- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
WILLIAM HAROLD BURCH
Born: Nov 04, 1937
Date of Passing: Jun 26, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM HAROLD BURCH
With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of William Harold Burch (Bill), beloved husband of Eleanor and father of Pam, Diane, Karen and Janice. Bill passed peacefully with his family at his side on June 26, 2026 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, after a brief illness, at the age of 88.
Bill was born on November 4, 1937, on the home farm, SW 8-12-14, in the Petrel District, north of Carberry, the second son of Samuel Edward Burch and Lovina Jane Campbell.
He received his education at Petrel and Wellwood Schools. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bill was a farmer and an auctioneer. Bill grew cereal grains and oilseeds and kept a herd of Herefords. His reputation as an auctioneer was well-known throughout western Manitoba
Thanksgiving weekend in 1961 changed the course of Bill's life. At a United Church young people's conference in Kenora, Ontario, he met Eleanor McVicar of Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay). Their friendship quickly blossomed into love, and they were married in 1962, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.
Four daughters were born to this union - Pamela, Diane, Karen and Janice. The family grew to include four sons-in-law, six grandsons, four granddaughters and two great-grandsons. Bill truly loved being a grandfather, sharing his stories, his humour, and his wisdom with them.
In 1997, Bill and Eleanor built a home in Carberry, and the transition of the family farm to Diane and Gordon began. Although Bill officially stepped back from the day-to-day operation, he never truly retired. He remained a familiar presence in the farmyard, often operating machinery during harvest or going for parts. He was always interested in the crops, cattle and machinery, and was generous with his knowledge and advice whenever it was sought.
One of Bill's greatest joys was seeing the family farm remain in the family. Watching two of his grandsons later join the farming operation brought him tremendous pride.
In retirement, Bill and Eleanor enjoyed travelling together, exploring many parts of Canada, the United States, Europe and China. But wherever they went, the farm and his home in Carberry, was always where Bill's heart remained.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Lovina Burch; his brothers and sisters: Barrie, Cecil, Delmer, Eva and Margaret and their spouses; and his son-in-law, Ken Davis.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Eleanor; daughters, Pam Davis, Diane (Gordon) Schneider, Karen (Jeff) Park and Janice (Kelly) Ham; his ten grandchildren, Alex Davis, Makeda Davis, Andrew (Katelyn) Schneider, Amy Schneider, Eric (Abby) Schneider, Tyler (Maddy) Park, Carson Park, Travis Ham, Britton Ham and Kaeden Ham; and his two great-grandsons, Calvin and Justin Schneider, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbours and friends.
Bill’s life was one of purpose, generosity and steadfast devotion. He leaves behind not only a family who loved him, but also a community made better because he was part of it. His legacy will live on in the fields he farmed, the countless auctions he conducted, the church he faithfully served, and in the lives of all who were privileged to know him.
A celebration of Bill’s life was held at Carberry United Church on July 7, 2026, with Gloria Mott officiating. His six grandsons were honoured to serve as pallbearers and carry their grandpa on his final journey. Interment at Carberry Plains Cemetery.
If you wish, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Carberry United Church or Carberry Plains Health Centre.
White’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Jul 18, 2026
WILLIAM HAROLD BURCH
With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of William Harold Burch (Bill), beloved husband of Eleanor and father of Pam, Diane, Karen and Janice at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg after a brief illness, June 26, 2026, age 88.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at Carberry United Church on Tuesday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Carberry Plains Cemetery. Full obituary information to follow.
Publish Date: Jul 4, 2026
As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2026, Jul 18, 2026