He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his loving wife, Katharine; sons Mark (Nora Kennedy), William (Bill Jr.), and Terry; daughters Christine (Craig Johnston) and Mary Ann; and grandchildren Joshua and Ethan Rozad, Kate Cain, Teddy Rozad, and Oksana and Brooklyn Johnston. Predeceased by his loving parents, Mykola and Ewa Rozad, and his sister Anna Koroliuk and her son Vasyl of Ukraine.
Bill was a devoted husband and father who loved his family dearly. Born in Pawlowa, Ukraine, he was extremely proud of his Ukrainian heritage while also appreciative of his Canadian citizenship. Forced to leave his homeland during World War II at the age of 17, he bravely emigrated to Canada after the war in 1947 where he met his wonderful wife of 66 years who was forced to leave the same homeland at the age of 15. He was very involved over many decades with the St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church parish community in Cambridge (Preston).
Bill was proud of his many years as district manager for a leading shoe machine manufacturer, earning everyone's great respect. His work travels took him to Winnipeg, New Jersey, and Trinidad & Tobago along with his large Ontario territory.
He built his house with his own hands and was Mr. Fixit around the home. He tried his hand at judo and karate and became an avid golfer after his retirement. A very proud accomplishment was a hole in one at Brookfield which was matched by his son Mark on the very same hole 21 years later. He golfed right up until the age of 96! His many friends from the Grand Valley Seniors League will miss him.
He loved being in front of a microphone and was witty with a great sense of humour. He was knowledgeable about and enjoyed talking history, politics, and religion, especially with his numerous close friends in the Ukrainian community. He was an avid reader and mall walker.
Due to COVID-19 limitations, a private family service was held in the chapel at Barthel Funeral Home, officiated by Fr. Myroslaw Tataryn and assisted by Fr. Deacon Jerry Polischuk, followed by burial at the cemetery. A memorial service is planned for a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 582 Eagle St. N., Cambridge, ON N3H 1C3.
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