Lawrence Gilbert Bill 1924 - 2013 Lawrence Bill passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2013 with his family at his side. Lawrence was born on June 16th, 1924 to Sam and Rose Bill on the family homestead north of Estevan. Lawrence received his education in Estevan. After receiving his education, Lawrence began his working career. He worked at Patterson Motors which later became McClary's for over 20 years. After his time at McClary's he jumped into his own business and purchased a service station which he called Parkway Service. Dad was always concerned about his customers and he always made sure the customer was put first and made sure they were treated as if they were number 1. There were many a winter night that dad would not be home until after 7 or 8, even though the garage was closed at 6. He was always out boosting vehicles or delivering vehicles to the customer along with his trusty side kick, Keith Just, who would not go home until Dad left, even if it meant being there until 9 at night sometimes. There were also the times on a Sunday afternoon or during a Sunday evening supper that Dad would be called upon by some little old lady to come change a tire, get them some gas, boost their vehicle or unlock their car door because they had locked their keys in there. He always did this without complaint and 9 out of 10 times would never charge them or if he did, he would just say "How about a couple dollars." Dad was a fixture on the corner of 5th Street and 12th Avenue from 1963 until his retirement 36 years later in 1998. He often referred to himself as a "5th Street man" as he had worked on this street for over 55 years. Dad was a very well respected businessman in the community. After his retirement, Dad spent many hours in the yard, cutting grass, blowing snow or doing any other yard work that needed to be done. If you couldn't find him in the yard working or in the house doing something, he would be in his back shed overhauling a snow blower, lawn mower or some other small engine tool for one of the neighbours or a family member. Dad took great pleasure in being the first one out after a heavy snow to blow his driveway and sidewalk and then move on to do the neighbours. He enjoyed nothing more than standing around with his neighbours and telling jokes or just talking about the "weather." Even though he struggled with health issues in the last year or so of his life, Dad always maintained his sense of humor and was quick with a joke or some other comical and witty comment. Family was very important to Dad and he was a very compassionate, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, who was very proud of his family. One of his greatest enjoyment was sitting and visiting with his children or his grandchildren. Lawrence will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Lillian, and his 10 children, Russell, Karen, Brenda, Gregory, Janet, Lawrence, Lester, Lisa, Stephen and Susan along with their spouses; grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Rose Bill; his sister Gladys; his brothers, Edward, Gordon, Calvin, Walter and Charlie; his son-in-law Doug Johnson; and his grandson Geoff Bill.
