William Coker

March 13, 1943 – June 1, 2020

William Charles Joseph Coker passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Bill was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 13, 1943.

At an early age, Bill joined the Sea Cadets and the Militia. After graduating from high school, he worked many jobs and really enjoyed working for the railroad as a server on the dining cars all across Canada.

This led him into working so well with the public and working for Loblaw’s Company for 35 years. This steered him to Kenora where eventually he met and wed the love of his life Colleen Coker of 29 years.

Survived by his loving wife Colleen Coker. His children, Teresa Saltel, Kim Griffin, Andrew Sedesky (Samantha) and Ashlee Griffiths (Tony); his grandchildren, Robert Saltel, Alaine Saltel, James Griffin, Tyler Griffin, Daniel Armstrong, Oliver Sedesky, Heath Griffiths, Everett Griffiths; great-grandson Hudson Griffin; sister Shirley Magel (Gerald); niece Rhonda Baxter (Jim). Bill will be dearly missed by many cousins, too many to mention, who live in Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Stewart Stewart and his parent’s Agnus and Jack Coker.

Bill had many interests, he loved to paint watercolors and draw with charcoal. He loved boating; he really enjoyed to be in the water with his prized little blue boat, which he called his “Happy Place”. He liked reading, camping, cooking, sewing and baking many special recipes for family gatherings. Everyone loved his pumpkin pies, carrot cake, steak and kidney pies and liver bake.

Bill was a nice man with a gentlest heart. A very private man and very quiet man. Very strong willed and wanted to protect all his girls as they grew up, keep the wolves away from the door and he would put it.

Bill loved the church and is a long-standing member of Notre Dame Catholic Church. He served for many Sunday Holiday masses for many years with Ruth and Darlene, “The Three Musketeers”.

After retiring, Bill volunteered his time with the Search and Rescue, Lake of the Woods District Hospital, KBI, Habitat for Humanity and helped with the rebuild of Gulfport Mississippi after Katrina hit through the waves program with Weyerhaeuser.

Bill also had a passion for his dogs. Suzie, went everywhere with him and is now with him again. Pebbles was love at first sight when he rescued her last June and Marmalade came into our lives in January to help watch over Bill.

Bill and Colleen would like to send a special thanks to those who supported us through this journey. All of the doctors and staff at the Keewatin Medical Clinic (Dr. Shannon Wiebe). All the nursing staff at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital (Mark from Maternity. “Thanks for the Tea”) and Char, you are an amazing and special woman. Ambulance services, Home care staff, Susan Lacroix. All the doctors and nurses at Health Science Centre (Nurses Aid).

A great BIG thanks to our special neighbors for helping out with the dogs, Glen and Jean, Sandra.

All our family and friends for your thoughts and prayers (Mom and Maurice), To Ed and Elaine Clairmont who were there for us in Winnipeg every step of the way. A special thanks to Father Rudy for your guidance and prayers that helped Bill complete his journey in peace, peacefully.

Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, A Dogs Life or to the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.

A service at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church will be held at a later date.

Brown Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhome.com

“Bill say hi to Stewart for us and we miss you and love you both so much”