William ‘Bill’ Statchuk

On Friday, November 18, 2022, Dad passed away at the age of 94. Strong until the end but dementia took over through his last few years, slowly clouding the memories and faces of his life. Raised alongside his 11 brothers and sisters on the family farm in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, he left as a teenager and went logging in British Columbia, where he then “sold his boots” (as he said) for a train ticket, headed for Toronto. He met Olga Zachidniak at the famous dance club by Sunnyside Park on Lakeshore Dr., and married her in 1952. She was the youngest of 14 siblings from a Manitoba farm. In 1957 their daughter Doreen (Dave Rivard) arrived. It was at this time they headed to London and become landlords, buying a fourplex building and a family home. He became a tinsmith, building many famous signs that adorned London’s streets for many years. In 1961, son Grant was born. Dad was a self-taught man; he could build and fix just about anything. The big red snow blower he built from scratch including the crank case was a neighbourhood marvel that blew away the 70s snowstorms. Christmas by the fireplace at Dawn Drive with Mom’s gin fruit punch, the summer Ipperwash cottage rental, Friday fish night from Bob’s Fish & Chips and pizza at Vito’s Cave, were all fond memories he gave us. The fairytale ending for the Ukrainian couple was not to be… after two fun-filled trips to Hawaii, and meeting Don Ho (Tiny Bubbles), Mom became ill with cancer in the late 70s, and died in the summer of 1981. Dad eventually headed back to the dance hall and met another Ukrainian gal, Mauricia. His words: “why do I need to cut grass and shovel snow”, so they sold and moved into a condo, and both joined the condo board. He continued golfing with the friends he met throughout his remaining years – even last summer, he still enjoyed the driving range and “whackin’ a few”. He was driving until he turned 90; his thick head of jet black hair kept him youthful looking. He enjoyed his last 7 years in his own apartment at Pomeroy Place, with a fantastic 13th floor south-facing view; the honking geese flying by and a glass of red wine nightly out on the balcony. He is now at the 19th hole, resting and enjoying a beer.

Cheers dad.

A private family interment will be held. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider a charity of choice.