William Peter (Bill) McPherson passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at Pelican Rapids, Manitoba. Bill was born on September 19, 1951 in Wawota, Saskatchewan to Alec and Donalda McPherson, their fifth child and second son. His early years were spent in Wawota and after the family moved to Brandon in 1961, he attended St. Augustine's School, St. Michaels Academy and graduated from Neelin High School in 1972. As a youth he was an avid swimmer and worked as a lifeguard. He became a qualified scuba diver and was a former member of the Brandon Scuba Club. He had many interests: stock cars, cars, music and most recently had taken up golf. During his working life he worked at the Highways Department and for the past 25 years with Balchen and Kulchyki Surveys of Dauphin. Bill's work took him to many remote areas in Northern Manitoba where he was known and recognized by so many for his cheery greeting and big happy smile, and was often called "Billy" or "Red". He had friends of all ages in all walks of life and enjoyed his visits on coffee row when home in Brandon. Bill spent most of his life outdoors in any type of weather in all seasons. He spent many nights under the stars and Northern Lights, seeing them as others would never see them, walked miles through the countryside and the northern bush, seeing places we will never know. He is survived by his dear children, his son, Devin - 9; and his daughter, Taylor - 7. Bill was a loving devoted father, enjoying the role of "Hockey Dad" so proudly. Also surviving are his sisters, Gerry (Gary) Walker; Harlene (Ken Dyck) McPherson; and Donna (Don) Leech; and brothers, David (Pat); and Dan (Peggy); Aunts, Uncles and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father, Alec in 1993; and his mother, Donalda in 2000. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel, Brandon, on Monday, December 17, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. Celebrant was Rev. Father Leo Fernandes of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Wayne Yonda, Ron Sokolowski, Blaine McElroy, Cam Coates, Bruce Balchen and John Kulchyki. Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Bill's good friend and working partner, Cameron Coates, for his care and consideration for our brother; to the crew for their efforts on site; to the Pelican Rapids Nursing Station; R.C.M.P. Constables Thomas and Allard; to the Swan River Emergency Service and Department. Bill's brothers and sisters were deeply touched and wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Elder's of the Pelican Rapids Band for the Buffalo Sage Ceremony and prayers for our brother, and because he spent the past thirty years "working in nature, it was only fitting that he returned to God's arms in nature". Interment will be held at a later date at St. Andrews, Saskatchewan. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Westman Dreams For Kid's Foundation, 1435 Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0R6. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Westman Dreams For Kids Foundation