Bill RAKOCHUK

RAKOCHUK, Bill
Bill Rakochuk, aged 74 years, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2012 at the Luther Special Care Home in Saskatoon. Bill was born in Saskatoon to Antony and Mary (Koronko) Rakochuk. He was raised in Struan, then Asquith, where the family settled for the remainder of his youth. Following high school, he moved to Saskatoon where he attended Saskatoon Business College and obtained his accounting certificate. In 1974, he completed correspondence classes in which he obtained a Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation. His profession took him first to Calgary, where he worked for Scott National, and in 1966 he moved back to Saskatoon and began a long, distinguished career at Federated Cooperatives Ltd. He retired from his position as Corporate Controller in 1998. In 1967, he married his wife Laurel, and together they raised their family in Saskatoon. He loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, long walks, and helping out with harvest on his in-law's farm at Gray, Saskatchewan. He was a master chef on the BBQ and created meals of steak, chicken and ribs that people still talk about. Bill and Laurel loved to entertain and held numerous festivities for friends and family in their home. Bill's greatest joy came from raising his family and being involved in his grandchildren's lives; he was so proud of them and all the accomplishments that they've made. He was predeceased by his father, Tony, in 1985; his mother, Mary, in 1988; and his father-in-law, Brock Burwell, in 2004. He is lovingly remembered by Laurel, his wife of 44 years; his daughters, Yvonne (Todd) Smith and Adrienne (Curt) Bowkowy and his granddaughters, Kyla and Erica Smith and Leah Bowkowy. Also left to mourn are his sister Joan (Les) Dahlseide; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Burwell; sister-in-law's, Gaye (Ron) Schwanbeck and Joy Ganne, and his brother-in-law John (Ruth) Burwell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and family friends. Bill was known for his infectious smile and his gentle ways. He will always be remembered as a gracious man, full of reason and humor, with a heart as big as the sky. We love and miss him so much! The family would like to give thanks to the staff at Luther Special Care Home for the compassionate care and personal attention they gave to Bill while he was in their care. Please join the family for a Celebration of Bill's life on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church (1636 Acadia Dr. Saskatoon). Memorial donations may be made in Bill's name to LSCH Renewal Campaign-1st Floor, 1212 Osler St. Saskatoon, SK S7N 0T9 or to the Parkinson Related Disease Research Fund-Royal University Hospital Foundation 103 Hospital Dr. Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8. Family and friends may send online condolences from www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Charmaine Legrand.