William "Bill" Lorne McCracken

William Lorne McCracken
On Saturday, November 9, following a brief illness, William Lorne
McCracken passed away peacefully at Neepawa Hospital, with his beloved
family by his side.
Bill was born September 17th, 1950, the youngest of five children to Lorne
and Merle McCracken.  He attended school in Eden and graduated from NACI.
Bill met the love of his life, Janice Kasprick, in high school.  They
began dating after grade 12 and were married on August 14, 1971.  They
lived in Winnipeg for a few years after their marriage, but found city
life was not for them, so moved back to the Eden area, where they resided
until 2008, when they relocated to their current home in Neepawa.
Bill & Janice were blessed with two children, Christine on July 16, 1974,
and Scott on July 16, 1976.  Bill was a kind and loving father and, just
as he was raised, taught his children the meaning of diligence, respect,
generosity and kindness.
Raised on the family farm, Bill learned early the value of hard work, and
many summers found him with his Dad at home and with neighbours, piling
bales to earn some extra money.  He completed his carpentry apprenticeship
at Red River College in Winnipeg, beginning his career by first operating
his own business for a number of years, and later employed by Neepawa
Co-op lumber department.  He served his customers with dedication and
shared his building knowledge with anyone who needed extra advice.  Bill
also drove school bus for many years, first as a spare, then his own
route.  His bus kids were very important to him and he was always on the
lookout for treats for them on special occasions.
He was considerate with his time, volunteering as a Cub Scout leader,
coaching baseball, serving on the Eden Hall & Curling Club committees and
the Eden Volunteer Fire Department.  In the late fall, Bill also dedicated
his time to put in the ice at the curling and skating rinks, ensuring that
the kids, and community, could have some winter fun.
Bill loved nature and the outdoors, spending much of his leisure time
cross country skiing in the winter and camping, boating and fishing in the
summer.  He loved to travel and enjoyed many vacations over the years with
his wife and family.  He especially cherished the trip that he, Janice and
granddaughter Kendall took to Churchill a few years ago.
Bill is survived by Janice, his best friend and wife of 48 years, his
daughter Christine and granddaughter Kendall, his sisters Avis Barnet,
Doris James and Helen Erickson (partner Dave), brother Don and wife Merle,
brothers-in-law Harold Kasprick, Leonard Kaspick and wife Ruth, plus many
nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Lorne and Merle, son Scott,
brothers-in-law Alex James, Gary Erickson and George Barnet, niece Colleen
James, parents-in-law Joe and Rose Kasprick and sister-in-law Barbara
Kasprick.
Bill will be remembered by many, for his ready smile, his willingness to
help where needed, his friendship and his love for family.
Bill, you are loved; you are remembered; and you are missed.
Friends who so wish may donate in Bill's memory, to Neepawa Palliative
Care, or the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Neepawa Health Centre
for the excellent care Bill received, especially Dr. Ong and Dr. Cram. To
family, friends and neighbours, with their gifts of food, flowers, visits
and messages of sympathy - thank you so much for your support during this
difficult time.  To White's Funeral Home, Rita Friesen and the Royal
Canadian Legion, thank you for the lovely service.
LIFE WELL LIVED  - author unknown
A life well lived is a precious gift,
of hope and strength and grace,
from someone who has made our world
a brighter, better place.
It's filled with moments, sweet and sad
with smiles and sometimes tears,
with friendships formed and good times shared,
and laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy,
of joy and pride and pleasure,
a living, lasting memory
our grateful hearts will treasure.

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