William McGinn

WILLIAM THOMAS McGINN It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Bill McGinn, on Saturday, October 16th, 2010, at the age of 86 years. Bill has entered the loving arms of Our Lord, joining those who went before him: Son Daniel; brother Gerald; Parents Margaret and Jim. Bill leaves to cherish in his memory, his loving wife Rita, with whom he would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on November 18th, 2010, as well as six children: Son Mike (Phyllis): Grandchildren Jessica (Darcy) Pawlik and Great Granddaughter Kenzie; Ryan (Stephanie), Patrick (Sarah), Brett (Christopher) and Mac; Son Pat (Helga): Grandchildren James, Matthew, Austin and Tianna; Daughter Maureen: Grandchildren Andrea (Scott) Woods-Fehr and Great Grandson Liam, Jeff (Kate) and Travis; Son Barry (Deborah) and Granddaughter Madeleine; Son Tim (Cheryl): Grandchildren William and Madison; Son John (Gina): Grandchildren Callum and Livia; his sisters Amy Karst, Marg Bieber, Eleanor (Joe) Bellefleur and his many nieces and nephews. The second oldest of 5 children, Bill was born on March 8th, 1924, on the family farm at Valor, Sk. He attended Jackson School, a single room schoolhouse, continuing his education at Assiniboia High School. At the age of 18 he became a member (Radar Operator) of the Navy Fleet Air Arm for four years WWII serving in the Atlantic and North Sea aboard Corvettes and Destroyers. Following the War, he completed a Bachelor of Agriculture Engineering in Saskatoon, Sk. Upon graduation, Bill relocated to Regina, met and married the love of his life, Rita, in 1950. Bill and Rita soon relocated to Willow Bunch, Sk., Rita's home town, to serve as District Engineer for PFRA. Bill and Rita started their family and later relocated to Regina in 1958, wherein Bill served as Chief Engineer of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool to 1964. Bill then pursued his entrepreneurial spirits, purchased Western Consultants Ltd., and later established W. T. McGinn and Associates (1980) Ltd. with his sons, until his retirement in 1992. His legacy lives on through Pat and Mike of McGinn Group and through the professional lives of his other sons, Tim, Barry and John, who are engineers and architects. Bill embraced all new technology, with his first passion flying, having flown from 1958 to 1994, personally and for business, amassing over 10,000 hours, flying initially a single seat tail dragger aircraft and later to a multi-engine aircraft, throughout North and Central America. Bill's Twin Comanche, from 1968 to 1990, was his pride and joy and left a legacy to his sons, of whom several became pilots. From his 1940's A-90 Austin convertible to his current red Corvette convertible, Bill had a love for sports cars. His love for toys was also seen at the family home at B-Say-Tah, Fort Qu'Appelle, with new boats, dune buggies and ultra light aeoplanes. He enjoyed with family and friends, flying, golfing, skiing, boating and traveling. In his retirement, he spent time crafting radio controlled model aircraft, wine making, gardening and playing bridge. He was ever so ready to assist family and friends on projects and shared his time with community associations and groups. Bill was a very much a family man and a devoted husband to Rita. His passion in life was always centered around family. His legacy will continue to influence and nurture his family and their endeavors We love you Bill; may you continue to watch over us. Bill's life will be celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 334 Boundary Avenue S., Fort Qu'Appelle, with a vigil Wednesday, October 20th at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass on Thursday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Fort Qu'Appelle. If friends so desire contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Ave. North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 may be tokens of remembrance. Arrangements in care of Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services.