WILLIAM KOPECHANSKI

WILLIAM (BILL, WASYL) KOPECHANSKI
The family of Bill Kopechanski is deeply saddened to share that our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, friend and mentor passed away peacefully, in his 104th year. He left this life with family by his side, after a brief illness on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. The full moon signaled his gardening days were over and a new journey reuniting him with Sophie was beginning.

Dad is deeply mourned by his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Jeanette (Dennis) Napper, Larry (Brenda), Iris (Rick) Peacosh, David (Patricia), Dori, Donna (Dan) Gillies, his grandchildren; Jason (Teri Treftlin) Napper, Desiree (Craig Delin), Dylan (Carmen), Megan Gillies (Brad Mullin) and Tyler Gillies, his great-grandchildren: Sophie, Graeme, Eden and Kael, his sisters Anastasia Jacobson and Jean (Manuel) Tanchak, cousin Mary Kopechanski, sister-in-law Olga Kowaliuk and numerous dear nieces and nephews and a few remaining friends.

Dad was born on August 21, 1921 on the family farm near Gardenton, Manitoba. He married his life long love, Sophie on November 14, 1943 and started their family. Dad was a heavy equipment mechanic at Steep Rock in Atikokan ending his work life in the Stores department at the LPH. After "retirement" Dad and Mom expanded their garden and focused on providing produce and goods to the farmers' market, making new friends along the way.

Dad cherished family most. He loved a homecooked meal, homemade soup, bread, baking, pickles, jams and fresh caught fish, although he did not like to go boating. He took up the game of scrabble in his late 70's, sharpening his skills and teaching us lessons up to his last month.

Predeceased by his wife of 73 1/2 years, Sophie (Tkachuk) in 2017, his parents Dora and Peter Kopechanski, mother and father-in-law Sophie (Shypit) and Nicholas Tkachuk, siblings; Anne (Bill) Penko, Nick (Jeanine), Mary (Jim) Wilkins, brothers in law; Onni Jacobson, Sam Kyryluk, cousin William Kopechanski and beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at SLGA for opening their hearts and lending their hands to his care. He made friends quickly with the other residents there and we appreciate how those friends looked out for him. The family extends its thanks to Dr. Joe Del Paggio and Dr. Megan Sellick.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation-Northern Cancer Fund or a local Charity of Your Choice.

Funeral services for Dad took place at Harbourview Funeral Centre, followed by interment of both Bill and Sophie at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Wednesday June 18, 2025 with Pastor Ray Dunn presiding. The family extends thanks to his pall bearers; Ken Kopechanski, Ted Kopechanski, Jason Napper, Tyler Gillies, Graeme Napper and Kael Napper and his honorary pall bears Art Warwick, Jarvis Kosowan and Peter Jacobson.