Obituary - William Robbins

Mr. William 'Bill' James Robbins, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Winifred Robbins, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at the age of 88 years. Bill was born on January 21, 1918 in Paddington, London, England, a son to Arthur and Violet Robbins. He was raised in England where he enlisted with the British Royal Engineers. During this time he met Winifred and they were married on September 11, 1943. Due to some coaxing from his brother-in-law Albert, Bill and Winifred and their young family came to Canada and settled in Medicine Hat. He worked in fields that varied from car sales, house painting (which he operated his own business) manager of the Moose Lodge and retired from government security at CFB Suffield. Bill was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and an active member of the Moose Lodge. He devoted much time to their cause and achieved the highest honour being the Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 2003, Moose Legion of Honour and was dedicated to public service in speaking to school students about drug awareness. Family was important to Bill especially his grandkids and he made sure he had fun with them clowning around! He loved the outdoors and all it has to offer... camping, the mountains, year round picnicking and of course, fishing. Bill will be remembered as a good natured "giving man" and will be missed by all who knew him. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Valerie (Gordon) Hegland of Brooks and Trish (Sheila Ward) Robbins of Calgary; grandchildren, Michael (Cindy) Hegland and Leslie (Tim) Hailwood; Michelle (Clayton Wheatley) Robbins and Nicholas (Erica) Pieszak; great-grandchildren, Logan Hailwood, Brody Hailwood, Mitchell Hegland, Myles Hegland, Megan Pieszak and Marissa Pieszak; 3 sisters from England as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Winifred in 1991; a brother, Eddie and a sister, Eileen. The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W., on Friday, October 13, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. With Rev. Alan Powell officiating. Private family interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill's name may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, 1331 ­ 29 Street N.W. Calgary, Alberta T4N 4N2.