Obituary of William "Bill" David Heminger

HEMINGER: Surrounded by family, William (Bill) David Heminger passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at 5:15 PM, February 4, 2012, on a sunny, quiet afternoon. Bill is missed terribly by his wife Lillian, and by his children, including son Tim and daughter-in-law Candace, daughter Debbie and son-in-law Ken, sons Neal and John, and step-children Bev and Bill. He also leaves behind three nieces, Cathy, Shirley and Linda. Linda and husband Curtis gave incredible around-the-clock support at the hospital. Bill will be remembered with love by grandsons Chad (wife Jessica), Ryan (fiancée Tracey), and Liam. He was also blessed with five granddaughters: Alexandra, Anna, Cayly, Nicole, and Venus, and great grand-daughters Trinidi and Taylor. Bill was pre-deceased by his brother John and sister-in-law Doreen, and nephews Tommy and Allen. Bill was born in Kenora, Ontario in 1931, the son of Margaret and William Heminger. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 17, and went on to serve aboard the HMCS Athabasca during the Korean Conflict. After honorable service in the Navy, Bill became an investigator with the Canadian Pacific Police. On retirement, Bill drove a school bus drive for the Rolling River School Division. He enjoyed 'his' kids, and it was a treat for him to hear about them as they grew-up and got married. Bill fought hard during his illness, but retained his sense of humor and an interest in those around him. He was a caring man who loved baseball, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and 'fixing' things. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Korean Veterans Association. Bill took great delight in Christmas decorating and in his wonderful rose gardens. The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff at Brandon Regional Health Centre, with special thanks to Nurse Christie and Pastor Evert. The family also thanks Dr. Egan for her care and compassion and the staff at Dinsdale Personal Care Home. If so desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. A celebration of Bill's life will be at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Major Sharon McDonough officiating. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. Love is stronger than death.