WILLIAM GEORGE EDWARDS

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WILLIAM GEORGE EDWARDS On Sunday, November 16, 2014 surrounded by his loving family, Bill died at age 91 after a long and adventurous life. Bill leaves to mourn him his daughters Carol Nicol (Michael), Nancy Caplap (Corey Nelles), grandchildren Bradley Blahnik (Stacy), Amy Sedor (Mathew), and Heather Caplap and great-grandson, Dustin, as well as many grand-dogs, one cat and a lizard. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Beth Edwards and brother Walter Edwards. Bill was born in New Westminster, B.C., lived in Burnaby and went to school there and in New Westminster. He worked as an aircraft mechanic at several Elementary Training Schools (part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan) for three years. He joined the army in February 1944 and served for two and a half years in Canada and the U.K. Beth and Bill married in Burnaby in January 1951. Bill was employed at the B.C. Penitentiary for 18 years. In 1966 they moved to Manitoba when Bill's job took him to Stony Mountain Institution as the Asst. Warden. They lived in East Kildonan for 41 years before moving to a seniors' residence. Bill was a founding member, Secretary and President of the Retired Federal Prison Officers Association of Manitoba. At the age of 81 Bill published a book he wrote on the history of the Manitoba Penitentiary (Stony Mountain Institution). Bill and Beth travelled extensively in Canada and visited 50 other countries. Their favourite destination was New Zealand where they had good friends. They enjoyed camping and fishing and they went fishing on some of their trips, rainbow trout in New Zealand and striped marlin in Mazatlan, Mexico. Bill was skilled at woodturning, woodcraft and furniture making. Many of his pieces will live on for many years with family members. A special thanks to the staff at Deer Lodge Centre who were friendly, helpful and compassionate to Bill and his family over the last several months. Cremation has taken place and at Bill's request there will be no service. Donations to the Salvation Army or the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2014