William (Bill) Burch

William Harold Burch

November 4, 1937 – June 26, 2026

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of William Harold Burch (Bill), beloved husband of Eleanor and father of Pam, Diane, Karen and Janice. Bill passed peacefully with his family at his side on June 26, 2026 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, after a brief illness, at the age of 88.

Bill was born on November 4, 1937 on the home farm, SW 8-12-14, in the Petrel District, north of Carberry, the second son of Samuel Edward Burch and Lovina Jane Campbell. He was welcomed by his older brother, Barrie, and grew up in a close extended family that also included four older half-siblings - Cecil, Delmer, Eva and Margaret - from his father's first marriage to Mabel Mann.

Growing up on the prairie during the 1940s shaped Bill's character. He and Barrie first attended the one-room Petrel School before transferring to Wellwood for high school. Because the family farm lay outside the Wellwood School District, they had to provide their own transportation - the 4½ mile journey was made by horse and cart. In Wellwood, their faithful horse, Belle, was sheltered in the United Church barn. Special permission was needed to leave the school at noon to feed and water the horse. When the boys were old enough to drive, Belle was retired in favour of an old truck. The lessons of responsibility, perseverance and hard work stayed with Bill for the rest of his life.

Bill's real classroom was the family farm. Working alongside his father, as Sam grew older, Bill quickly assumed increasing responsibility, learning not only farming but also the many skills that would define his life. He became an accomplished mechanic and welder, maintained his own equipment, and was never afraid to tackle difficult repairs or solve practical problems. Farming was never simply an occupation; it was his way of life.

Bill liked to keep his line of John Deere machinery up-to-date and was always interested in equipment that improved efficiency. He was the first farmer in the area to own an automatic bale wagon and, for many years, seemed to be the only one with a post pounder. Never one to shy away from a new venture, the lake in his pasture was ideal for trout farming.

Bill grew grain, hay and oilseed crops while expanding his purebred Hereford cow-calf herd. A capable horseman, he especially enjoyed working cattle from horseback with his trusted palomino, Chief. He became known for his skill with livestock and his ability to assist cows through difficult calving situations, skills that earned the respect of neighbours and fellow cattle producers.

Bill took an early interest in politics. During his youth, his father served as Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Carberry area. Bill and Barrie were often taken by their mother to events in Winnipeg, experiences that taught them the customs of proper dress and conduct. Bill’s involvement in Youth Parliament also helped shape his early appreciation for public service.

Another calling soon emerged. Sam Burch had been selling farm sales since the early 1920s. Bill began assisting in the late 1950s. Recognizing his son's ability with people, Sam Burch sent Bill to Reich's School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. It proved to be a perfect fit. For the next 54 years, Bill became a well-known auctioneer, conducting more than 1000 farm, household, charity and community auctions. His reputation for honesty, fairness and good humour as well as getting good prices spread throughout western Manitoba. Buyers and sellers alike knew that when Bill was on the auction block, they would receive an honest day's work. His advice on retirement plans was often sought by other farmers.

Bill proudly auctioned the Carberry 4H Beef Sale for over 50 years, eventually selling calves for three generations of some of the farm families. As Vice President of the Carberry Agricultural Society, he announced horse events, assisted livestock judges, and was always willing to lend his time wherever it was needed.

Faith was equally central to Bill's life. A lifelong member of the United Church, he became an elder at just 18 years of age and later served as Chairman of the Board of Carberry United Church for 25 years. His faith was reflected in the quiet, dependable way he lived each day.

Thanksgiving weekend in 1961 changed the course of Bill's life. At a United Church young people's conference in Kenora, Ontario, he met Eleanor McVicar of Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay). Their friendship quickly blossomed into love, and they were married in 1962, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.

In the years that followed, four daughters were born – Pam, Diane, Karen and Janice. Bill often joked about living in a house with five women, but he wouldn't have had it any other way. He took great pride in teaching his daughters skills - how to operate trucks, tractors and combines to working cattle, instilling in them the confidence to tackle whatever needed doing.  Along the way, he entertained family and friends with stories drawn from a lifetime of farming, auctioneering and community life. His storytelling, quick wit and good-natured teasing became hallmarks of family gatherings and left countless memories that will continue to be shared for generations.

The family grew to include four sons-in-law, six grandsons, four granddaughters and two great grandsons. Bill truly loved being a grandfather, sharing his stories, his humour, and his wisdom with them. His grandchildren grew up knowing the importance of family, hard work, and the farming way of life that meant so much to him.

In 1997, Bill and Eleanor built a home in Carberry, and the transition of the family farm to Diane and Gordon began. Although Bill officially stepped back from the day-to-day operation, he never truly retired. He remained a familiar presence in the farmyard, often operating machinery during harvest or going for parts. He was always interested in the crops, cattle and machinery, and was generous with his knowledge and advice whenever it was sought.

One of Bill's greatest joys was seeing the family farm remain in the family. Watching two of his grandsons later join the farming operation brought him tremendous pride.

Whether through time spent at the farm, conversations around the kitchen table, or listening to one of Grandpa's many stories, each grandchild created their own special memories with him and knew how deeply proud he was of each of them.

In retirement, Bill and Eleanor enjoyed travelling together, exploring many parts of Canada, the United States, Europe and China. But wherever they went, the farm and his home in Carberry, was always where Bill's heart remained.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Lovina Burch; his brothers and sisters, Barrie, Cecil, Delmer, Eva and Margaret and their spouses; and his son-in-law, Ken Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Eleanor; daughters Pam Davis, Diane (Gordon) Schneider, Karen (Jeff) Park and Janice (Kelly) Ham; his ten grandchildren, Alex Davis, Makeda Davis, Andrew (Katelyn) Schneider, Amy Schneider, Eric (Abby) Schneider, Tyler (Maddy) Park, Carson Park, Travis Ham, Britton Ham and Kaeden Ham; and his two great-grandsons, Calvin and Justin Schneider, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbours and friends.

Bill’s life was one of purpose, generosity and steadfast devotion. He leaves behind not only a family who loved him, but also a community made better because he was part of it. His legacy will live on in the fields he farmed, the countless auctions he conducted, the church he faithfully served, and in the lives of all who were privileged to know him.

A celebration of Bill’s life was held at Carberry United Church on July 7, 2026, with Gloria Mott officiating. His six grandsons were honoured to serve as pallbearers and carry their grandpa on his final journey. Interment at Carberry Plains Cemetery.

If you wish, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Carberry United Church or Carberry Plains Health Centre

White’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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