William Victor Woytkiw

Will is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 38 years, Terri; his three daughters: Ana Sommers (Hudson), Stephanie Mudryk (Chaney), Bethany Woytkiw (Jeremy Moore) and granddaughters Zoe, Avery and Gwydolyn. He will also be mourned by his brother Greg (Marion Allen) and sisters Catherine Lepatski, Rosemarie Fox (Len) and Frances Woytkiw (Brian Kennedy), several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Harry Woytkiw and Mary Woytkiw.

Will was born and grew up in Smoky Lake. While times were not always easy, he and his siblings always recalled the good memories: berry picking, gardening, time at the lake and family hijinx. He moved to Edmonton in the 70s, working at various jobs for several years. Without the chance to complete high school, Will returned to university as a mature student and overcame many barriers to complete degrees in Education and Arts. His life experience and education lead him to a 27 year career as a school counsellor and teacher with Northern Gateway School Division. Will had the opportunity to work with many children and families, and always had an open door for a child, colleague or friend having a hard time.

Will met Terri in 1976 while he was working summer relief at the Breton ALCB outlet, and a lifelong partnership was born. They married in 1983, and after completing university in Lethbridge, moved to Onoway in 1985 where they lived for the next 29 years, raising their 3 girls, making many friends and participating in local activities. Over the years, Will gave back to his community through various organizations including the Southern Alcare Society, Onoway Heritage Days, the Alberta Liberal Party, Alberta Teachers Association and the Cancer Society.

Will was an amazing hands-on dad. He rarely missed a basketball practice or concert. He taught his daughters to build fences, replace torsion bars, to stargaze, to be generous and kind, and do their best. He was there when they hit the ditch or had car trouble, and took them off roading and motor biking. He watched with pride as they each completed university and found happiness with their own life partners. He was thrilled to welcome granddaughters Zoe, Avery and Gwydonlyn to the family, and we know he would regret not being able to see them grow into who they will become.

As a husband, Will brought strong family values, compassion, kindness, a listening ear and a sense of humour to the building of a family and a life. He was forgiving, thoughtful, respectful, loyal and a steadfast support to Terri, through good times and bad. He was always game for a late-night coffee run, a road trip or to go storm chasing. Terri and Will had had the chance to enjoy several vacations in BC, Alberta and across Canada, making some great memories. Together they helped each other bring out the other's best parts.

A fall in 2000 left Will with lifelong mobility challenges, but drawing on his strong sense of independence and determination, he did not let this prevent him from pursuing his many interests. He loved a good story, camping, road trips, Star Trek, most things Sci Fi, Junior Hockey and remote control planes. He took pride in building a log cabin with good friend Phil, and golfing with buddies George and Milton. In his younger years, he was a keen guitarist and he enjoyed music. He explored many crafts and was a very talented knitter. He enjoyed his motorbike a great deal and was thrilled to get back onto it this past summer with the help of Jeremy Moore, soon to be son in law.

Will was a very caring man who had great compassion for those experiencing hard times, especially children. In recognition of this, in lieu of flowers the family would request any donations be directed to The Zebra Child Protection Centre or another Children's charity of your choice. www.zebracentre.ca/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ParklandFuneralServices.com for the Woytkiw family.

Please click "Join Livestream" under Services and use the following login information:

Username: parkland

Password: MPMRQW