William Joseph PLEXMAN

Mr. William "Bill" Joseph Plexman April 17, 1938 - October 07, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Jenkens Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre Mr. William Joseph Plexman, age 67, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2005 at St. Joseph Hospital with his wife of 41 years, Gerarda, by his side. Bill was born in Sudbury on April 17, 1938. His family then moved to the Burlington area where he spent the bulk of his youth. Hockey and football played a big part in his younger years and he made many lifelong friends. On February 1, 1964 he married Gerarda Perusse and after a few years in North Bay they decided to make Thunder Bay their home. Bill was a very talented man, a true jack-of-all trades. He loved woodworking and was always up to take on any challenge. Neighborhood children would often knock on the door and ask him to fix a bike or help with a broken toy. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Bill was a proud member of Teamsters Local 938 and in the years past served as its president. He took particular pride in his duties as chief union steward for the pipeline construction division. He represented his fellow union brothers with fairness but often said the company deserved a fair shake too. From hauling heavy equipment on tractor-Trailer to operating a crane and in his early years, a pilot, he had great hand/eye coordination and had the tickets in his wallet to prove it. He often said he hated driving big rigs but deep down we knew better, he loved pipeline work, the friends he made and the special bond that only pipeliners feel. Family gatherings and visiting with friends were probably his greatest passion. Family dinners were always a day-long affair, with our Dad hovering over the stove following no particular recipe and generally getting in the way of the real cook, our mother. When family and friends needed a place to stay, the door was always open and the coffee pot full. Out of all his accomplishments he was most proud of his family. One of his favorite sayings was “I wouldn’t pay 5 cents to have anymore kids but I wouldn’t take a million dollars for the ones I got.” Quick witted, he seemed to have a line for almost any occasion. He still referred to our Mom as his “the bride” and he loved her dearly. We all agree that in the past few years our Dad took on a softness and a gentleness that was readily apparent to those close to him. We like to think that age takes the edge off a person but we feel it was the arrival of his granddaughter, McKenna, which brought out this kindness. Even from his hospital bed he still managed to give her a smile and a wave. We are grateful he had a chance to be a grandpa. Our many family pets all received lots of love and affection from Dad. He had a special kinship with dogs and they seemed to follow him everywhere. His latest dog “Louie” was no exception; he was by Dad’s side constantly. Bill will be sadly missed by his wife Gerarda, children Michael (Sheri), Danny, Laura, and granddaughter, McKenna. Also survived by brother James (Doris), sisters Emma Ferris (Mike), Connie Stercho (Steve) and Lois. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Predeceased by his parents Frederick and Oliva (Eva), sister Elsie and Infant son Derek Joel. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday October 13, 2005 at Jenkens Funeral Home 226 S. Syndicate Ave. Donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Jenkens Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre