Dodd, William Reginald

Even as we mourn, we celebrate a long life that was so well lived.

William Reginald (Bill) Dodd passed away on Jan. 3, 2013 at the Souris Personal Care Home with his family by his side.  Bill was born on Feb. 2, 1923 in Spy Hill, Saskatchewan then moved to Souris with his family in 1924.  He was an industrious man who held many jobs including farm laborer, MTS linesman, and taxi driver, even while still in school.  His true passions were his cattle, his land and his carpentry, all of which he tended to with great care and detail.  On October 3, 1942 he joined the Canadian Army.   He trained with the26th Field Regiment in Shilo Manitoba and later in Petawawa Ontario where he joined the 19^th Field Regiment which was leaving for overseas.  He served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany as a tank driver.  One member of his crew told us that he was “the best tank driver he had ever served with”.  On D-Day they landed on the beach at Berniere-sur-Mere along with troops from Britain.  Bill sailed home on the Queen Mary and was discharged at Fort Osborn on January 29^th, 1945 as a  decorated veteran.   Bill received 7 medals including 1939 — 1945 Star, France & Germany Star, King George Defence Medal, 1939 — 1945 Voluntary Service Medal and Clasp, 1939 — 1945 WWII Medal, D-Day Medal, and the Dutch Liberation Medal.  Bill was very proud to be a Veteran and spent countless years participating in the Remembrance Day services at Souris School and Souris Community Hall.

After returning from the war, Bill worked with his father at Dodd’s Sheet Metal, Plumbing and Heating in Souris.  On October 12, 1946 Bill married Roberta Strath.  Together they raised their family of four children consisting of 2 sons and 2 daughters.  In 1958 Bill and Roberta purchased a Dairy farm in the RM of Glenwood, Hebron District (Hayfield, MB).  Together with their family, they ran a successful Dairy/Grain farm for 20 years.  Shirelane Ayrshires was not only a well known farm name but a herd well known by many at the local fairs where Bill and his family showed their prized cattle and received awards to numerous to mention.  In 1978, Bill & Roberta sold the Dairy and purchased a home in Souris and claimed they had retired.  However, Bill never got the memo!  Bill was able to remain at home until 6 weeks prior to his death.

Bill was an active volunteer within his community.  He donated countless hours of his time to the Souris Fair Board (since 1959), Souris Volunteer Fire Brigade and Souris Elks (B.P.O.E).  He was a 4H Diary Club Leader, Milk Control Board Member, and both a President & Secretary for the Manitoba Aryshire Association just to name a few.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Reginald & Nellie Dodd, his brother Jack Dodd, brothers-in-law Geordie, Russell & James Strath, son-in-law Brian Lee, sisters-in-law Hazel Dodd & Delsey Strath.  Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years Roberta, as well as his children Doug (Linda) Dodd of Calgary, Allan (Doreen) Dodd of Souris, Bev Lee and Linda Dodd both of Okotoks.  He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren & 23 great grandchildren, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces & nephews.

A memorial reception in honour of Bill was be held on January 12, 2013 from 2-4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion in Souris.  A private family interment will be held at a later date.  In Memory of Bill, may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

“No greater man has ever lived, you are our hero”