William "Bill" Toews

After a very full life, filled with joys and sorrows, William Toews, known as Bill, passed away Thursday evening October 10 at the Health Sciences Centre. Bill had been ill and in the Altona Hospital for a month and was sent to HSC for tests. The biopsy results came only 3 hours before he peacefully passed away in his sleep. Bill had just had his 84th birthday on Sept. 29.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Abram and Justina, two brothers Peter and Dave, and one sister Margaret. He was survived by brother Abe, two sisters Mary and Sarah.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret, his daughter Marilyn (Robert) of Brandon area, sons Jim (Marilyn) of Altona and Ron (Martha) of Winnipeg Beach. Grandsons Andrew (Natalie) of La Broquerie, Mathew (Sara) of Brandon area, Jordan (Jessica) of Altona, Amber, Brody (Azhami) of Winnipeg, Bronson (Olivia) of Winkler. Bill was also blessed with 11 Great Grandchildren, Ulrich, Selena, Max, Allie, Ava, Arlo, Ayla, Rayna, Shaylyn, Amina and Ariah.

Bill was born in the Altona Hospital (Sept 29, 1940) and raised on a family farm in the village of NeuHorst. Margaret moved to the village when she was a teen, with her family, from Mexico. Margaret’s family was originally from Morris, MB. They met, fell in love, and eventually married on July 17, 1960. They were blessed with three children over the years. When their oldest child was 8, almost 9, they moved from Altona to the village of Hochstadt/Kleinstadt where they lived until the children were all grown and married.

During the course of his life, Bill was a talented mechanic, long distance and short distance truck driver and was amazing at keeping almost any machine running. His two main hobbies were fixing up machines and music. He was a talented guitarist and played the harmonica well too.

4 years ago, after his wife Margaret became severely ill and had to go into care, Bill began a new life at the Manor, Gardens on Tenth. He was known for helping anyone who needed a ride to get groceries or a trip to the medical clinic. Bill as a music lover, often entertained at family functions and later shared his music with residents at the Manor.

Bill will be dearly missed by all who loved him, and by all who came to depend on the generosity of his time and talents.

A private funeral service will be held with burial at the Hochstadt Cemetery.  Viewing will be held at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Wednesday, October 16 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.