Lenoard William "Bill" Fuller, 90, of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, passed peacefully into the loving arms of His Lord and Saviour on May 28, 2025 in Gladstone, Manitoba.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Johanna Schuiteman; wife of 8 years Hilary (Houden); parents William and Anne, and sisters: Helen and Betty.
Bill is survived by his children: Robin (Tammy), their children: Tyler (Mariposa) and Zach (Marion) Billy (Tracy), their children: Sam and Leah Nancy and her daughter Amber His youngest sister Lois (Tom) Warkenton Bill was born on January 28, 1935 to William and Anne Fuller in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.
In 1958, Bill wed Johanna Schuiteman of Wolfheze, Netherlands and had three children: Robin, Nancy and Billy. Johanna went to be with her Lord in 2006. Bill married Hilary Houden in 2007 and she passed in 2015.
As a family, the Fullers were very active in the Portage Gospel Hall. Bill often spoke of the marvelous grace of Jesus; how the wonder of this Saviour that would give His life on the cross for a sinner like himself. It was Bill’s desire that everyone would also experience this grace and have a full and abounding relationship with Jesus Christ.
Bill lived a large life. He was well known for his sharp wit, love, pranks, and keen storytelling. As a young man, he was often in hot water because of his well-timed but ill-conceived pranks. Oftentimes, visits with Bill extended a bit longer than expected as he regaled everyone with his hilarious stories. Bill also had a soft side, and knew how to draw alongside the heartbroken with comfort and encouragement.
Bill was a man blessed with many talents. From crafting speedboats, snow-planes, hovercrafts, ultralights, and furniture to A-frame houses. He loved to drive and fly!
Bill’s sense of purpose came from his work. His eye for detail kept him employed until the ripe age of 80. In his teens, he worked in the family bakeshop - Fuller’s Bakery. In his 20’s, he drove tankers for Hull Petroleum, Esso, and hauled freight for Reimer Express.
Bill owned and operated two Esso service stations and added a restaurant together with Johanna in his 30’s. After selling the service stations, he created a “wagon wheel furniture” business as well as specializing in building A-frame houses across Canada. Next, he worked for Decor Cabinets installing custom cabinets and finish carpentry.
Bill’s last career move was joining Red River/Stevenson Aviation at Southport Aerospace Centre. He was hired as a tool control and hangar foreman, but was quickly recognized as having many more talents. He taught basic aircraft wood structures, built simple aircraft simulators, and shuttled students/material to/from Winnipeg until he retired in 2014.
Through all of these endeavors, he collected many friends, shared his faith daily, and made a lasting impact to his community.
The Fuller family would like to thank and acknowledge the generous outpouring of care from numerous friends, family, and neighbors who aided in Bill’s ability to live independently in Portage. We’re grateful for the staff of Portage General Hospital and Gladstone Health Centre for their kindness and compassion through his last days on this side of heaven.
The Viewing will take place on Monday, June 16th, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the River Road Gospel Hall, 350 River Road, Portage la Prairie, MB.
The Celebration of Life Service will take place on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at River Road Gospel Hall, 350 River Road, Portage la Prairie, MB. A private family burial will take place prior to the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Ronald Moffit Memorial Services.