Obituary of William Velestuk
MAY 11, 1922 – APRIL 18, 2017
William (Bill) Velestuk passed away peacefully at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Veteran’s Unit, on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, just shy of his 95th birthday.
Bill was born on May 11, 1922 in Grenfell, Saskatchewan to Jacob and Mary (Yaremko) Velestuk. He grew up in Broadview, Saskatchewan and in 1939 he enlisted in the allied forces as part of the 17th Field Regiment. He served oversees during World War II and earned the rank of L. Sergeant. When the war was over Bill returned to Broadview and started his career with the CPR.
In 1947 he married Barbara (Humphrey) and together they raised their five children in Broadview and later in Estevan and Moose Jaw where he retired. Bill (also affectionately known to his family as Yodie) always kept busy after retirement doing maintenance work and helping his kids with renovation projects. Bill was a sports enthusiast and was considered a natural athlete. He was known as an excellent hockey player and ball player in Broadview. He continued to play and coach over the years. Bill also excelled in golf and got so much enjoyment from the game. Despite suffering a stroke in 1991 he never lost his passion to stay physically active. He continued to play golf and stay in shape by walking and biking until he was 90 years old.
Bill was friendly, kind, good natured, a hard worker, a wonderful family man and a man of faith. He loved a good game of cards, visiting family members and lending a hand to anyone in need of help. In 2008, after the passing of his wife Barbara of 61 years, Bill lived with his daughter Patti Rawluk until moving into Wascana. His family wishes to thank the staff of the Wascana Rehabilitation Veterans Unit for the compassionate care that they gave him during his time there. They truly are a special group of people!
Throughout his life Bill remained happy, positive and inspiring. In recent years he became known for greeting people in the community or in Wascana with a resounding “Happy Happy Day!” His joyfulness touched the hearts of those who were privileged to know him. He was loved by all and his memory will forever be cherished.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Mary; his wife Barbara; his brothers Steve, Michael, and Edward; his sister Agnes Rice (aka Peggy) (Rod); and his sisters-in-law Lill and Merril.
He will be lovingly remembered by his family Don (Joyce) of Chase, BC, and their children Greg (Audrey), Richard (Richelle) and great grandson Sebastian of Kamloops; Ed (Darlene) of Kamloops and their children Tiana Van Dyk (Brandon) of Calgary, Brandon (Laurel) of Vancouver, Patti Rawluk of Regina, and her son Kerry, Ron (Lisa) of Winnipeg, and their children Kyle and Garry and Ray (Joan) of Mission, BC, and their children Shea and Logan; brothers John (Diane) of Vancouver, Alexander (Beryl) of Calgary, Edmond (Doreen) of Delta, BC, and Jacob of Calgary; his brother-in-law Rod of Langley and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Riverside.
Friends so wishing may make donations in honor of Bill to Wascana Rehabilitation Centre c/o DVA Unit, 2180 3rd Avenue, Regina, SK S4S0A5.
