BEDNAS: On Thursday, April 14, 2005, William Ralph Clarence Bednas passed away peacefully, at the age of 74. He was born March 10, 1931, in Winnipegosis, spending his early years in Fork River, later moving to Hudson Bay, Dauphin, and his final 17 years were spent in Brandon. Bill dedicated 35 years to the CNR, retiring in 1986. He and his wife Katherine moved to Brandon, where he was employed with Canadian Motors. Bill enjoyed the outdoors, especially mushroom and berry picking. His other joy was gardening - he took much pride tending to his garden. Another great love was fishing - Katherine and Bill could be found most summers at Waterhen and Blue Lakes. Many a tale was told of "the big one that got away". Whenever carpentry skills were required, Bill was the first to lend a helping hand. His last two summers were peaceful ones. He cherished his time spent at Ochre River with his daughter Patricia and husband Ernest. It was here that he found comfort and was surrounded by the things he cherished most: the river, the trains and the simple pleasures of nature. Bill found great support and comfort in the past eight years through his friends in his AA group. They were a source of guidance and encouragement. Bill later met Dawn Battams, who tended to him with love and compassion, especially during his courageous battle with cancer. She was his dear friend and companion. He cherished the love they shared the past two years. He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Tina Bednas; and his wife, Katherine Bednas. He is survived by: his three brothers, Thomas, Marvin and Walter Bednas; two sisters, Norma Laws and Lucille Bednas. He is also survived by his four children, Patricia Bratko and husband Ernest of Brandon, Valerie Chipman and husband Daryl of Blind Bay, B.C., Terrence Bednas and wife Colette of St. Albert, AB, and Lorianne Robertson of Winnipeg. He had 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Bill was described as the most wonderful friend and will be sadly missed by so many. Prayers will be said at Memories Chapel on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church on Friday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Leo Fernandes as celebrant. Reception will follow. Private family interment will be held in the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0V9. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.