Obituary of William Rath

William Wallace Rath passed away peacefully at home October 31 with his family at his side. Bill was 86 years of age, born in Nokomis, Saskatchewan. He served in England as a Radar Mechanic. On his return to Canada, he married his high school sweetheart Maxine Johnson, in 1947. Bill graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He leaves his beloved wife Maxine and three children, Lynda (Roger Bechthold); Dean (Janey Cameron Rath) and Scott (Juanita Rath). His grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda, Sara, Tessa and Lucas loved their “Papa” dearly. He was a hands-on grandpa who was never too busy to take them on his lap and read a book, go to a movie, or provide an early lesson in skating and bike riding. Bill will be remembered for his exceptionally generous nature and the support that was always available to his family and friends and not infrequently, total strangers. He loved travelling with Max and the only continent they didn’t visit was South America; his illness forcing them to cancel a planned cruise. Yearly excursions to Mexico provided a much anticipated escape from winter for twenty years. He was a high energy man who always had a project and loved working with his hands. Two of his many undertakings included building the family cottage and project managing the complex construction of Lynda and Rogers’s infill home. Bill had a direct approach to life and people and a dry sense of humour which was regularly incorporated into the stories he loved to tell. Bill endured the ravages an abdominal aortic aneurysm had on his body with uncomplaining courage. It was this which ultimately claimed his life. He is our hero and we will love him forever. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Dunham, Dr. Hogan, Dr. Ferland; the staff at unit 54 – Peter Lougheed Centre; and the Palliative Home Care team. Thank you all for your wonderful care and support. An open house gathering for family and friends, in Celebration of Bill’s Life, will be held Sunday, November 26, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Lakeview Room, 3rd floor, Building 1000, 151 Country Village Road N.E. (Country Estates on the Cove). If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th St. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or http://www.hsf.ca/research/ Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Arrangements through McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North). Telephone: (403) 276-2296.