We are very sad to share the news that our former president, Bill Ridgeway, passed away suddenly on June 18, 2025.
Bill was president of the MGEU (then MGEA) from 1973-76. He was an instructor at Red River College Polytech (then the Province of Manitoba Vocational Branch and Red River Community College) and was active in his local as a steward and on the local executive between 1962-1973. Bill was also the founding president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) from 1976-78.
Throughout his career, Bill made significant contributions to the workplaces and communities he served. Along with his activism with the union, he served as an advisor to Members of Parliament, was a substitute teacher with the Interlake School Division, and proudly carried on the family farming tradition while operating Ridgeway Insurance Agency.
Bill was predeceased by his infant son Richard, as well as his parents, Frances and John, and his in-laws, Mary and George Laing as well as many cherished relatives and lifelong friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, of 59 years, Norma, and their children: Tracy (Dick) Proctor, Kelly (Chantel), Beth (Daniel) Mason, and Robert. Bill was a proud grandfather to Baily (Ashley), Kayla, Christopher, and Maria.
Our deepest condolences go out to Bill's family.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 1:00 p.m. at the Grosse Isle Recreation Club in Grosse Isle, MB. For more details, or if you’d like to share your memories of Bill, please visit his obituary here.