WILLIAM BILL CHARLES LEONARD MARK Obituary (1941 - 1999)

Born Sep 29, 1941, WILLIAM BILL CHARLES LEONARD MARK attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about William Bill Charles Leonard Mark.

Graduation Year	Class of 1960
Date of Birth	Sep 29, 1941
Date of Passing	Sep 24, 1999
About	WILLIAM BILL CHARLES LEONARD MARK September 29,1941- September 24, 1999 The family of Bill Mark sadly announces the passing of their dearly beloved husband, father and grandfather on Friday, September 24, 1999 after a brief illness. Although Bill had lived in St. James for more than 34 years, he was always proud of growing up in the North End, and considered himself a true North Ender. He graduated from Sisler High School and held a variety of jobs, waiting until he was 21 years old to be able to begin his career of his dreams with the Winnipeg Fire Department. He retired this past July after attaining his goal of a full 35 years, reaching the rank of Captain and Acting District Chief. Coming home one day in the early autumn of 1965, Bill stopped to watch a group of boys at football practice. Thus began a long involvement with the sport which was his passion. Bill coached at all levels with Pop Warner and helped to found the St. James Cobras Midget team. Eventually Bill served as President of the Manitoba Midget Football League. He was honoured to be selected by the Winnipeg Football Club to be one of two coaches to be sent to the annual American Football Conference, and along with Syd Howard was made a lifelong member of Pop Warner for their efforts in making a struggling organization into a thriving entity. In 1980 he moved from the sidelines to the field, refereeing football up to the university level and working the sidelines at Winnipeg Blue Bomber games. When health problems prevented him from refereeing he satisfied himself by becoming a fixture at Bomber practices in addition to being a season ticket holder for 27 years. In addition to football, Bill enjoyed almost all sports. An inveterate volunteer, Bill umpired boys and girls ball games, and assisted his children in all their extracurricular activities, earning his minor letter at Ness Junior High in 1979. He assisted in athletic therapy for the St. James Junior Canucks, and was very happy to be in attendance as a fan when they finally won the league championship in 1998. Bill worked security at the Western Canada Games in 1990, the World Curling Championships, in 1991, the 1998 Grey Cup, and culminated with the Pan Am Games in 1999. Bill had a love of travel and a love of his country which he combined by taking his family on many camping trips from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. Other trips with just his wife included a Caribbean cruise, a visit to Dominican Island, and Jamaica. But the ultimate trip encompassed his love of trains, which took them from Minneapolis to Chicago and then to New Orleans. The trip home went via Atlanta, Washington, Montreal and Toronto. With all his involvements in sports and music, playing trumpet in the Fire Department band, Bill spent countless hours with his family, pursuing many activities and pastimes. Predeceased by his parents William and Bernice, he is survived by his wife of 39 years, Rose and his children and grandchildren, son Bill; daughters Jacquie and Cori, and son Bob with daughter-in-law Marj and their children, Tori, Robert, Aly and Christopher (Red). Also his brother and closest friend, Jim and Emily and his sister Judy and Tino Passante. Also Jims daughters and their families, and Judys son and daughter. Additionally, Bill will be remembered and missed by Becki Cross, whom he considered a daughter, and Rick Allen, whom Bill said was family. Many other people will miss Bill, especially Graham and Teenie Low, with whom he spent many happy hours, and other relatives and dear friends too numerous to count. At Bills request cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 195 Collegiate St., on Wednesday, September 29 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Canon J. Caird officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations may be made to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund, 202-666 St. James St., or to a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 1999