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Bill DIACHUK Obituary
October 8, 1929 – October 17, 2014
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Bill Diachuk.
Bill will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife and soul-mate of 62 years, Ollie. Bill will be sadly missed by his sons, Glenn (Bonnie) and Kenneth (Darlene) and his daughters, Teresa (Amber), Brenda (Erin) and Lynda (Kenny); his grandchildren, Corinne and Dan (Lisa), Kayla (Jeff), Tarin (Leah), Laryssa and William; his great-grandson, Oliver; his half-sister, Joyce (Bill). Bill was predeceased by his third born son, Douglas; his birth Dad, Nick Diachuk; his mother, Helen; his step-father, Bill Towpich; his sister, Rose and infant sister, Victoria.
Bill was involved in a great number of community and church organizations. Served as trustee on the Catholic School Board, Member of the Alberta Legislature for sixteen years. Bill served as a full-time volunteer for over 25 years at Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, Bishop Budka Charitable Society and the Knights of Columbus, to name a few.
The family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff at the University of Alberta Hospital and the Mel Miller Hospice.
Prayers Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 7007 – 109 Street.
Divine Liturgy Wednesday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Basilian Fathers officiating with interment in St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ukrainian Canadian Social Services – Bill and Ollie Endowment Fund, 11717 – 97 Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 1Y3, St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church or Bishop Budka Charitable Society, c/o #98, 52304 Range Road 233, Sherwood Park, AB T8B 1C9.
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62 Entries
October 30, 2014
Dear Ollie,
My sympathy on the loss of your dear husband, Bill. I'll remember him as a man of integrity, energy and good will. Those who knew him were so fortunate to have such a wonderful presence in their lives. I was one of the lucky ones to have known Bill while working on projects which he took on with gusto. Much love, Johann Pelech Mann
October 30, 2014
Ollie and family
Upon hearing the news of Bill's passing I was shocked and saddened. Very few people have given so much of themselves to family, Province, the Knights of Columbus and his Church. He was truly a man of faith and gave so much of himself and he left his positive mark on society.
I regret could not be at his funeral service and hopefully these short words bring some comfort to you. May he rest in peace.
Justice Allan H. Wachowich
Louise Jubinville
October 27, 2014
Dear Ollie, Teresa, Brenda, Lynda and all of Bill's family,
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. During the years I coached and taught his girls at AOB he was extremely supportive and encouraging. He always greeted everyone with a smile and kind words. You no doubt have many great memories of your dad/husband, and he will be missed by many.
Sincerely, Louise Jubinville
Don and Audrey Zarsky
October 27, 2014
Dear Ollie and Family,
It was with great sadness that we heard of Bill's passing. I know that Don and I will always remember him as a very caring and family oriented person. He loved life and made the most of it. Ollie we know that you will miss your life partner very much but the memories you will have of those many years will provide you with much comfort. To the family you will always miss your dad but know he was very well liked and well respected.
Vichnaya Pamyat
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October 23, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Bill Diachuk's death. I was privileged to have been a senior manager on his staff for the eight years he was Minister of Workers' Health, Safety and Compensation. He was a kind and understanding boss, always open to discuss issues and to represent his department on the political scene. I admired his ability to be at ease with delegations we met with provincially, nationally and internationally. He blended wise counsel with humourous insight. It was a pleasure to have worked closely with Bill on Legislature Select Committees and the OHS Heritage Grant Fund and other of his achievements. Elizabeth and I extend our deepest sympathy to Ollie and the family.
Elizabeth and Keith Smith, Parksville, BC
October 23, 2014
Dear Ollie: We have just learned of the death of Bill. We have many fond memories of our times together at 4th Degree meetings. May God grant you blessings at this time of sorrow.
Marty & Clare Schneider
[email protected]
Jeff Zanini
October 23, 2014
My deepest condolences to Lynda and family. Much Love.
Rosalynn Ruptash
October 22, 2014
Dear Ollie and Family.
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. We wish you enough fond memories to comfort you through this time of loss.
Lots of hugs,
Rosalynn Ruptash, children Angeline & Roland T. Doberstein and families
deborah and christopher towpich
October 22, 2014
sorry to hear of the passing of uncle bill pat and i thought the world of him his encouragement that he gave to us will always be remembered and now the reunion in the sky begins best to you all
Barbara Letendre
October 22, 2014
Dear Ollie and Family, our prayers are with you in your time of need. May the many happy memories that were shared be of comfort in your loss.
Bill and Barbara Letendre and family
Morris Kadylo
October 22, 2014
Mrs. Diachuk & Family (With great respect, and since I never used Ollie),
Wonderful and cherished Cheremosh memories with Bill! Pretty sure Bill, Doug and Dad are enjoying this beautiful sunny day, all my love!
October 22, 2014
Mr. Diachuk always had time to say hello and chat. What a memory he possessed. God bless you as you grieve his passing.
Tom Parada
[email protected] Dziadyk
October 22, 2014
Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Bill was very dedicated to the men's club, raising money for the church to be built, (I was Assistant Priest at St. Basil's Church at that time, which was my first church when I returned from Rome) and numerous other charities – we were quite proud to have one of our boys serving in the Legislature for Alberta and for so many years – Very Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, Ollie and Family. I will have mass for Bill on Wednesday at St. Nicholas Church in Winnipeg. Vichnaya Pamyat. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25,26.
