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LONGSTAFF: William Lambert passed away at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the age of 99. He was born on January 9, 1918 in Blanshard Municipality to Earnest and Beatrice Longstaff, recent immigrants from Yorkshire, England, who had set up in the Cardale area. William grew up on the family farm there. The second of six children, he was called upon at an early age to take on much of the work and responsibility due to his father’s illness. He soon acquired land of his own. In 1949, he married Margaret Giles of McGregor, MB, a teacher in Cardale. They had five children. William gradually expanded his farm and modernized operations. He had an innovative approach to farming and was always looking for ways to increase efficiency and pass “improved” practices on to the next generation. He was involved in community affairs as a director of the Moline Branch of the Manitoba Pool Elevators, a founding member of the Hamiota Credit Union, and spent nearly 20 years as a councillor in Blanshard Municipality. In 1969, he joined the Brandon Gospel Hall and remained an active believer until his death. Farming remained a predominant interest all his life, even in his last years. Over time, he slowed down but never really retired. William was predeceased by his mother and father, his son Bruce, his brothers Rowland, Charlie and Doug, his sister Winnie Yorke, his brothers-in-law Tom Yorke and Bert Baldwin, his sisters-in-law Mildred Longstaff (McLaren) and Ruby Longstaff (Campbell) and his nephew Ray Baldwin. He is survived by his wife Peggy, his sister Mary Baldwin, and his children and their families: Richard (Janice) and their daughters Stacey (Tyler) and Ashley (John); Alison (Kerry); Roy; Don (Kay) and their children Tim (Rachel), Erin (Jared), Maggie (Adam); Mary; as well as five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Ben Thiessen officiated. Interment followed at the Rapid City Cemetery. Donations in memory of William may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.