Obituary of William (Bill) James Bevan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill at the age of 80 with his wife and family by his side.

This special man will forever be remembered by his wife of 60 years Chris, children Russ (Karen), Sheri (Bob), Tony (Sandra), Scott, Tracy (Mark) and special niece Leslie (Mike).

16 Grandchildren – Travis, Reid (Caitlyn), Michelle (Chad), Melissa (Brendan), Tara (Jacob), Meagan (Jordan), Madison (Luke), Shae, Josh (Ryan), Braeden, Brooke, Jamie, Brennan, Zander, Tyler (Ally), Ashlee (Jon).

14 Great-Grandchildren – Alex, Paige, Hailey, Kyla, Liam, David, Aiden, Eli, Emery, Aubree, Delilah, Kohen, Rowan, Elsie.

Sisters Carol (Murray) and Lynn (Brian), Brothers Jack (Ida) and David (Heather), in-laws Sandy (Gordy), Laurie, CJ, Don and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Predeceased by his Parents Bill and Jessie, Sisters Joan, Janice and Laurie, Uncles Jim and George, Aunty Ivy, Russ and Wynne Fogg (Father and Mother In-Law), Brother-in-laws Bob and Larry.

Bill was born and raised on Government Avenue in Morse Place, where he eventually met the love of his life Chris at the young ages of 16 and 14.  They raised their family and remained in Morse Place where they established many lifelong friends.

Bill graduated from MIT in 1966 as a Mechanical Draftsman.  Shortly after he began his 42-year career on June 27^th at Joy Manufacturing, later becoming Alphair Ventilation until his retirement on May 2, 2008.  His work ethic was impeccable, which he passed down to his children.  Anyone that knew Bill, will remember him as a perfectionist.  Measure twice and cut once is a motto he lived by.  Coincidently his retirement and his passing were on the same date (16 years apart), which was also his number on his Morse Place Oldtimers hockey team.

Bill enjoyed many activities in his life such as volleyball, bowling, hockey, fishing, golfing and Monday night Bingo with his parents and siblings at MPCC.  But his greatest joy was watching his kids and grandchildren’s sporting events, and as you can imagine there were many.  Mom always had everyone’s schedule and she made sure that they made it to as many as they could, leaving some early to arrive late at the next, but always made that extra effort.

Bill, Chris and family spent many special times at Grand Beach, William Lake, Lena MB, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba and trips out west.  He spent countless hours as a Board Member, Coach and Volunteer at MPCC, and several years as a member of Mars Sandhills Golf Course.

Bill and Chris are one of those special couples that you do not come across every day.  Doing anything and everything for others whenever possible.  You could always find him at someone else’s house; working on plumbing, electrical, carpentry, cars or whatever he was asked.  Bill was the ultimate “Jack of All Trades.”

Special thanks to Concordia Hospital staff, Access River East, Home Care staff and Alterna Cremation for the care and compassion shown.

A celebration of life will be held at 24 Kiltartan Drive in East St Paul on Friday, May 24^th from 2:00 to 6:00, with tribute starting at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.