~ Very Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM; Rose Dziadyk; Carl & Vie Dziadyk, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Gail Haakstad
October 22, 2014
Our sincere sympathy to Ken, Dar and family on the loss of your father, and grandfather! Thinking of you?
Danny Desanko
October 22, 2014
Bill, remember that Friday evening about 7:00 pm when you and I were outside standing on your front grass chit chatting and you said to me, "Danny, remember this golden rule ... giving is contagious"?
Bill, I am now 49 years old and the golden rule you shared with me decades ago still inspires me today. Thank you.
elizabeth yaremko
October 21, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Stanley Chajkowski
October 21, 2014
sorry to hear about the passing of Bill,
he was a fine Gentleman
October 21, 2014
We have had many good times over the years with Bill and Ollie with the Knights of Columbus and will mourn his passing and pray for him and his family. Ken and Sophie (Tkachuk ) Beauchamp P.S.D Knights of Columbus.
October 21, 2014
Ollie & family
When you think of Bill and everything that made him the man he was his memory lives through you. A life well-lived is a lasting inspiration, may you hold dear your treasured memories.
Sending love and comfort.
John & Stella Bray, Edmt.
Trevor Conway
October 21, 2014
Lots of fond memories of Mr. Diachuk! Condolences to the entire Diachuk family.
Sandra Medic
October 21, 2014
Lynda & Family - My most sincere & heartfelt condolences to you all. Love and hugs...
Linda Swityk
October 21, 2014
Joyce and Billy Soltys. So sorry for your loss.
Diane & Roger Morin
October 20, 2014
Our dear friend Ollie,and family, It is with great sorry we send you our deep condolences. We have wonderful memories of our special neighbours the Diachuks. We just moved back from BC and talked about getting together with you as soon as we were unpacked and settled again.
Bill was a wonderful man, he touched our lives greatly. We grew to love you both and always enjoyed our visits. We have faith that Bill is peaceful resting in the loving arms of our saviour and He is whispering in Bills ear. "Well done good and faithful servant".
We have a strong belief in our family that those we have loved that leave us are not lost but walk beside us as our 'GUARDIAN ANGELS' Please know that you will all be in our thoughts and prayers and when you feel up to it we will get together for a visit. We will be close should you need some company. Peace and Love ,Diane and Roger Morin 587-269-0900
October 20, 2014
My deepest sympathy to you Ollie and family
Lillian Hawirko(Olineck)
October 20, 2014
Brenda: We were very sad to hear of the passing of Bill Diachuk. Please accept our condolences and may the presence of family & friends help ease your sorrow at this time.
George & Maryann Bodnar, Brosseau
John and Sonia Shalewa
October 20, 2014
Please accept our most sincere sympathies. Bill was definitely one of a kind. He will be missed by all, but remembered for ever. Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
Della Kostyshen
October 20, 2014
Ollie and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May God grant you strength and peace as you face each tomorrow.
Della Kostyshen
Lindsay Stewart
October 20, 2014
Memories of my time working with Bill and Ollie over the years always stick in the top of my best times. Spending Ukranian Xmas were some of the most enjoyable times. Bill taught me many things in the political forum that I have taken into my life and used daily.
May Bill find a good "seat" in the Legislative council of our Lord
October 20, 2014
"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Author Unknown
Dear Kenny, Lynda, Laryssa & Will, we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
With all our love,
Derek & Sharon Dreger & Family
Betty Screpnek
October 20, 2014
A wonderful man who demonstrated integrity in his interactions with people and business decisions.
Betty Screpnek
October 20, 2014
A wonderful man who demonstrated integrity in his interactions with people and business decisions.
Emily Clarkson(Cymbaluk)
October 20, 2014
Dear Ollie & Family
Thinking of you at this time of loss and wishing you comfort and healing in the days ahead.
Katherine Corkery (Hawrylechko)
October 20, 2014
We all leave this place when it is our time. And those of us left behind reflect on the moments shared together and are blessed with this knowledge that our lives would not have been the same had our paths not crossed. My heart goes out to the whole family.
October 20, 2014
Ollie, and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Cathy and Kevin Methot
October 20, 2014
Ollie and Family, my deepest sorrow and condolances to all of you. Bill was such a special man. I am honored to have had both him and Ollie in my life, I will always hold him and his memory dear to my heart. My heart and prayers to Ollie and his family
Donna Smith (mighty mouse)
Karen and Ryan Campbell
October 20, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Lynda,Kenny,Laryssa and Will; we love you and are so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Gido.
Elsie, Karen, Robert Huk/Danelesko
October 20, 2014
To Mrs. Diachuk and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have fond memories of Mr. Diachuk serving as President of the Ukrainian Cheremosh Society and leading the Cheremosh tour to San Diego and Disneyland in 1978. What fun we had! Every time you met him, even years later, Mr. Diachuk always had time for another "Cheremosh family member". Thank you Mr. Diachuk, we owe you a debt of gratitude for the many hours you volunteered to Cheremosh. May your memory be eternal.
