Obituary of WILLIAM RICHARD NIEMI

It is with great sadness that we announce that William (Bill) Niemi joined our Lord on the evening of July 23, 2021 in Winnipeg MB. Son of Niilo and Hulda Niemi of Copper Cliff ON, originally of Parkano, Finland. Bill grew up speaking Finish and always looked forward to returning home to speak it with his friends on Evans Road Copper Cliff. Evans Road was never the same after the boys grew up. Bill was predeceased by his first wife  Mary Hutton (1940-1984), and is survived by his wife Marlene, sons David (Ms. Claude Robineau) and Bryan (Rhonda), grandchildren Bruce and Leanne.

Bill attended Haileybury School of Mines and graduated from Queens University where he began his career as a mining engineer. He worked in the Copper Cliff mines to support his schooling and upon graduation in 1963, joined INCO’s new mining adventure in Thompson MB.  In 1977 Bill, Mary and his sons went to INCO’s mine in Indonesia for 3 years.  Hard work and great friends were the cornerstones of his life. His love of the outdoors was epitomized with the cottage he built on Setting Lake, MB.  He loved the water, fishing, sauna and the friendships of cabin living.   

 In 1989 Bill found love again and married Marlene Dessler in 1991. Upon retirement Bill and Marlene enjoyed cottage and their annual ‘snowbird’ treks in their motorhome throughout Canada and the USA, but always finding themselves in the heart of Texas.  Friends old and new were always close by. They moved to Stonewall in 1998 to enjoy small town life, while in 2015 making the move to Winnipeg to be closer to family and medical care. 

Bill has been cremated and a small family service will be held on August 3, 2021 at 10:00 am with live streaming on the Cropo Funeral Home site.  His final resting place will be at home next to his Mom and Dad in Sudbury, next spring as Covid restrictions allow.  The family wishes to thank staff at Misericordia and St Boniface Hospitals for taking care of Bill providing his comfort.   Thanks to all the friends that have provided their comfort and support over the past week.  A donation to Cancer Care, or a charity of your choice, in memory of Bill’s life would be greatly appreciated.

To join us via livestream use the quick link on the left (or drop down menu on mobile) or utilize the link below:

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