William Shanks

SHANKS, William Hugh "Bill" Of Wheatley. Born March 20, 1928 in Romney Twp. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday January 21, 2007 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Beloved husband and best friend of 57 years to Audrey (nee Hodgson). Cherished father of Diane and husband Robert "Bob" Bell, Neil Shanks, Jim and wife Denise Shanks. Beloved Grandfather of Stephen (Julie) Bell, Karin (Jon) Couban, Amy Bell, Erin Shanks, Marshall Shanks, Andrew Shanks, Eric Shanks, and Meghan Shanks. Dearest brother of Robert "Bob" (Elaine) Shanks, Grace (Ross) Pirie, Mary Jane (Reg) Farquharson. Uncle & Great Uncle to many nieces & nephews. Nephew of Esther McKinlay, and Margaret Shouldice. Bill attended 1946 - 1948 Ontario Agriculture College, Guelph, Graduated - Associate of Agriculture Degree. 1952 - 1965 Part time Inspector with Canada Department of Agriculture, Inspected Pedigreed Seed both in the field and in the seed plants. 1971 - 1972 President Ontario Seed Growers Association. 1971 CSGA received Robertson Associate Award (highest award given in Canada to a Seed Grower). 1981 received Special Service Award from Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies - USA & Canada, 8 couples (6 were Past Presidents of CSGA, took their own 45 day seed related trip to Hong Kong, Thailand, visited Perth Australia Wheat Board, 3 days across Australia on the train to Adelaide, bus up the coast to Sydney, encountered a 5 day plane strike in Sydney, New Zealand, Hawaii, and home. 1975 - 1977 President of CSGA, 1977 Founding Father of Secan (Seeds Canada), 1981 - 1983 President of Secan, 1987 Chatham & District Agriculturist of the Year, 1991 Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame, 2004 Honorary Companion Award from University of Guelph, Served on the Official Board at Talbot Street United Church. Friends may call at the Secord & Smith Funeral Home 8 Aberdeen St. Merlin, 519-689-4261. Tuesday January 23rd, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday January 24th 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Thursday Jan. 25, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, Rev. Meg Runhart and Pastor Eric Skillings officiating. Burial in the Shanks Cemetery Romney Twp. MEMORIAL may be made to The Talbot Street United Church or Chatham-Kent Health Alliance by cheque thank you.