WILLIAM SOMERSET

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WILLIAM (BILL) SOMERSET August 27, 1959 - July 15, 2016 Heaven gained another angel After a brief illness in the hospital, Bill slipped away peacefully, surrounded in love by family and friends. Bill came into the world in dramatic fashion and right from the start it was clear he was a fighter. Throughout his lifetime he defied everyone's expectations by not only learning to walk and talk, but he went even further, learning the three R's (reading, writing and arithmetic). Throughout his adolescence Bill became very independent. Friends would see Bill all over town, taking the bus from one side of the city to the other. Bill spent his summers going to Camp Stephens and camping with his family. He was an avid traveler and he and Terry travelled throughout North America visiting places like Missouri, California, Florida, South Dakota, and British Columbia. Bill loved to socialize and he took any opportunity to get together with friends for a coffee (He was a coffee man!). He was a member of the YM-YWCA where he learned to swim. He was also an avid bowler and bowled with Special Olympics for a number of years. Those who took the time to get to know Bill came to love him and appreciate him. Whether he was telling you a story or inviting you to share a coffee, he was genuinely happy to see you and be with you. Left to mourn are Bill's loving mother Terry, his sister Cathy, half-sister Sandra, and nieces and nephews, Christian, Jordana, Landon, Duncan and McKenna, along with many friends and family. He will also be missed by his roommates Gimmi and Eric and the staff at his St. Amant resident home. Bill was predeceased by his father William Sr., both sets of grandparents, his aunties Flo, Eva, Val and Alma, uncles Tommy, Charlie, and Jack, and his special cousin David. Bill had a strong faith and a deep love for God. He truly believed that he could leave his life up to the "Big Guy and his son". Terry never realized the beautiful gift that God gave her in Bill. Throughout his life he taught her and others what unconditional love really meant with his loving ways and pure heart. He taught her and so many others the importance of kindness and patience. The way that Bill lived his life was a true example to all of us. He lived a simple life and enjoyed the simple things. He loved his family and his friends. He loved coffee and he loved God. Special thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital in particular the nurses in the ICU for your care and treatment of Bill. In keeping with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 847 St. Mary's Road. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Bill can be made to St. Amant Foundation, 440 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 9Z9. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2016