Mr. William Neil ‘Bill’ Manning of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Sunday, April 24, 2016 at the age of 61 years. Bill was born on June 11, 1954 at Ponoka, Alberta, and lived the majority of his life at Red Deer. He met his wife and life partner of forty years, Rita Zirk at Calgary, Alberta, when he was completing his Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Calgary. Bill went on to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and worked as a Professional Engineer until 2012. Bill’s greatest passions were his family and his home. When he was completing his Civil Engineering Degree, he took his first daughter to University with him regularly. For Bill, no one was too young to learn or be fascinated by the world around them. Throughout his sixty-one years of life, he never lost his own wonderment and innocence. For some, he was a hard man to know, but those close to him knew he lived his life on his own terms. Bill never took more than he gave, and always gave more than he took. After his retirement, he put his heart and soul into preparing tremendous meals and keeping those close to him even closer. His greatest joy occurred when his family was home to share dinner and watch a movie. The strength of his children was a source of gratification for him as he knew that he had done his job as a father well. His wife and daughters carry his torch now and always; and will miss their greatest ally in life, each and every day. Although he did not volunteer his time publically, he would always lend a hand to those who needed one; or an ear to those who needed a friend. Those closest to him will miss his laugh; how he would state that “life was beautiful”; and that “the right thing was never the easy thing”; playing “name the artist”; and his love for watching a game of hockey. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife and life partner, Rita Manning; his daughters, Melissa Manning (Aaron King) and Amy Manning (Matt Heighington); and his brothers, Dave (Melo) Manning, Don (Norma) Manning, Dan (Mary) Manning, and Bruce Manning. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Eylert and Gwendolyn Manning, and a twin sister, Laurel “Dell” Manning (Alan Carnrite). A Celebration of Bill’s Life (dress code of jeans and t-shirts) will be held at his home at a later date, for his family and close friends. In place of flowers, the family requests that those affected by his passing share with others a random act of kindness; whether that be given in the form of making a cashier smile with a joke; inviting a friend over to your home to share a wonderful meal; or just working to make your corner of the world a bit of a better place. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Quinn Edwards, Funeral Director at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.