It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Elchuk on June 26, 2015, a father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband to the late Mary Elchuk.  Bill was born on August 15, 1922 in Ukraine to Wakula and  Tekla Elchuk.  The Elchuk family immigrated to Canada on March 3, 1926 and settled in the Strong Pine District.  In 1929 with the buildings finally completed, the family moved to their homestead in what became the Shipman district.  This move brought Bill home in more ways than one.  Years later at a Shipman community picnic Bill met Mary Podhorodecki, who became the love of his life.  Bill and Mary were married on May 7, 1950 and remained married for nearly 65 years. 

It was on their farm where Bill and Mary embraced the country life and raised their family.  Bill was a proud farmer who valued hard work and loved good company.  Even at the end of a long working day he was ready to laugh and have a Pepsi or beer with whomever came to visit.  Bill ran a mixed farm, growing grain and raising cattle.  To bring in extra income Bill worked for the Apiary Division as a field Inspector, inspecting colonies of bees for foul brood from 1958 to 1964.    He was also employed with Smith-Roles selling welders and air compressors.  Bill lived on the farm until late 2013 when he joined Mary at Mont St. Josephs where he remained until his passing. 

He is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including: Paul (Christine) and their children, Robb (Sarah) & children Jill and Sophia, Michael (Erin) & children Brooke and Amy, Jennifer (Mike Middelkamp) & children Jacob, Emma and Abby, as well as Andrew (Lindsey). Joan (Donald Kenney) and their children, David (Skye Perry), Carolyn (Albert Ussher) & their son Leo, as well as Nicole and Brian. Marilyn (Dave Bulgis) and their children, Pam (Dustin Dyke) & their son Easton, Lance (Brittany) & their daughter Mackenzie and the youngest grandson Bryce. Cindy (Dave Graham) and her children Jason and Owen and Roger the youngest son remains on the family homestead.  Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Dave Webster officiating.  Interment will be held at South Hill Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

• Date : 2015-06-26