On March 21, 2025, surrounded by loving family in the Grace Hospital, William Fairbairn Carmichael, 78, died after a hard fought battle with Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy. Although his mind was intact, his body diminished leaving him with limited speech and mobility. He is survived and deeply mourned by his wife Lynn (nee Johnston) of fifty-six years; sons Bryan (Karen), Chris (Natasha), daughters Jocelyn and Riley; grandchildren Matthew , Logan, Gibson, Georgia and Charley; brothers Bob (Carol Anne) and Doug (Shelley), and sisters Jody (Andy) and Jane (Darcy), sister-in-law Elizabeth and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Harvey and Barbara (nee Fairbairn), brother Patrick and infant granddaughter Josephine.
Wig (“Weej”) was a larger-than-life guy who did nothing by halves and anything that attracted him –business, sports, family and friends – got all of him. Always ready to inject a smile into whatever was happening, he brought a happy zest for being the best he could be to the office, the rodeo, the rink, the trout stream and the marsh, and most importantly to his family and friends. He was always there for those who needed him. He loved life and adventure – to him, they were the same.
Wig acceded to senior levels in the business world with Standard Knitting (Tundra) and developed friendships with associates all over the globe. His hockey skills took him to the Winnipeg Braves of the Manitoba Junior League, and to treasured years in senior hockey with the Oakville Seals, where the Seals won two provincial championships. Wig was an avid waterfowl hunter – he loved time spent at his hunting lodge on Portage Creek and at son Bryan’s near St. Ambroise - an angler of repute, a golfer, and in his younger years a hard-riding cowboy at rodeos and PFRA roundups. Music was a major part of his life – his guitar skills were passed on to son Chris, who is well-known on the Manitoba music scene. Any time shared with children or grandchildren and their passions was special time for him.
The last road of Wig’s journey was a difficult one. So many kind people came to the fore and it was through their incredible efforts that he drew comfort.
We wish to thank his brothers and sisters who visited often and kept him in Tim Hortons donuts and haircuts, and for making him laugh. To Dennis and Zandra for always being there. And special thanks to Norma Dawn for helping out, and all the Johnston clan for their love and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 6, come-and-go between 1:00 and 5:00 pm, at the Yellow Dog Tavern (386 Donald Street, Winnipeg). He’ll be pissed he’s missing the party.
Arnesons Funeral Home, of Ashern, Manitoba in care of arrangements.