WILLIAM LUCIEN TREMBLAY

Another World War II veteran has died.
William Lucien Tremblay, born May 15, 1924, passed away Jan. 3, 2005. Bill fought his last battle as courageously and valiantly as he fought his first.
Bill was a strong but humble man. He enlisted in the Canadian Army as a teenager and lived a life affected by the memories of a cruel, unforgiving war.
Bill was born to Elmer and Delia Tremblay in Rainy River, Ont.—he loved Rainy River and the way he spoke, it made you think there was no other place on Earth.
He was a farm boy who walked “miles to school” in the winter and talked constantly about his loving brothers and sisters. He was devastated by the tragic death of his oldest brother, Elmer, to a railroad accident and spoke of it often.
Bill’s proudest moments were those he spent fighting as a young man against Hitler. It was a time that would shape the life of Bill and many others his age. He spoke rarely of the troubling details, choosing to keep those memories close to his heart.
Bill showed his patriotism and love of country in another way; his dedication to the Royal Canadian Legion was immeasurable. He counted his comrades there to be his greatest friends.
They celebrated his accomplishments as a war veteran and treated him as a hero always; he felt truly appreciated and rewarded in their company.
As a member of the Legion’s “Colour Party,” he carried the Canadian flag as if he had been granted that responsibility by the highest authority. He loved his country.
Bill was a railroader and considered his workmates his friends. He had many great memories of his times working for the CNR. Following his “golden handshake” from CN, he took up gardening with a vengeance—his attempts at catching the big fish just weren’t realized!
He walked several miles daily, becoming quite familiar to many making the commute to work. He was one of the most stubborn people ever and, boy, did it show until the end.
His greatest joys were his grandchildren. After the death of his wife, he cared for Jade and Cody, and the neighbour’s children. Jade and Cody especially loved lunches at Papa’s—Kraft Dinner, grilled cheese, or chicken noodle soup, and all of the Oreos you could ever eat.
Bill was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Mary; his parents, Della and Elmer; his brothers, Elmer and Tootie; his stepson, Harvey; and great-granddaughter, Katie.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Pat Dittaro, and their children, Jade (Pack Sack) and Cody; stepsons, Doug, Gord, and Rod Shute; stepdaughter, Joan Shute; sisters, Irene, Riza, and Bunny; step daughter-in-law, M. Shute; and his special friends at the Legion.
Bill had the most sparkling brown eyes and infectious smile, endearing himself to all who met him. He had such a memorable laugh and everlasting sense of humour. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him, loved him.
He was a huge hockey fan and spent many a Saturday night watching Hockey Night in Canada. He had many sayings and songs—according to him, “a horse, and a mule and a cow” and we’d all get along somehow!
Papa, we are so proud of you; your courage and quiet accomplishments will set a standard for many years to come. We will miss your silly songs, your stepping on our feet while dancing, your Polish dills, awesome chili, and your old cheddar, canned tomatoes, and koobasa lunches.
A shave and a haircut may have cost two bits, but you, Papa, were priceless! “99 bottles of beer on the wall.”
Services will be held Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Fr. George Karakunnel will officiate, followed by interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends may visit Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005 from 7 until 8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 “Colour Party” will perform their Legion tribute following the service.
The pallbearers will be members of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances.
In memory of Bill, in memoriam donations may be made to Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc., 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.