William Alexander Marmus

March 26, 1939 – February 20, 2022

With his family and special friend Murray Workman gathered around him and by his side at home in Kenora, William (Bill) passed away peacefully after a short and courageous battle with cancer on February 20, 2022, at the age of 82 years old.

Left to mourn and cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Sharon and their children, Billy (Barb) Marmus, Barry (Wendy) Marmus, Donna (Darren) Davidson, their grandchildren, Natalie (Jon) Pearson, Julie (Kristien) Holmstrom, Carissa Marmus, Shantelle (Norman) Heiskanen, Karlee Davidson (Jacob), Alli Davidson (Martin), as well as their great grandchildren, Audrey and Madisyn Pearson, Jaycie and Holly Holmstrom, Cali and Austin Heiskanen. He is also survived by his siblings Janette Roy, Donna Dalseg, Tim (Giselle) Marmus and in-law’s Pete Gagne, and Snooky Marchuk, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Mary and William Marmus, his sister in law Lorna Marchuk, brother-in-law’s Colin Dalseg, Marty Roy and his in-laws, Mae and George Marchuk, Gerry (Vi), Donny (Jean), Dick, Dennis, Phyllis, and Steven.

Bill was born in Rainy River on March 26, 1939. He was raised outside of Rainy River and worked alongside his mom and dad on the family farm. He left school in Grade 10 to help his mother Mary and siblings on the farm once his father passed. He met the love of his life in 1959, Sharon, and they married in 1961 and had their first son Billy one year later and their second son Barry two years after that. Bill worked as a school bus driver and clerk at the yard office for CNR in Rainy River. Bill and Sharon moved to Thunder Bay in 1966 where Bill worked for the Ministry of Transportation as an inspector. Their daughter Donna was born in 1970 in Thunder Bay, and they then moved back to Rainy River as Bill had an opportunity to buy the Shell Oil Business in 1971. Bill and Sharon owned and operated Marmus Supply and the service station in Rainy River, where they employed many individuals in the community. They continued to grow the business throughout Northwestern Ontario with his sons, Billy and Barry by his side. He was involved in the Rainy River Town Council, curling, and supported the Rainy River Community and District Events. In 1984, Bill and Sharon purchased an Island on Lake of the Woods where they spent quality time with their family and friends. Even after retirement, Bill still loved to stay busy and enjoyed transporting vehicles for Kreger Sales. He always said, “when you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.” Most recently, Bill and Sharon moved to Kenora to be closer to family where he continued to keep busy transporting vehicles for Dingwall Ford up until this past December. Bill was a class act and a well-respected businessman.

He loved fishing on Lake of the Woods, driving trucks, travelling in his motorhome and was fortunate to go on many trips with family and friends. He always kept busy, woke up early in the morning and had a positive outlook on life. He enjoyed watching hockey, the news, Wheel of Fortune, playing cards, and gardening. Watching and feeding the birds and deer were a favourite past time as well as cooking and taking orders from Sharon in the kitchen. Visiting and having a drink or two of Wisers at Happy Hour, telling stories, and reminiscing about life, even if it meant shedding a tear, were special times spent with family and friends. He loved his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren more than anything and devoted his life to family. Bill lived a full life and will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit. Knowing he was in God’s hands, having strong faith and special visits from cousin Dennis and Father Thomas gave him and his family strength.

A very special thank you to Doctor Murray Workman and Giselle Marmus for giving Bill the best possible care in his final days.

Honorary Pallbearers – grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“A Life Lived for Family is a Life Worthwhile”

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Rainy River, Ontario at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 26, 2022, followed by a reception at the Legion. For those unable to travel at this time live stream will be available at https://fweb.tv/72506. Proof of Vaccination, and photo identification are required for entry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Marmus family.