Wilbur Shirtliff

Wilbur Lewis Shirtliff

With heartfelt thanks for the life and love he shared with us, it is with deep sadness that the family of Wilbur Shirtliff announces his passing on September 16, 2007 at St. Boniface Hospital.

Wilbur will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Florence (Hogue) of 48 years, daughter Stella Marie; son, Christopher Scott (Bridget); daughter Gisele-Gigi (Glen) Wight; grandchildren, Aaron, Joelle, Brandon, Lauren, Kristen, Daniel, and Melissa (Ray), Naomi and Nick.

Also left to cherish his memory are siblings; Rowena (Ed), Lucille (Frank), Angela (George), Alvin (Pauline), Ron, Estelle and in-laws; Fred (Bernice), Orille (Gwen), Ed (June), Gwyn, Jeanette (Murray), Claudette (Ted), Bernice, Cecile (Gary), Leona and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by parents Lewis (1978) and Stella (McDonell) (1935); brother Harold; sisters-in-law Maisie, Aletha, Rose, Dawn Alayne; and brothers-in-law Don, Leon, Walter and Paul.

Wilbur (Willy) was born in Winnipeg, November 7, 1930, fourth child of a family of eight.  He was raised on a farm in Elm Bank District and attended Elm Bank and Starbuck schools.  As a young adult he worked many winters away from home at various jobs and locations such as freighting up north from Sheraton to Lynn Lake hauling bridge timbers by tractor train across the Lakes.  Willy also worked at a bush camp near Kenora Ontario, at the Canada Cement Plant in Fort Whyte and as a welder at Versatile Farm Equipment.  He also did road construction for the province and municipality using his favourite toy, his Caterpillar tractor.

Florence and Wilbur raised their family on a grain farm in the Starbuck/Elie area.  In off times Willy loved his fishing trips with the “outlaws” as well as hunting and curling with his buddies.  In later years, he enjoyed the winter months down south where he always seemed to find another farmer wanting to talk shop.

His heart belonged to his farm, family and friends.  He was a kind and generous man who worked hard and enjoyed a good time with the people he loved.

A service to celebrate Wilbur’s life will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church in Starbuck, Manitoba with Father John McKenzie officiating.

Should friends or relatives desire, a donation may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association or a charity of their choice.

We would like to thank his doctor and friend, Dr. Kevin Coates and all the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for all the care and understanding that Wilbur and his family received.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose;

All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.

Helen Keller