Obituary of William Herbert Manvell

MANVELL, WILLIAM: At St. Catharines General Hospital on Monday, August 31, 2015, William (Bill) Herbert Manvell of Beamsville and previously of St. Anns passed away in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Shirley Manvell (nee Taylor) and loving father of Michael (Pamela). Predeceased by sisters Gladys Piper, Lillian Ferrier and Dorothy Remely. Bill will be missed by his sister Helen Woolsey, Elsie and Ross Davidson, Joyce Taylor, nieces Ferne (Eugene), Nancy (Wayne), Kim (Andrew), Beryl (Dick), and Barbara (Liam), and nephews Rick (Pat), Brent (Lori), Steve (Kerri), Barry (Helen), and Brian (Joni). There will be a celebration of Bill's life at the Smithville Legion on Saturday, October 17 from 2-5 p.m. If desired, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or McNally House Hospice would be appreciated and can be made through the funeral home. In 1943, at age 17, Bill volunteered and joined the Canadian Army in the Engineering Corps to serve during World War II. He trained in Montreal and was stationed in Chilliwack, B.C. Upon discharge, he returned home to St. Anns to run the family farm. Bill married Shirley Taylor in 1959. In 1962, Bill and Shirley bought the corner store in St. Anns from Bill’s sister Gladys and her husband Harold. The store was a gathering place where people from the area would drop in for a few things and stay to chat. They ran the store until 1980. After the store closed, Bill joined Shepard Trojan in Smithville as a carpenter, building yachts until the company closed its Canadian operations. He then joined Reyco Canada, manufacturing truck suspensions until he retired in 1991. Bill was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 393 in Smithville, where he organized and ran events, was a bingo caller, and enjoyed playing in the dart league. An avid fisherman, his favourite spots were Sparrow Lake, just north of Orillia, and the Bighead River and Georgian Bay near Meaford. Family and friends fondly remember trips to the cottage in Meaford where there would be fishing, swimming, barbeques, and games of cards during which Bill would invariably have his “attitude adjustment” – a rye and Pepsi. Bill’s love of animals and green thumb made him the first choice of farmer friends who needed someone they could rely on and trust to tend the farm while they were away. Bill and Shirley danced the night away for many years at dances at St. Mary’s Hall in Grimsby, then as members of the Yellow Rockers of Smithville, a round dance and square dance group, where they met new friends, participated in competitions and conventions, and entertained residents at local seniors homes. Bill was a child of The Great Depression. It instilled in him a respect for the scarcity of money. And yet he was always generous and kind throughout his life to those close to him whenever they were in need. Bill will be remembered for his good humour, kindness, generosity, and happy spirit. He was a great friend, a loving husband, and an awesome dad. He is deeply missed.