William "Bill" Albert LaPLante

In Loving Memory of

William (Bill) Albert LaPlante

1925 – 2015

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one, William (Bill) LaPlante on Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Crocus Court Personal Care Home in Roblin.

William (Bill), eldest child of Norbert (Albert) and Bella (nee Genaille) LaPlante was born on November 16, 1925 at Timberton, Manitoba.

He attended Clemenceau School to Grade V.  He then worked on the family farm until the age of seventeen.

The family were members of the Ste. Claire Roman Catholic Church at San Clara, Manitoba.

Bill joined the Army at Lake Superior and had basic training at North Bay, Ontario.  He was sent overseas, and served in England, Germany and Holland for fourteen months.  He transferred to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles 2^nd Battalion and served in Germany in the occupational force until his discharge on September 20, 1946.

Bill received a war medal (1939-1945) and a Canadian Volunteer service medal and clasp.

Following his discharge, Bill returned home and resumed farming with the family.

In 1952, Bill was employed by Midwest Diamond Drilling in Flin Flon, Manitoba and worked there for sixteen years.  In 1968-1970, Bill headed west, continuing with diamond drilling and later returned home to farm, which he did until 1996.

His failing health forced him to move to Roblin Residence in January of 1997.  Bill enjoyed visiting with family and friends over a cup of tea and sweets.  It was here he met the love of his life, living right next door at the residence- Margaret Funk.

Bill and Margaret were married at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on November 23, 1997.  Following this, they remained living at Roblin Residence. 

Bill and Margaret enjoyed travelling, visiting family near and as far as Alberta.  Bill became interested in horse racing, especially when Carol and Hank’s horses were in the race.  He had the opportunity to attend races in Belcourt, U.S.A., Winnipeg, Rossburn and Waywayseecappo.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Roblin Council.  He was also a member of the San Clara Legion, and later the Roblin Branch.

Margaret passed away in December of 2011.  Bill was unable to cope with living alone, and with his health deteriorating he was moved to the Crocus Court Personal Care Home in March of 2012.

Robert (Bill’s brother) also became a resident at Crocus Court, having a room near Bill.  They enjoyed each other’s company until Bill’s passing.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Bella (nee Genaille) LaPlante, his brothers Edward and Alex LaPlante, his sister Evelyn and her husband Bill Vaughan, his niece Karen Campbell, his beloved wife Margaret LaPlante, and his step children; Dorothy and her husband Ray Spencer, George Funk, Lona Kendal, and Mary and her husband Harold Pollen.

Bill is survived by his brothers Robert (Bob) LaPlante and Frank (Bernice) LaPlante, his sister Elsie (Don) Evans, his step children; Carol (Hank) Funk, Leonard (Rose) Funk, Diane (Dave) Funk, Janice (Garland) Booker, Sylvia Funk and Wayne Kendal.  Bill will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family as well as a host of friends.

The Rosary was led by the Knights of Columbus, Roblin Council starting at 6:30 PM on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Roblin.  A Prayer Vigil Service followed at 7:00 PM, with Father Bastin officiating.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Ste. Claire Roman Catholic Church in San Clara with Father Bastin officiating.  Karen Langan delivered the Eulogy and Connie Henry and Brian Paul performed the music.  Legion members of the Roblin Branch were in attendance and performed a Poppy Memorial Tribute as well as forming an Honour Guard.

Bill was carried to his final resting place in Ste. Claire Parish Cemetery by the Casket Bearers; Garth LaPlante, Grant LaPlante, Paul Bergeron, Joe Leskiw, John LaPlante and Walter Langan.

Following the Interment Service, a memorial reception was held at the San Clara Rec Centre.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com