William Alfred Burton Winter, known to all as Burt, passed away May 19, 2016 in his 90th year. Burt was an honest, hard working man who devoted his life to providing for his family.
He was very proud of the fact that he was in active service with the Canadian Army during WWII. He enlisted at the age of 17 and served in the UK and Europe until 1946.
He came home to Fort William with Doris, a young "war bride" from London and together they built a life that included 8 children. Burt was a driver/mechanic while in the Army, and was employed over the years as a trucker, welder and machine operator. Many might remember him delivering coal for the Walsh Coal Company, or as a machine operator for the City of Thunder Bay, but his most rewarding occupation was as a self-employed operator installing septic systems in the rural area.
Burt built 2 homes for his family, one in Port Arthur and one in McIntyre township, before settling in Murillo in the early seventies where he resided until his death. The first home he constructed by re-using materials recovered from the demolition of his early childhood home in Conmee township where he was raised by his parents the late Jim and Ethelyn Winter along with his brother Al and sisters Gladys and Dorothy. He was resourceful and was not put off by hard work.
Burt was predeceased by his wife Doris in 2003, his daughter Donna Hegge in 2004, his son Bill in 2015, his daughter Carol in infancy and all three of his siblings.
Left to remember him, his stories, his teasing and his winning smile are daughters Brenda (Jeff Gibson), Betty (Esko Salo), and sons Jim (Linda), Rob (Monika) and Lorne. Burt is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and other extended family.
Burt will also be missed by his loving and best friend Cora Sandham and her family.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 26th at 2:00pm at the Murillo Community Centre. Donations to the Northern Cancer Fund or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
