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WILLIAM HAWRYLUK
WILLIAM HAWRYLUK Obituary
After a long and well-oiled life, William "Bill" Hawryluk has finally put down his wrench and taken his final cruise into the sunset. Born in Kaministiquia, Ontario, where the Matawin and Dog rivers meet, on January 24, 1931. Bill spent his 94 years restoring cars, planting gardens, and fine-tuning the art of living well. Bill passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025.
Bill was a mechanic by trade and a tinkerer by nature. Whether it was under the hood of a car or knee-deep in tomato plants, he believed anything could be fixed with a little elbow grease and a lot of patience. Bill completed his apprenticeship beginning at Superior Motors, then later at Gibson Motors. Bill -while partnered with the late Mike Homeniuk- owned the Esso Service Station in Thunder Bay on the corner of Bay and Cumberland streets, then the Husky Station on North Cumberland Street. After retirement, he worked on his own cars and had a particular fondness for restoring vintage Model A Fords, Volkswagens, and MGBs.
His love for old cars extended far beyond the garage. Bill was a regular on the swap meet circuit, travelling across the Midwest in search of rare parts, good deals, and even better conversations.
When he wasn't under the hood, Bill was knee-deep in soil. His sprawling gardens at home and the Kaministiquia homestead were a local marvel.
Bill was a proud member of the Shuniah Masonic Lodge #287, Lakehead Shrine Club, Thunder Bay Horticultural Society, Lakehead Antique Car Club, and the stamp & coin clubs. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Mary Hawryluk; his brothers Joe and Jack; and his beloved wife, Sheila.
Bill leaves behind his children: Danny (Lana), Joanne, Bill Jr (Ronda), Kevin, and Dennis (Linda), nieces Holly and Rosemarie, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, plant something. Fix something. Share something. That's how Bill would've wanted it.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM HAWRYLUK
7 Entries
Bob Erickson
August 22, 2025
Danny: Sad for your Dad; a great fellow. Good to see your name. Blessings,
Bob Erickson
John Gibson
August 21, 2025
Grew up across the street from Hawryluks remember Bill probably had the first ski doo in town gave everybody a ride. Remember his old and cool cars very nice man. My dad would always go to Bills garage to help or have a few and laugh Bill was always laughing I will always remember him he was a fun person.
Jane Stoneypoint
August 21, 2025
It was an honor to be a caregiver to Bill in his last years. He loved to make jokes and especially loved making fun of me during our visits, all in good fun of course. Rest easy Sir. My condolences to Kevin and Billy.
Greg Quirt
August 21, 2025
My condolences to the family.
Traci Calder
August 20, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Traci Calder
DMcCollum
August 20, 2025
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Over the years living in Kaministiquia I had the opportunity to spend a little time with Bill.
He had a true understanding of auto mechanics and was more than willing to share his knowledge and past experiences with you.
Bill was a good friend and neighbour, who will be missed by many..
Terry Bruley
August 20, 2025
Real sorry to hear about Bill passing at one time him and i were the best of friends and he had to be the best mechanic around ( Bill i will never forget all the good times we had ) REST IN PIECE MY FRIEND Terry Bruley
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