William Allen Sentes
November 5th, 2019
Sentes, William Allen passed away at the age of 90 years surrounded by his family on November 5, 2019.
He was predeceased by his parents Agatha and Andrew Sentes; sisters Bertha (Henry) Scheer and Mary (Ernie) Wittal; brothers James, Frank (Leila), Albert (Ethel) and Donald; sister-in-law Marlene Miller and brother-in-law Gordon Willas.
Willie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Joni and their children Guy (Lisa), Michelle (Dale – Chris (Jolene), Amber, Devon (Carissa) and great-grandchildren Liam, Drydon, Aizlyn and Camdyn); sisters-in-law Margaret Sentes, Elvira Sentes and Bernice Racine; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Flowers are gratefully declined. A memorial contribution may be made in his name to the Echo Valley Railroad Guild – Please contact Ron Coburn at rdcoburn@accesscomm.ca
Willie was born and raised in east end Regina, SK on May 11, 1929. He was a proud citizen of Regina; he could be seen many times wearing his “I Love Regina” t-shirt, he made sure everyone he crossed paths with knew how great of a city Regina truly is.
Willie attended St. Augusta School, during his early years he sold newspapers in downtown Regina in the Hamilton Street area. And was a proud member of the East end Lugan’s.
Willie started working with Uncle Toni in the sheet metal trade, but in true form a little fun was needed so he started to travel with the circus. Circus life ended quickly when in 1952 Willie and Joni met, five years later in 1957 they were married in Winnipeg, MB. In 1967 they welcomed their first child Guy into there lives, and in 1972 their family of four was complete when Michelle arrived.
Willie started with the Regina School Board in 1970, after 23 years and 4 months Willie retired in 1993.
Willie was a passionate member of the Echo Valley Railroad Guild for many years.
In 1984 Willie and Joni started Trains for VIP, Willie was in his glory, being the “train man”.
Willie and Joni lived all their married years in Regina, other then a brief 4 months, they were in Calgary, always owning their own home, Willie was very proud of his home, and always wanted the best for his family.
Willie enjoyed his retirement to the fullest, he concentrated on his wood work, trains and his family. He made a replica of the east end of Regina where he was born and raised, this display was donated to the Hungarian Club.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Pasqua Hospital ER and MSU Unit.
Messages:
Joni Guy Michelle and all the family we were saddened to hear of your loss. Bill became my first friend when I moved to Regina in 1975. We had a common interest in model trains and spent many years in the craft together. We worked on and travelled to many train conventions together. I also had the privilege of working with Bill for a number of years. And the annual BBQ’s at the lake. Many good and interesting memories. Bill was defiantly a memorable and colourful person. Bill and I have had the fortune of riding the train of life together for a long tour. He will be missed. To the family Loretta and I will have you in our thoughts and prayers.
It has been many years since we have seen Bill. Have memories of meeting him in Regina and at Melville at the Railway Days they used to have there. My father Len really enjoyed being with Bill and the Echo Valley model railroaders at these meets we went to. Very sorry to hear about your loss.
Joni, Guy and Michelle. I'm sorry to hear about Willie, I have many fond memories of working with him at the school board. I'm thinking of all of you.
Joni, Sentes family. I am very saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences, know that I am here for you. I am so blessed to have gotten to know you and your family. Much love. Adeline.
Bill was a good man and a terrific modeler. He will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to the entire family. My last contact with Bill was in the Safeway Store in Southland Mall, we had a great chat and solved all the worlds problems, haha. Joni, when the time is right how about coffee or lunch at some future date. All the best.
Dear Joni, we are so sad to hear that you have lost Bill. We will always remember the wonderful times we spent at your home with the Regina Model Railroad Club members. The delighted look on Bill's face when he surprised me in the bathroom with his train, lights and whistle as it zoomed through the room! Your home was so welcoming, and we will miss his cheery face. You were a wonderful couple together, and we know you will miss him.
Joni, Michelle, Guy and Family, We are sorry to hear that Willie has passed away. We have many fond memories of our visits with the Sentes family. One in particular was a party hosted by Joni and Willie to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary on August 27, 1976. We have a photo album of that occasion which we hope to share with you on our next Regina visit. Please accept our comfort and condolences.