B. WILLIAM BOHONOS

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B. WILLIAM BOHONOS, O.D. With great sadness in our hearts, the family of Bill Bohonos announces his unexpected passing on November 29, 2009. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Illonna, daughter Krista Bohonos, daughter Janet and husband Jason Zaluski, grandchildren Julia and Jaden, brother Joe Bohonos of Toronto, stepbrother Walter Saranchuk (Diane), stepbrother Paul Saranchuk (Marguerite), Aunt Zena Bohonos, Aunt Helena Bohonos, Uncle John Bohonos (Roslyn) of Edmonton, Aunt Helen Bohonos of Lethbridge, Aunt Mary Chanwick of New York, godson Stephen Saranchuk (Sara-Jane) of Calgary, goddaughter Danielle Saranchuk, mother-in-law Anne Hryhor-Mosquin, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their young families. Bill was predeceased by his father William J. Bohonos, mother Mary (Bohonos) Saranchuk, stepfather Stephen Saranchuk, grandparents, Aunt Olga Saranchuk, Uncle Walter Bohonos, Uncle Nestor Bohonos and Uncle Michael Chanwick. Bill was born and educated in Winnipeg after which he attended the University of Waterloo in Ontario. He met Illonna Hryhor through C.Y.M.K., their church youth organization, and they married in 1969 after which they lived in Kitchener-Waterloo for three years. Upon graduating from Optometry in 1972 Bill followed in his father's footsteps, and for many years his Practice of Optometry was located on Mountain Avenue in Winnipeg. In 1985 he opened a location on Lakewood Boulevard in Southdale where he practiced until retiring in 2007. He truly felt blessed to have found a profession that he loved. All of his patients greatly appreciated his casual attire and friendly demeanour, while his easy playfulness always captivated younger patients. His office was known for the gumball machine, seasonal draws for stuffed animals, and the elephant slide. Bill had a huge heart and reached out in generosity and kindness to everyone. His fun-loving personality made him popular with people of all ages and he was well known for his magic tricks and practical jokes such as putting a live chicken in his neighbour's backyard. Many children who lived on Newcombe Crescent and Rockcliffe Road will remember The Bush Monster, summertime candy scrambles, the smoke machine on Halloween, and spray paint on snow banks in January. Bill thoroughly enjoyed building a fire and spent many warm summer evenings among the company of friends around the backyard fire pit. He also loved to cook and his family will miss his spaghetti sauce, turkey stuffing, and meatballs in gravy. After retiring, Bill rejoiced in being a cancer survivor. He enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, Julia, age seven, and Jaden, age four. Together, they walked on the river walk, rode on the water taxi, visited the local convenience store for treats, and munched on pigs in blankets. He also dedicated much time to volunteer service at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, Meals on Wheels, Winnipeg Harvest, Agape Table and Siloam Mission. In most cases he offered to do the work that others refused, so he was often placed on dishwashing detail and was given only inner city routes for meal deliveries. Bill's favourite article of clothing was a comfortable pair of jeans. Please feel free to honour his desire that everyone wear jeans to both services. Prayer service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made in Bill's memory to CancerCare Manitoba or Grant Memorial Baptist Church. We miss you already CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2009