William "Bill" George Norris

In the early morning of November 24, 2010, William (Bill) Norris was finally without pain. Bill leaves to mourn wife Linda, daughter Brenda, son Paul (Danielle), beloved grandchildren Tyler, Ryan, & Amy, sister Pat Brawner of Bowen Island, B.C., brother Brian Norris, Wpg., sister-in-law Dorothy Forster, Killarney, brother-in-law Jim (Dianne ) Gibson, Brandon and numerous other relatives and friends.

Bill was born in Steinbach, MB on July 4, 1939. After many childhood residences due to his father’s business, fate finally brought him to Brandon where he would meet the love of his life, Linda. They were married on June 4, 1966 and then moved to Portage La Prairie where both Brenda and Paul were born. While Linda continued her nursing career, Bill became involved in Kinsmen.

Bill’s first priority was always his family. However, he was also very proud to have been an employee of Manitoba Hydro for over 30 years. He started with the Manitoba Power Commission in Brandon and travelled throughout the province as crews extended electricity to rural areas. Throughout his other postings in Portage La Prairie, Selkirk, Winnipeg, Jenpeg, and Dorsey, he always said that there was no better employer.

When he retired in 1994, Bill & Linda purchased “Brigadoon”, a cottage at Traverse Bay. Bill loved working his half acre and seeing the beauty of the surroundings (especially the lake and his favourite Chickadees). And who could forget all the memorable parties with neighbours, friends & family.

Much to his family’s surprise, Bill realized a life-long dream in 1996 when he began restoring a classic car (1958 Meteor Rideau 500). With declining health due to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bill was only able to finish the restoration with help from his friends at the Fabulous 50’s Ford Club. Thank-you will never be enough.

Despite battling a chronic disease, Bill loved to travel across Canada and the U.S., and then most notably to Scotland, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Since 2000, Bill & Linda have been “snowbirds” in Mesa, Arizona where they made many friends and shared special times.

In 2004, Bill and Linda sold the house in Winnipeg and moved just outside the city limits to Sanford. Bill loved the close-knit community and all the friends that they made. He was very happy with their decision to move.

As per Bill’s wishes, cremation has already taken place. A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Monday, November 29 (preceded by a private family interment). The service will take place at 1:00pm at Charleswood United Church (4820 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, R3R 0G6).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charleswood United Church Building Fund.