WILLIAM BURDENIUK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM BURDENIUK 1932 2010 It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of William (Bill) Burdeniuk at the Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. Bill is survived by his loving wife Leona; his beloved daughter Heather, son-in-law, Ron Pelletier, and cherished grandchildren Liam and Gabrielle. He will also be lovingly remembered by his sister Johanna Olinyk; brother Ernie Burdeniuk (Betty) and sister-in-law Gloria Kunka and by his many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his daughters Janice Burdeniuk and Cheryl Lasson, his parents Pearl and Peter Burdeniuk, his sister Ann Didyk, brothers-in-law Harry Didyk and Mike Olinyk. Bill was born November 4, 1932 in Sclater, Manitoba. While in high school he was encouraged to pursue teaching and taught on permit for two years. He attended Normal School and subsequently received his B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba and took further courses in administration. He taught in various schools in Manitoba; and was a principal in various schools in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division from 1967 to his retirement in 1991. Bill then joined the Faculty of Education as a student advisor for several years. Bill strongly believed that the foundation for learning started in the elementary grades; and to this end was involved in a three year pilot program with the Faculty of Education U of M in a reading program while at Buchanan School. As an educator he was firm, efficient, positive and fair. Bill was supportive and understanding of his students, teachers and parents. This was also true in his family life. His family is grateful for his unconditional love, support, generosity and kindness. His philosophy was we work hard September to June and play in July and August. Bill loved the outdoors and in his younger days was an avid hunter and primarily hunted in the Duck Mountains. Whether he was at the farm or at the lake, he shared his love of nature with his family. Since 1976 summers were spent at the cottage at Caddy Lake where many adventures were had. Fishing then became his major passion and he always looked forward to the opening of fishing season. During the last few years he faced health challenges, particularly this past year with myeloid dysplasia. A special thank you to Dr. D. Houston, Barb Hues and staff at the Department of Hematology at the Health Sciences Centre and to all the Home Care workers for their help and support. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Monday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc. (Hematology) 675 McDermot Ave. Room ON1160 Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2010