WILLIAM WALTER STEWART RENNIE

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WILLIAM WALTER STEWART RENNIE It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of William Walter Stewart Rennie into the presence of his Lord on September 21, 2015. He leaves to mourn his wife of 71 years Constance; children Vivian, Ruth (Bruce), and Bill (Joanne); grandchildren Jennifer, Jonathan, Liana, Hans, Brendan, William, Rachael, Leah, Dustin and Addison; great-grandchildren Jordan, Joshua, Frances, Faith, Aneilia, Liam, Lochlan and Lucy; son-in-law Lon; brother Ian; cousins Mildred, Colin (Florence) and Ruth (Glenn); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Helen, and his daughter Nancy. Bill was born in Winnipeg and grew up in the Wolseley area, attending Laura Secord and Gordon Bell schools. The Second World War interrupted his university studies and he joined the RCAF, graduating as a navigator in 1944. Bill was engaged to Connie Keeling and they were married at Elim Chapel prior to his embarkation to the Eastern Theatre where he was awarded the Burma Star. Although he rarely spoke about the war, it had a deep impact on his life and enhanced his desire to help others in need. After the war, Bill articled for his Chartered Accountancy with James Halliday. He subsequently partnered with Daniel Sprague and then worked with McDonald, Currie & Co., Coopers & Lybrand and latterly PricewaterhouseCoopers. He loved his work and greeted each morning with a song on his lips. He lived a life of faithful service and integrity. He was a charter member of Bethesda Church for over 70 years where he sang in the choir under directors Beth Douglas and Muriel Waldie. Many great friendships were forged as they worshipped the Lord together in song. He also served as treasurer for several decades and was active with missions and Awana. Bill provided support and wise counsel to Union Gospel Mission, Canadian Sunday School Mission, the MacKinnon Foundation, Providence University College and many others. He enjoyed golfing at the St. Charles Country Club, was a season ticket holder with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets teams and was an honourary life member of the Manitoba Club. Dad was devoted to his family and their welfare and shared his enjoyment of the great outdoors through picnics, cottaging, hiking and skating. When he sat down at the piano, we'd gather around, family and friends, harmonizing to all the old hymns. Dad took great delight in his grandchildren and enjoyed interacting with his new great-grandchildren right to the end. Dad will be remembered for his gentle courtesy and compassion, his gifts of encouragement and humour, his sense of style and good taste: an all-round gentleman. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. A Viewing will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethesda Church, 1350 Grant Avenue. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission or Providence University College. We wish to thank all those at Tuxedo Villa who provided excellent care in his last days. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2015