Mr. Wassili Willie Pekarchuk

Wassili "Willie" Pekarchuk

Wassili “Willie” Pekarchuk, a resident of the Pinecrest Home for the Aged, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2011 his 90th year. He is survived by his best friend, companion and loving wife of 61 years Helen (nee Zdrill). He will be lovingly missed by his children: Robert (Mary) in Carp, Ontario, Alan (Pat), Kenora, Ontario, and Diane Ouwehand (Tom), Dryden, Ontario. Also he leaves his grandchildren: Ryan (Kellie), Robyn; Samantha Carlson (Mark), Kristen (Mark Mitchell); Andrew Myles (Rebecca), Will Myles (Camille) and Great-Granddaughter Erika Pekarchuk. He will also be missed by cousin Julie Cederwall as well as relatives and friends in Ottawa, Manitoba and the USA.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Dorothy, his brother Mike and his sister Helen.

“Wee Willie” as he was known was born in Hamilton, Ontario on November 29, 1921. He spent much of his early teen years into his twenties in the Ukraine and Germany where his parents had relocated. His War years were spent in “Foreigner Detention”. Upon his return to Canada after the war he met and married Mom in 1950. He spent time “Commercial Fishing” on Lake of the Woods and never lost his love of fishing as he continued to fish well into his mid eighties and loved to be on the water with his son Alan. His love of Sport such as track, gymnastics, baseball, curling, hockey and football whether doing or watching always played a role in his life a love which he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He spent many years working for MANDO (Boise Cascade) retiring in 1984 as a millwright. A community spirited person saw him coaching baseball, on the Board of Kendo Credit Union, and as an Honorary Life Member volunteering at Legion functions. Dad always loved tinkering and building things even up until the time he entered the Pinecrest Home for the Aged in 2009. When he wasn’t doing that you might find him enjoying his small TV with his single earphone (so as not to disturb others).

Special thanks to Dr. Sawatzky, the second floor nursing staff and the Activation staff at Pinecrest for making his stay enjoyable.

As per his wishes immediate cremation has taken place. There will be a private family service with Internment at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery/Columbarium at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.

In memoriam donations may be made to Club-Day-Away or a charity of one’s choice.