WILLIAM

WILLIAM ALEXANDER BLAIKIE 1951 2022

Obituary of WILLIAM ALEXANDER BLAIKIE
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WILLIAM ALEXANDER BLAIKIE
1951-2022
In his 72nd year, and in the 50th year of his marriage to Brenda, William Alexander (Bill) Blaikie, passed away at home on September 24, 2022. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Kay Blaikie, and by his brothers Bobby and Donnie. He is survived by Brenda, his four children, Rebecca (Alan), Jessica (Jonathan), Daniel (Janelle), and Tessa (Hanwakan), by his four grandsons Robert, Owen, Noah, and Emmet, his sister Kim, and an extended family that he valued and kept in touch with over the years.
Bill was born on June 19, 1951, and was raised in Transcona. As a boy he was active in his church, Transcona Memorial United, in 3rd Transcona Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and in Rovers at the Transcona ScoutHall. He was active in student councils, and in model parliaments serving as Vice President of Arthur Day Junior High in 1964 and Prime Minister of the Transcona Jaycee Junior Parliament in 1970. Religion and politics interested him from an early age, and he went on to pursue a vocation in both. Playing the bagpipes, canoeing and being a good Dad and Grandfather were his other passions. He brought in many a New Year with the skirl of the pipes.
He played the pipes with the Lord Selkirk Boy Scouts, the Cameron Cadets, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, the Anavets, the St Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg, and the Air Command Band in Ottawa. The highlight of his piping life was playing in the Edinburgh Tattoo in 1970. Bill cherished his Scottish heritage, was a student of Robert Burns, and gave the Address to a Haggis and The Immortal Memory at many Burns Nights here in Winnipeg, and across Canada. His interest in Burns was deepened by his friendship with his hero Tommy Douglas.
Bill studied at the University of Winnipeg, where he graduated in 1973 with a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies, and at the Toronto School of Theology, Emmanuel College, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1977. Many years later he was awarded Honourary Doctorates from both institutions. He was ordained to the ministry of the United Church of Canada in 1978. He was the student minister at West Hawk United Church in 1977. From 1977 to 1979 he was the Director of North End Community Ministry at the historic Stella Ave Mission.
In 1979 Bill was elected to the House of Commons as an NDP MP and was re-elected eight times, retiring from federal politics in 2008 as the Dean of the House, after serving in many roles, most notably as NDP House Leader, Parliamentary Leader of the NDP, Deputy Speaker, and last but not least as the NDP Health Critic from 1980 to 1984, where played an important role in the creation of the Canada Health Act. From 2009 to 2011 he served as an MLA and Minister of Conservation in Manitoba, taking great satisfaction in the creation of five provincial parks within one year. Bill had a deep love for nature that he has passed on to his children, his grandchildren and through his advocacy sought to preserve it for generations to come to experience deep joy, as he did, when they set out for a hike or put a canoe in for a paddle with those they love.
Funeral Service to take place on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave W.
Masks are required at the funeral.
There will be an opportunity to participate via LiveStream (details to follow).
A reception will follow at another location (announced on the LiveStream and at the funeral) with a larger capacity than the church for those attending via LiveStream locally and those at the funeral itself.
In lieu of Flowers Bill requested donations to be made to the Transcona Food Bank via Transcona Memorial United Church (drop down menu Food bank tmuc.ca/food-bank/) or Siloam Mission (www.siloam.ca).

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of WILLIAM
ALEXANDER
BLAIKIE 1951 2022..

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Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba

death notice WILLIAM
ALEXANDER
BLAIKIE 1951 2022

mortuary notice WILLIAM
ALEXANDER
BLAIKIE 1951 2022

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2 Comments

  1. I served as the director of the Ottawa Office of Mennonite Central Committee from 1975 – 2008. In that capacity I often invited Bill Blaikie to speak to Mennonite groups who came to Ottawa. He always inspired the people. At the 25th anniversary of our office he gave an unforgettable key-note address. I also appreciated the way he engaged with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. He had a big heart and wanted to build bridges. I will always be grateful for his friendship. Bill Janzen

  2. Dear Blakie Family,

    I was sorry to learn of Bill’s passing.

    It was such a pleasure to be his colleague in the House of Commons. While we didn’t always see eye to eye on some policy issues of concern, he had everyone’s respect. He was passionate, decent and courteous. And he fought the good fight for those who couldn’t.

    He will forever be remembered as a public servant with a big heart!

    Please accept my sincerest condolences.

    Sergio Marchi



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