With great sadness and heavy hearts the family of William J. Cantin Jr., 92 years of age, would like to announce his passing on March 5, 2011 a the Victoria Hospital. His beloved wife Irene of 66 years was at his side. Left to mourn his loss is his wife Irene (nee Wehage); his children Marilyn (Terrance) Hall, Elaine (Clint) Rousell, Ken (Barbara) Cantin, Sheila (Ron) Polowski, Les (Kim) Cantin and Darryl (Ilene) Cantin; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, William J. Cantin Sr. in November of 1970 and Katherine (nee Grovu) Cantin in November of 1992; an infant brother, Jean Arthur and his son Dale in October of 1975. William Jr., or Bill as all his friends and relatives called him, was born at home in the D’Amour area on August 11, 1918. He was raised on the farm helping his parents and attended Muskeg Lake School. In his 20’s, in lieu of wages, he was given a violin by Nick Grovu, which he taught himself to play. In 1944 Bill met Irene Wehage and on April 17, 1945 they were married. Bill and Irene farmed west of Leask until 1955 at which time they sold the farm and moved into the town of Leask where Bill worked for a grain company. In 1958 Bill and Irene bought a service station in Wakaw and the family again moved. In 1962 the family saw another move to Prince Albert where Bill and Irene bought a pool room. They operated the pool room as partners until 1975. For a period of time Bill and Irene worked as employees for various businesses and then in 1977 went back to a partnership as owner/operators of a service station and gas bar. In 1996 the business was sold and Bill retired. Since teaching himself to play the violin, his love of music found him playing with various groups, the Scalawags being his first. Playing for dances, weddings, anniversaries, etc helped supplement his family income and after retirement Bill volunteered his time playing at Senior Citizens Homes. After retirement Bill also found that he liked working with wood and made many items for his family and for various fund raisers. He also joined the Vintage Power Site and volunteered his time helping restore old combines, tractors, grain threshers, cars etc. In his time at the Vintage Site he also built a hay wagon, as well as other items using wood. Over the years owning his own businesses, working as an employer at many types of employment and playing the violin made him many friends and he was well respected as he was a sincere person. Bill worked hard during his lifetime but always had time to play his violin and spend time with his family especially at the lake as he loved fishing. He was always there to lend a helping hand when asked by his family, relatives and friends. William “Bill” Cantin will be deeply missed by his wife and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his friends and relatives. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 – 4th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK with celebrant Reverend Father Maurice Fiolleau. Interment will be held Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 – 3rd Avenue N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2011-03-05 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK