WILLIAM (BILL) DONALD ROMANIUK

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WILLIAM (BILL) DONALD ROMANIUK Dad picked a beautiful day in August to leave this earthly realm. After two lonely years without his Caroline, he departed to be with her. William (Bill) Donald Romaniuk was born in winter, February 8, 1926, and died in summer, August 8, 2018. He was a winter guy and a summer guy. He was a national champion curler in the Canada Post League, and he was an avid fisherman in the lakes and streams of Manitoba and Ontario. He loved animals, he loved to make puns, he loved his wife and family. He was hard working, principled, and in his humble way he lived a bounteous life. Dad was retired as many years as he worked. He loved retirement. Though he was a committed union man while with Canada Post, in his retirement he enjoyed visiting his son, Lloyd in Ear Falls, or putting a few holes with Carol at their own "golf course" at Birds Hill Park, or organizing cribbage tournaments at the Maples Senior Centre. He rotated the players from table to table, and totalled the scores. Great fun!! Bill was born in Mountain Road, MB, the second of 12 children born to Peter and Pauline (Adamyk) Romaniuk: John, Bill, Frank, Andy, Wally, Mary, Chris, Adam, Victor, Annie, Maurice and Ed. When he was still a boy, the family moved to Sandy Lake where Bill learned Ukrainian at ridna shkola. Like many young men at the time, Dad left his home in Sandy Lake to fight overseas in the Second World War. He was one of the lucky ones: he came home. In later years, he was proud to be a vet. Mom and Dad were married during the 1950 flood. Within eight years, they had four children: Gloria, Valerie, Patricia and Lloyd. Raising their young family, they worked hard, improving their situation and helping other relatives along the way. Carol did not live to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary. It was hard for Dad without her. He lived at Bethania Personal Care Home from February 2017 until his passing. He was comfortable there, and we, his children were comforted by the care he received. We thank the staff and other residents for their kindness and support. Dad's grandparents emigrated from Ukraine to Mountain Road in 1899. They made a good life in Canada and made Canada a good place to live. Thanks, Grandparents and thanks Dad for raising us in this country of opportunity, where your grandchildren could grow and thrive: Bill, Jadel, Robyn, Miranda, Roslyn and Trevor. Vichnaya Pam'yat! Memory eternal, may your memory live forever! A private service will take place. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 11, 2018