WILLIAM “BILL” HAWRYLUK
1917 - 2017

It is with deep sadness, but also with a sense of peace, that we announce the death of our loving husband, father, and Gido, William (Bill) Hawryluk, on May 19th at the age of 99. Bill was born on the farm in Krydor, SK. His birth records were destroyed in a church fire, however, Dad always celebrated his birthday on Remembrance day and was looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday. He was the 6th of 7 children born to Peter and Anastasia (Kacuiba) Hawryluk. When he started school, Bill only spoke Ukrainian. He was, however, a quick learner who was proficient in his studies and assisted his siblings to learn the English language. Growing up, Bill excelled at fastball and played for teams including the Riverside Royals . He was a free style left handed pitcher who was recruited by teams – near and far! He spent 3 ½ years of active military service during the Second World War with the Prince Albert Volunteers, stationed at the Pacific Command with the Aerodrome Defense Units. His extended teaching career began in Hafford, SK in 1941. During his career he continued his education and proudly graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with B.A. and B.Ed degrees. Bill was part of a ground breaking group of teachers who were instrumental in establishing an all-boys Catholic School, which would later become St. Mary High School. He spent 42 years with the Prince Albert Catholic School Division, initially as a teacher, and later as principal of St. John and St. Mary High Schools. Bill’s teaching specialty was Algebra. Over the years, many of his former students had reached out to Bill (and his family) and had credited him with not only the assistance and guidance that he had provided them in mathematics, but also the life lessons that he had bestowed upon them as well. Over the years, Bill wore many hats. He was a community builder, who was involved in the STF, a trustee member of the Catholic School Board, a life member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years, and was president of the St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish. When not involved with community ventures, Bill could often be found providing a trusty hand at the wheel of a grain truck at the family farm, working alongside his brother Paul, son Ron, and nephew Irwin. Outside the rigors of harvest, Bill took pride in working at Ted Matheson Men’s Wear and recalled many fond memories with Ted, Jack, Fred and The Boys – who always ensured that Bill was dressed to a “T”. Bill was proud of his Ukrainian Catholic heritage and faith and both he and Helen took great pride in their legacy - watching their children adopt the Ukrainian culture and follow the related traditions. Left to cherish beautiful memories of Bill are his wife of 67 years Helen ( Zerebecki); three children, Barb (Bill) Prokopchuk; Ron (Rosa) Hawryluk; Judy (Garnet) Churchwell; 5 grandchildren, Jason (Jamie) Prokopchuk, Steven (Christine) Prokopchuk, Kendra Churchwell, and Krysta and Marc Hawryluk; 4 great grandchildren, Hunter and Thea Prokopchuk and Colby and Olivia Prokopchuk; sister, Grace LeGatt; sister-in-law Maurine Zerebecki; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill joins in eternal peace his parents Peter and Anastasia; parents-in-law Paul and Pauline Zerebecki; infant brother Steven; sisters, brothers, and their spouses, Anne (Walter) Kulak; Jack (Anne) Hawryluk; Kate (Joe) Holuk; Paul (Olga) Hawryluk; Frank LeGatt and Bill Zerebecki; nephews Paul Zerebecki and Loyce Hawryluk. The family would like to thank Dr. Halyk and his nurse Colleen, and all the Home Care staff for their care. Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 7:00 PM and Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Both services being held at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 752 14th Street West, Prince Albert, SK. VICHNAYA PAM’IAT In lieu of flowers, a memorial trust fund is being set up for a Mathematic scholarship in memory of William (Bill) Hawryluk at St. Mary High School. Donations may be made to the CIBC Main Branch 1132-Central Ave. P.A., SK S6V 4V6. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Chapel, Don Moriarty Funeral Director.