William (Bill) Toporiwski

1923 ~ 2014

Peacefully with his family at his side, Bill passed away after a brief illness, on October 6, 2014 at the age of 91 at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home.  He was born in Elma, Manitoba.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary Toporiwsky; sisters Victoria and Ann; brothers-in-law Jim, John, Al, Walter, Richard and Arnie; sister-in-law Ann; and nephew Wayne.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years Elsie (nee Ninivirta); his daughter Diane (Eric) Amos of Elma and Eric’s children John (Candyce) and family, and Paul (Jolene) and family; his son Bryan (Barbara) Toporowski of Winnipeg and his only grandson Garrett Ramsay William. He also leaves his sisters Lillian, Lee, and Elsie, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In Dad’s younger days he worked at various jobs such as harvesting out west and working in the bush camps.

He spoke fondly of these times, the people he worked with and the friendships he developed.  His team of horses that he worked with were very special to him. He always ensured they were well fed and cared for.

After Dad met Elsie, the love of his life, he embarked on a career with the Manitoba Telephone System from 1949 to 1982.  During his time with MTS he operated a backhoe and did this with great pride.  In 1968, Dad purchased the farm from his in-laws in Elma and returned back to his roots.  He was very passionate about the farm and where he was the happiest.  Upon retiring from MTS, he devoted himself fully to farming and raising cattle for many years.  He continued actively farming until his health no longer permitted.

Due to health reasons, Mom and Dad both resided in the Whitemouth PCH over the past year and a half.  Dad thoroughly enjoyed his time in the care home.  The live entertainment provided in the PCH setting brought him immense pleasure, especially the musicians which could play a toe-tapping polka.

We wish to express heartfelt thanks to the following:  the Whitemouth Home Care Team, the staff of Pinawa Hospital and the Whitemouth PCH; very special neighbours Eldon and Phyllis Hood, Mat and Anni Rockenstein for all their care and compassion shown to Dad over the years.

Flowers are gratefully declined, if friends desire please make a donation to the Whitemouth Personal Care Home, Recreation Dept.-Entertainment, Box 160, Whitemouth, MB  R0E 2G0.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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