Barb Black (Hunka)
October 20, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Ted Holtby
October 19, 2014
Our heartfelt sympathy
October 19, 2014
To Teresa and family,
Our sympathy to you Teresa and all of your family. May the memories through the years comfort you.
Rita and Les Charles
Julius Yankowsky
October 19, 2014
Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him O'Lord.
October 19, 2014
Ollie and family - our most sincere condolences and sympathy at this difficult time
Al & Liz Ambrock
Lori Lucki
October 19, 2014
To the Diachuk Family,
Thinking of you all in your time of great sorrow. Indeed, you will have a Guardian Angel watching over you. Mr. Diachuk was a kind and gentle man and always a pleasure to be in his presence. May the Good Lord bless and comfort you all at this time.
Greg and Patricia Stevens
October 19, 2014
Dear Ollie and family:
Bill was a kind and fun loving friend who served with Greg in the Legislature. Bill was his seatmate both in the House and in Cabinet.
Our sincere sympathy to you Ollie and to your family. We hope the many good memories of Bill will help you through this difficult time of loss. Greg is thinking of some of the funny things Bill would tell him, the trips they shared and the meetings they attended. Most of all Bill was an ethical and hard working contributor to the people he represented, always sincere, and very much a part of the community. He will be missed.
Rose Seerey
October 19, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family
William and Natalie Zurawell Edmonton Alberta
October 18, 2014
With sympathy to the Diachuk family.May the sorrow and loss you feel soon give way to warm memories and may those memories comfort and strengthen you and give you peace. Sincerely Walter and Stella YakowchukGrassland Alberta.
October 18, 2014
our sincere sympathy to the Diachuk family. May the sorrow and loss you feel soon give way to warm memories. And may those memories comfort and strengthen you and give you peace.Sincerely Walter & Stella Yakowchuk Grassland, Alberta.
Dennis Anderson
October 18, 2014
I worked with Bill in the Legislature. The world will miss his good humor and dedication.
Dennis Anderson
Vic & Vi Sorochan
October 18, 2014
Our condolences to the Diachuk family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Diana Hutchcroft
October 18, 2014
Thinking of all of you during this time. Luv the Hutchcrofts
October 18, 2014
Ollie and family --
Please accept our condolences on Bill's passing. We were great friends and colleagues in the Alberta Legislature, and Bill served his constituents and the province well. Kind regards, Allan & Jean Warrack
Eileen Siracky
October 18, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
October 18, 2014
God help you during your profound grief. Find comfort in your cherished memories. Blessings and our love and thoughts are with you always. Vera and Family
October 18, 2014
Our deepest condolences to you, Ollie and family, look after each other, we will keep you close to our hearts.
Gwen and Gerry Stephenson
October 18, 2014
Our deepest condolances to you Ollie and your family, look after each other ,we will keep you close..
October 18, 2014
Our prayers are with you Ollie and family in your sorrow. Bill was a wonderful person and appreciated serving with him. LeRoy & Deanne Fjordbotten
Al & Helene Alain
October 18, 2014
Bill contributed a great deal to society in so many ways and was also a wonderful example of being a great family man. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. We offer our deepest condolences to Ollie and family for this great loss.
Amber Clemons-Lopez
October 18, 2014
Mr. Diachuk, it was my honor to have met you and been a part of your life these past several years. You were interested and interesting. I found you to be accepting and kind. I toast you and look forward to the day we meet again. Sincerely and with love, Amber
orest Zubritsky
October 18, 2014
Wasyl's family
My condolence to you all and a pray at this bereavement time.
Andrei Fedunyk
October 18, 2014
It was my pleasure to know you, Bill. May God receive you with open arms.
Blessings upon you, Ollie, at this time of such grief.
Steven Brodie
October 18, 2014
My sincere condolences to Bill's family and friends. Bill was a very kind and generous man who always saw the bright side to whatever the world threw at him and those around him. His memory was perhaps the best of all of us, as he could recall events years later with such clarity that hearing him describe those events made them magically reappear back in that moment.
He helped many of my relatives and was always there for those who needed him or his support.
People mattered to Bill, which made him an outstanding politician. He tried, to the best of his ability, to make people's lives better.
The very best way to describe Bill is to say he was a gentleman, a scholar, a friend and a caring man filled with compassion for his fellow man. He was a man of influence, a man of principle, and man who knew the difference between right and wrong.
We have lost a man who made a difference in this world, he was regarded for his judgements and opinions on all matters that affect us all. He will be missed.
Cherish his memory, follow his example, and be compassionate towards others as Bill was, and the world will be a better place for us all.
It was an honour and a privilege to have met Bill, and spoken with him, because that was where we all learned from him, in those very private moments that Bill shared with us. He always made everyone feel important and valued, which was unique for a politician, but Bill was more than just a politician, he was a friend to many, a father to his children , a husband to his wife, and so much more.
Thank you Bill for all you have done here on earth, may peace follow you through eternity, you deserve a rest.
Most Sincerely
Steven Brodie
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9709 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G OB2
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