William “Bill” Mesenchuk
(June 23, 1916 – August 18, 2011)

On Thursday, August 18, 2011 with his family by his side Grandpa “Bill” Mesenchuk passed away peacefully at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert after a lengthy stay.

Bill was born in Yorkton, SK on June 23, 1916 to Peter and Mary Mesenchuk. He grew up on a farm in the Guernsey district with his 6 siblings. During WWII he enlisted in the army and was sent overseas for a period of more than 2 years. Upon his return he moved to Prince Albert where he worked at the box factory. In 1950 he got a job as an orderly at the Holy Family Hospital in the operating room. He was one of the most dedicated employees who worked there for 36 years getting there every morning at 5:30 am when he didn’t have to be there until 7. He was Dr. Maciel’s right hand man, “My Bill Boy”.

In 1943 he met the love of his life, Helen Szabo and they were married June 5, 1945. They had a wonderful life doing everything together. They had two boys Gary and Wayne, which he loved dearly. He was truly a family man. After his retirement in 1986 Helen and Bill did some traveling but Bill loved to be at home so that he could putter in his garden, take care of the flowers and the lawn and make his daily trip to the mall where he could have coffee, shop and walk. He dearly loved his grandchildren and would do anything for them.

He was an avid Raider fan having had season tickets since 1975 and attending as many games as possible right up until this past season. He enjoyed watching sports on TV and loved to go to watch whenever Matthew and Mitchell played their sports. He was very proud of them.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of 66 years and his sons Garry (Collette) and his children Kevin and family from Kelowna, BC Kristin (Cary) from Lloydminster, Drew and Tylor and Wayne (Leah) and their sons Matthew and Mitchell as well as his little sweetheart “Darling Princess”. His sister Mary Fedorchuk of Cranbrook, BC and brother John (Rose) of Saskatoon as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary, brothers George (Kay), Pete (May), sisters Anne (Don Hryewich) and Irene (Bill Marianchuk) and brother-in-law Nick Fedorchuk.

A special thank you to Dr. Oleksinski for the care he provided to Dad for many years. He did everything he could for him and we are very grateful. As well during his final days Dr. Adamus for her care kind words and support. For the many years Dad provided care to others in health care he was truly blessed while he was in hospital to have all the nurses and staff of the 5th floor of the Victoria Hospital giving him their special care and attention. Our family was very touched by the kind words and helpfulness given to both Dad and ourselves. When referring to the medical challenges we faced as a family Dad always said to Wayne “we have to work as a team” and so we did both as a family and with all who cared for him.

Thank you to Pastor Dennis Serfas for his comforting words and the time spent during those difficult days and as well, Sister Renée and Father Tuan for their visits and prayers. Grandpa will be dearly missed by all who knew him but we realize that he was blessed with a wonderful life here and now he is in God’s hands and watching over us.

Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 23 from River Park Memorial Chapel – 301 River Street West. Pastor Dennis Serfas will officiate. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 24 from St. Mark Roman Catholic Church – 589 – 9th Street East, by Father Tuan Doan. Officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion will confer veteran’s honours. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria Hospital or to St. Mark Parish. Interment will take place in the Garden of Sermon on the Mount, Prince Albert Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends may send email condolences to www.riverparkfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Colette Kadziolka.

• Date : 2011-08-18 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK