James William (Bill) McConnell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill McConnell at the age of 88 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife, Glenda Neitz, his step children, Novalee (Wade) Schmidt, Clay Neitz, Roxann Neitz, Tracy Neitz, Susan (Chris) Redekop, his grandchildren, Nicole (Sean) Vandenabeele, Kevin (Tonisha) Schmidt, Kiera and Mindy Redekop, his great grandchildren Kyla Vandenabeele, Aubrey Schmidt, and a special nephew, Elwood Amundson, plus numerous other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie McConnell, two sisters, Mary Amundson and Hilda Widdifield and his brother Jack McConnell.

Bill farmed his whole life with his brother Jack on the family farm. The farm was located in the Vidora district within the Rural Municipality of Reno No. 51, Saskatchewan. Bill and Jack were both talented in mechanics and restorations. They restored numerous antique tractors together and this continued after Jack’s passing. Many hours were spent in the shop with good friends. It was a great passion of his. Bill also enjoyed traveling. He went on countless trips with Jack and then continued traveling with his wife Glenda. Bill was a history buff. He always had the TV on the history channel and was a life-long learner. 

Upon Jack’s passing, Bill started the Jack and James McConnell Scholarship fund in his memory. The focus of the scholarships were in the trades and health care, as Bill cared greatly for our younger generations and wanted to make a positive impact on the communities of SW Saskatchewan. His legacy will continue. 

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