William "Bill" Joseph Chatel

William was born December 5th, 1925, in Woodridge Manitoba. He was the eldest of 6 children born to Joseph Narcisse Chatel and Hedwig Rumpel. He also had 3 older step-brothers. Of these 9 children, Mary (Chatel) Dupas, is the only one still with us.

As the eldest, Bill grew up quickly, helping his mother tend to the needs of the family. He eventually left home at the age of 16 to help earn a living and to be able to financially help his parents. He worked hard all of his life. In 1943 he joined the Army Artillery and served as a Gunner in the Reserve Unit of Canada. Upon his discharge he enrolled in Barbering school and thus began his Barbering career for many years. During the mid 40’s to early 50’s Bill worked in shops at the Banff Spring Hotel, Jasper Park Lodge and Palliser Hotel in Calgary. In 1952 he decided to utilize a skill he learned in the army and began a career as a Sheet Metal Mechanic. He was fortunate and signed on with Canadian Pacific Airlines in 1952. His love for aircraft kept him employed nearly 4 decades while he also worked for Pacific Western Airlines and Canadian Airlines. He was the shop foreman when he retired in 1991.

Bill could fix anything (fixing ‘The Impossible’, he said just took a little longer). He loved teasing people and always loved a good joke. He loved many things but to name a few they would be camping, beating everyone at crib, playing the harmonica and violin, woodworking, cooking and was an amazing dancer. He loved playing baseball and played twice a week with his team, the Cloverdale Devils, in Surrey until he was 87 years old.

He was a strong, proud man who loved his family and friends. He fought for what he believed in and never expected a handout. He taught his kids to work hard, what was right and what was not. He contributed many hours of charity work for children and his community along with giving 99 donations of blood to the Red Cross.

Capturing 94 years of a life well lived, is near impossible in a few words. On February 23rd, 2020, Bill closed his eyes and peacefully went to join his loved ones.

You are not forgotten Dad,

Nor will you ever be.

As long as life and memory last

We will remember thee.

Missing him every day is his loving partner Lois Mazzone, sister Mary Dupas, children Bev Chatel-Nehring (Rob), Ken Chatel (Chris) and Larry Chatel (Emma), 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, his nieces, nephews and loved ones in Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Till we meet again.