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On Thursday, December 21, 2017, William Roy Sibbald, age 96 years, passed away at Fairview Home. Bill was born July 4, 1921 in Alexander, Manitoba. He attended Fleming School in Brandon for grades 1 and 2; Laura Secord School in Winnipeg for grades 3 through 8; Gordon Bell High School in Winnipeg for grades 9 to 11; and John Bjornson College for grade 12. From 1940 - 1944, Bill studied Agriculture at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry. Following graduation, Bill worked for the Winnipeg Area Dairy Association from 1944 to 1947. He began farming in 1947, retiring in 2006. Although Bill and Helen were not blessed with children of their own, many children came to visit the farm over the 60 years and had their lives changed by that experience. Some were relatives but many were not. Some stayed for short periods of time and others became regulars, coming back year after year. Many learned to bake, cook for a crew, drive a tractor, stack bales, round up cattle, birth calves, ride horses and cool off in the river after a hard day's work. All who spent time at the Sibbald farm learned respect, fair play and the rewards of working together. Bill was a member of Orange Lodge, the Conservative Party of Manitoba, and the Marquette Constituency (Secretary to Conservative Party). He was also a founding member of the Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum. In his spare time he enjoyed ham radio, wood carving, calligraphy and travel. Bill is survived by his wife Helen; sisters Muriel Sprenger and Kay McFerran; sister-in-law Margaret Skinner and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Rita and Harry Sibbald, and sister Doreen Cooke. The Celebration of Bill's Life took place at Trinity United Church on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Rev. Doug Neufeld officiated. All in attendance were considered honourary pallbearers. Interment will take place at the Alexander Cemetery at a later date. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the "Rivers and Area Community Foundation" to be directed to the Bill and Helen Sibbald Legacy Fund, Box 714, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0.

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