William Marquardt

William Marquardt

Peacefully, wrapped in the arms and love of his family, William Josephe Marquardt, passed away on February 13, 2014 in his home in Palm City, Florida.  William was 8 ½ years old.  William is lovingly remembered by his mommy and daddy, Rod and Oralea Marquardt, of Palm City, Florida along with his big sissy, Kyla, and little brother, John.  Also left to mourn are his grandparents, Ora Dunbar of Oakville, Manitoba and Marie and Ron Marquardt of Winnipeg, Manitoba as well as his aunts and uncles, Brent Dunbar of Oakville, Tammy Dunbar of Portage La Prairie, Bunny and Larry Mitchell (cousins Kevin and Keith) of Winnipeg, Michele and Rob Brenning (cousins Trent and Troy) of Ottawa, and Alexander Marquardt and Tatiana Cane of Philadelphia.  He will be missed by many extended family and friends along with special friend Joanne Helgren of Palm City.  William was predeceased by his grandfather, William Dunbar of Oakville.

William was born July 7, 2005 in Ormond Beach, Florida.  He was a happy little boy who adored his big sissy and loved his little brother.  Throughout his short life, he fought many battles against Gm1 gangliosidosis.  His strength, endurance and power never ceased to amaze those around him.  He taught us how to take pleasure in the simplest of moments that life has to offer and touched so many throughout the world, without ever saying a word.

We would like to thank his amazing care team from Treasure Coast Hospice for giving us the tools to care for William at home for his 8 ½ years.  Thank you to Dr. Genon Wicina for enabling us to provide William’s care in his home environment, surrounded each day by love.  Because of your assistance we were given the gift of creating many wonderful memories together.  Thank you to all his nurses especially Andrea, Cyndi, Linda, Clover, Addie, Carol, and Ozzy for providing so much loving care for William. Thank you Candy and Michele for the joy each week of music and therapy.  Finally, thank you to the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Disease organization and all of the parents of special angels who gave us support throughout William’s life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Newton Community Fellowship Church, Newton, MB.  A private family interment will follow at the Oakville Community Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in William’s memory to a Memorial Fund in his name at the Portage La Prairie Credit Union, Oakville Branch, or to the National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Organization in Boston, MA.  ( www.ntsad.org ).

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com