William James (Bill) Shortland was born November 19, 1918 at Ramsey, England and passed away September 28, 2011. Originally born William James Richardson, he was adopted at the age of three by Bernard and Sarah Jane Shortland of Briercrest. Bill grew up in Briercrest and attended Elarton School until grade 8 when he began farming with his father Bernard Shortland. Bill actively farmed until1978 when he and Mabel moved to Moose Jaw and their son Dennis took over the family farm. He married Mabel Bramall at Readlyn, SK on April 5, 1944 and they had four children: Melvin, Richard (Rick), Dennis, and Kathleen. Predeceased by his wife Mabel and son Melvin, he is survived by daughter-in-law Marg; sons Rick (Islay), Dennis (Darlene), and daughter Kathleen (Jay); nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at W.J.Jones & Son Chapel on Monday October 3, 2011 at 1:30 pm. Pastor John Duerksen will officiate. Royal Canadian Legion Funeral Rites will be conducted by Marty Martell. Interment will take place at the Briercrest Cemetery. Memorials to the Alzheimer Association, #301-2550 12th Ave., Regina, S4P 3X1, or the Sask. Heart & Stroke Foundation, 279 3rd Ave., N., Saskatoon, S7K 2H8, would be appreciated. In living memory of Bill, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).