William Shanks

Mr. William Shanks passed away in his sleep at home on Friday, December 4th, 2020, after a brief illness. Bill was born in Fort William, Ontario on the 27th day of May, 1927.

He is predeceased by both parents, his loving wife Helen, a brother James Shanks (Norma), Nancy (Jack Latimer) and Norma Barnsley, Hector Shanks (Vi surviving). Surviving are his brother Donald George Shanks, Etta Prouty (Art deceased). Kindly remembered by his nephews Bill (Anne), Don (Rachael), Doug (Karen), Bruce and Robbie; nieces Bonnie (Tom) Miller, Tracy, Morna, Leslie, Brenda and Heather and other family members.

Bill assisted in supporting his mother and siblings after their father’s tragic passing in 1945. Bill laboured together with his loving wife Helen to build a home for he and Helen - stick by stick until complete on Rankin Street. During his working career, Bill worked for Esso Bulk Storage, the Canada Postal Service, Westfort Lumber Yard, and finally at the Mission Abitibi Mill before retiring in good health. Bill was an avid golfer wintering in Arizona and Lakeland Florida. His summers were spent at the Fort William Country Club enjoying the “game” to its fullest. Bill could daily be found on the practice fairway and the putting green honing his skills. The harder Bill worked the luckier he got; a turn of phrase taken from his idol and fellow golfer, Gary Player. Bill carried his golf bag until well into his eighties. Bill was a past master of Royal Lodge A F & A M 453, currently a member of Shuniah Lodge sitting in lodge with his nephew Bill.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Shanks will be held in the Chapel of Jenkens Funeral Home on Thursday, December 10th, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Limited unfortunately by current government rules relative to the Covid Pandemic to a small group that has been assembled by invitation only. A Private Interment in Mountain View Cemetery to follow. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.