WILLIAM (BILL) PETER KOLBUCH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM (BILL) PETER KOLBUCH

Peacefully on Friday, December 4, 2020, our father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend, Bill Kolbuch, passed away at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre (SRHC) surrounded by the love of his children.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Cameron (Kate) and Aynsley (Mike); brothers, Joe and Raymond (Bernice); grandchildren, Jessica, Malcolm, Nicole and Alec as well as numerous nieces and extended family members. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Caroline, sister-in-law Ivy, and nephew Duane.
Dad was born in Selkirk, Manitoba on July 30, 1941 and lived in the surrounding area for his entire life. He joined Manitoba Hydro at the Selkirk Generating Station in 1962 and completed his first class power engineering ticket, eventually working his way into the position of Charge Engineer. After a successful 38-year career with Manitoba Hydro Dad retired. Although never one to turn down an opportunity, he worked an additional two years as Chief Power Engineer for CN at Symington Yard in Winnipeg.
Dad loved giving back to his community and it was evident from a young age when he joined Kinsmen. Over the years he was involved in many other volunteering initiatives including the East Selkirk Recreation Association, Bird's Hill Park, Seven Oaks and Concordia hospitals in Winnipeg, the Annual Terry Fox Run in Selkirk, and finally at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre where he was a dedicated volunteer for 12 years. SRHC became Dad's second home, a place where he made many lasting friendships and loved having the opportunity to make a difference. Whenever someone asked Dad what his duties included at the hospital he always replied, "everything but operate".
Over the course of Dad's life he enjoyed many hobbies including making stained glass art, raising pheasants and peacocks, and building an impressive coin collection for his grandchildren to cherish. He also had numerous interests including cheering on his beloved Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers teams, being outdoors with wildlife, he was a car enthusiast and adored driving his Ford Mustang, he enjoyed going for a long walk at Bird's Hill Park and riding his bike, having a good meal at his favourite restaurants, trying his luck at the Club Regent Casino, shopping the sales at Canadian Tire, and he was an exceptional self taught handyman. But despite Dad's many hobbies and interests, what stands out most to us are his life achievements. And there is none greater than being a father. Thank you for never failing us, always supporting us, and loving us unconditionally Dad. We will miss you so very much.
Dad will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, and incredible sense of humour. He loved nothing more than to make people laugh and see people happy. His presence at family gatherings made them that much more memorable; and the stories and memories that followed will be cherished by our extended family and us for years to come.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the health care professionals that have assisted Dad over the years. We would also like to thank Dad's brothers, Joe and Raymond, sister-in-law Bernice, Dr. Ken Iwaasa, Indy at Selkirk Pharmacy, nurse Josie at SRHC, and friends, Kim and Alisha. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten.
Due to current restrictions and our desire for everyone to remain safe, the family will arrange a Celebration of Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Terry Fox Foundation, Hawerchuk Strong, or simply take a moment to reminisce about a favourite memory with Dad and share in an act of kindness unto others. Rest easy dad.

"If there ever comes a day
when we can't be together,
keep me in your heart.
I'll stay there forever"

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020