REVEREND WILLIAM (BILL) PETER MICHALSKI

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REVEREND WILLIAM (BILL) PETER MICHALSKI January 13, 1930 - October 5, 2009 William Peter (Bill) Michalski was born January 13, 1930 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. On Monday, October 5, 2009 after a lifetime of dedication to his wife and family, and service to his Lord and Saviour he passed away peacefully with loved ones at his side. Predeceased by parents Fred and Mary, infant daughter Pearl Hope, brother Fritz, sister Ann, and nephew Kevin. Bill will be sadly missed. He is survived and remembered by his wife of 58 years Elizabeth. He leaves an indelible legacy to his sons and their families: Ron and Jill (Elise and Fred, and Todd and Rayael with their children Brendan, Andrew and Chloe), Bruce (Jessica and Joel) and Gerry and Sharon (Joshua, Jordan, James and Jesse). Bill is also survived by his brother Ed, sisters Olga, Eleanor, Jennifer and Lydia as well as many nephews and nieces. Bill was a North End Winnipeg boy who graduated from St. John's High School. As a young man he excelled at swimming, diving and gymnastics. During the summer months he was a lifeguard and swimming instructor at numerous camps in Manitoba and at City of Winnipeg pools. Bill came to faith as a teenager and never waivered from the call of God on his life. In his early twenties while singing in the choir, Bill had his eye on a particularly beautiful young woman whom he would later marry, Elizabeth Sedun. Together, Bill and Elizabeth devoted themselves to their family, building a home based upon a foundation of faith, love and support. Newly married, they moved to Swan River to attend Bible College. Later Bill would begin his ministry at Living Word Temple in the North End of Winnipeg where he served for 27 years as pastor. In order to provide sufficiently for his family, he held a full time position with the City of Winnipeg, ending his career as a Supervisor for the Waterworks Department after 35 years of employment. Bill's initial retirement was but a brief intermission. He resumed his calling upon invitation, by Rev. H.H. Barber to serve as Visitation Minister for Calvary Temple. At the same time Bill acted as the Supervisor of Phone Counseling Services for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Throughout his lifetime, many people were influenced by his ministry. His gentle spirit, genuine compassion, and earnest concern is still remembered today. A loving husband, a proud father and doting grandfather and great-grandfather, he delighted in the joy of family. This past December, son Gerry, the Pastor of Soul Sanctuary, moderated a special interactive service on A Father's Legacy featuring Bill and his three sons. Returning home afterwards he said to Liz again and again, That service was the crowning moment of my life. The Michalski's are grateful to all those who gave exceptional care to him during his last days. Special thanks to all attending physicians and those best of the best nurses on the second floor of Victoria Hospital. A Memorial Service celebrating Reverend Bill Michalski's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9 at Calvary Temple (440 Hargrave). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the orphanage work in Indonesia, Wisma Kaseh. Cheques should be made payable to Soul Sanctuary. www.soulsanctuary.ca I have finished my course, I have kept the faith 2 Timothy 4:7 Thomson In the ParK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2009