MITROU: It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Bill Mitrou, on January 28, 2008, at his home in Port Moody, B.C. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed by his three daughters, Valerie Cameron (Wayne), Darcee Woods (Doug) and Debbie Mitrou-Hall (Gary), grandson Joshua Rogers (Anne), sister June Gardner, nephews Greg Gardner (Inga) and Ford Gardner (Gayle), great-nephew Matthew Dugas, sisters-in-law Ruth Gross, Doreen Pearson and Mary King, along with many relatives and friends. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Hazel, his parents Christine and George, sisters Flo and Cou, brother George, sister- in-law Alice, niece Diane Breen and brother-in-law Cliff Gardner. Bill was born in Brandon on November 26, 1919. In his younger years he worked in the family restaurant on Rosser Avenue, Mitrou? CafT and Tea Room. He began his insurance career in the early 1960?, working from a tiny office in the Daymin Court. In 1966 Mitrou Agencies moved to a new building on Princess Avenue, located on the land where his family home once stood and where he was born. Bill loved the insurance business and his customers. Never too busy to take time for a cup of coffee and some conversation, his caring nature had a positive and lasting effect on many who knew him. It was 42 years later, in 2001, that he reluctantly retired at the age of 82. In earlier years, Bill devoted his time to the Masons, joining Fenwick Lodge #158 in 1948. Seven years later he became Lodge Master, the youngest in Canada at that time. He was also a member of the Brandon Shriners Car Patrol. Hazel and Bill were married on June 2, 1943 and enjoyed 59 happy years together. When Hazel suddenly passed away in 2002, he moved to BC to be closer to his daughters and enjoy some warmer weather. Sadly, things were never the same without Hazel, but we take comfort in the knowledge they are together once again. On Saturday, February 2nd, friends gathered in Bill? honor, at his Port Moody home, for a prayer service, Greek dinner, an Ouzo toast and his favorite card game. It was just the kind of evening he would have loved. In accordance with Bill? wishes, cremation has taken place. In the spring, the family will bring him home to Brandon for a service at Memories Chapel, and Bill and Hazel will be interred in the Columbarium Plaza at the Brandon Cemetery. The date will be announced in the next month. We hope to see you then, to share a story or two and help us celebrate the life of a wonderful father and friend. For those who wish, donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice Society, P.O. Box 1072, Coquitlam, BC, V3J 6Z4 or online at canadahelps.org
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com
Arrangements will be with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre (204) 727-0330.