Obituary of William "Bill" Stothard

 William “Bill” Stothard

October 9, 1929 – May 10, 2024 

Bill Stothard passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the age of 94 after a brief stay in Brandon Regional Health Centre.  He was born in Brandon to Percy and Hilda Stothard. 

Bill is survived by his wife Shirley (nee Colquhoun), his son Greg (Tracey), his siblings Geraldine Silverson and Richard Stothard.  He was predeceased by his son Jeffrey and his brother Jack (Velma). 

Bill was a natural athlete in his early life.  He was active in the YMCA and he followed his father into wrestling, where he won medals in his weight class.  He rode motorcycles for many years; and he and Jack made an epic trip to southern California in the early 1950’s.  Bill took up gun collecting and pistol shooting, another activity in which he competed and enjoyed.  He met and married Shirley in 1953. They had a fulfilling life together in Brandon and in their later years enjoyed wintering in Vancouver. 

Bill was a well-known and respected alignment mechanic for most of his career.  He and Shirley provided a comfortable upbringing for their two sons. They built their own cabin at Ditch Lake, where they spent many enjoyable summers. 

Bill had an enquiring mind.  In his late forties, Bill attended the University of Brandon, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.  He was not planning a career change, but pursued this for his own enrichment.  Bill was an avid reader and studied many subjects. He also was loved classical music and attending the symphony.

Bill flourished in his retirement becoming a self-taught artist and painter.  Bill continued his “second” career well into his eighties, honing his skills and providing volunteer painting classes at the Brandon Prairie Oasis Centre and Burnaby Arts Guild for many years.

For the last several years, Bill resided at Odd Fellows Manor in Brandon and enjoyed the friendship and tea time with the other residents.  

A celebration of life for Bill will be held later in the summer.