WILLIAM (BILL) PROKOPENKO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM (BILL) PROKOPENKO January 24, 1929 - December 6, 2005 Peacefully, on Tuesday, December 6, 2005 with his family by his side, Bill left to meet the good Lord. Bill loved his family more than life itself. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Sylvia, his son Lawrence (Cheryl) of Winnipeg and his daughter Teresa (Doug Petriw) of Lethbridge. His grandchildren Adam, Erin and Michelle were his greatest pride and joy. He is also survived by his brothers Walter (Virginia) and Ted (Joan) and their children. Bill was predeceased by his mother Elsie (Onyshko) in 1949 and father Fred Prokopenko in 1966. Bill was born on January 24, 1929 and lived in Winnipeg all his life. He completed his grade 12 at Isaac Newton School and worked at Transport Canada from 1966 until he retired in 1991 as an Airport Duty Manager. Bill was an active and dedicated member of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. It was there that he met his bride Sylvia whom he married on September 15, 1951. She was always the love of his life and they cherished the many years they spent together raising their children and grandchildren. Bill was also a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Josaphat Council #4138 since 1956. For over forty years Bill enjoyed relaxing at Falcon Lake with his family. He loved to fish, and knew all the best spots to pick blueberries and mushrooms. Ever active, Bill enjoyed curling, bowling and golfed often with his friends at Elmhurst. An avid gardener, he tended his flowers and tomatoes with the greatest care. His love for a good polka prompted him to craft and play his own tsymbaly. Bill loved nothing better than to spend time with his family, and he particularly cherished the opportunity to travel to Alaska with them this past summer. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Ave. with Rev. Fr. Mikhail Kouts and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to St. Paul's High School, 2200 Grant Ave., R3P 0P8 or St. Mary's Academy Foundation, 550 Wellington Cres., R3M 0C1. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2005