William (Bill) Henry Palmer

January 23, 1944 – December 18, 2024 

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Judy; his daughters, Vanessa and Nikki; son-in-law, Dan; and his beloved grandchildren Blake and Graham Jones and Emma and Jake Keryluk.

Bill was raised in Fortier, MB by his mother Gertie. He was one of six boys (Ken, Dave, Doug, Gord and Art) and he also had a sister, Irene. His childhood was not always easy, and Gertie had her hands full raising the “Palmer Boys”, but these years truly shaped him into the man he became. He embodied the best of qualities: strength of spirit, unending generosity, strong work ethic and a positive and optimistic outlook on life. His love for his family was profound and immeasurable. These qualities have shaped our family in meaningful ways and provided a richness that we will always cherish. Bill was a man of routine and the traditions he imparted will carry on through the lives of those he touched most.

Bill met his precious Judy (“Jo”) when they were teenagers. They were best friends, soul mates, and shared a partnership that was truly remarkable. Their commitment to each other and their daughters has been the foundation for their happy and loving family where stability, love and respect are paramount.

Bill and Judy lived in Charleswood for nearly 60 years. Bill has been active in the community over the years, and it was a means through which he could extend his giving and caring nature beyond his family. He was a member of the Charleswood Masonic Lodge and made many valued friendships over the years. He was also an active member of, and volunteer at, the Charleswood United Church. When his daughters were younger, he also coached various teams and was often seen lending a helping hand at Westdale Community Centre. Bill started his career as an electrician and moved into the elevator industry in the late 1960s. He had a successful career wherein he built and fostered many business relationships. Throughout his career, he was a mentor to many including his son in-law Dan.

He was actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren and enjoyed going to the rink to watch Blake, Jake, and Graham play hockey and chatting about the game in general. He loved to spend time with Emma where they would have long chats about life in general and no topic was ever off the table. He always created space for his grandkids and made each one of them feel special in unique and lasting ways.

He was happiest surrounded by family and friends at the cherished family cottage at Falcon Lake. On most days at the lake, you would find Bill building, fixing, and re-fixing things, specifically the boat ramp that has been a constant source of stress and an unwanted learning opportunity for his daughters and grandchildren over the years. His perfect day involved a project or two followed by cocktails on the dock and a delicious meal, which often included his famous and most-requested BBQ potatoes. He regularly reminded all of us that every day was “a great day” at the lake.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Grace Hospital ER department and the compassionate staff of the fifth floor south for Dad’s care. A special thank you to Brightwater Senior Living Memory Care for the exceptional care Dad received over the last few months.

Please join us for a come-and-go celebration of life that will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 pm. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Charleswood United Church.

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

-Frank Sinatra