deck and garage. He enjoyed learning various new skills during the process.
He resumed his model airplane hobby in the 1970s. He built many models from scratch as well as kits, and even designed a few of his own. The time spent with friends in this hobby was time he cherished.
After health concerns limited his ability to fly, he continued to build planes and attend club get-togethers. He was admired for the skill and knowledge he attained over the years.
Bill was known by all for his great sense of humour, and he loved to share a laugh.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Friday, March 20, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Visitation is planned for Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home.
The honourary pallbearers will be Bruce Caldwell, Jim McQuarrie, Leo Arrigo, Jim Ward, Dave Legg, Bill Adamson, Ian Church, Paul Sveinson, Walter (Toonie) Turgeon, and Sean Turgeon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests in memoriam donations to La Verendrye General Hospital or Knox United Church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com