WILLIAM (BILL) WERBENIUK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM (BILL) WERBENIUK October 13, 1924 - January 20, 2011 Peacefully on January 20, 2011, surrounded by the love of his family, William Werbeniuk passed away at Holy Family Home. A devoted family man, Bill leaves to cherish his loving memory his beloved wife of 58 years, Vera, his children Murray (Lisa), Daria (Darren), and Donald as well as his four precious grandchildren Oksana, Kerry, Natalia and Tiana, He is also survived by cousins in Fraserwood, and a few relatives in Western Ukraine. Bill was born and raised in Western Ukraine. In 1951 he emigrated from England to Canada. He found employment at the St. Boniface General Hospital where he met his wife, Vera. His fluency in several languages kindled his drive to continue his education at the University of Manitoba where he earned his Baccalaureate degree in Arts majoring in Political Science. He then continued on to obtain his Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, as well as a Master's degree in Social Work in the following year. Bill's unique organizational and linguistic talents contributed to his advancement within the Department of Health and Social Development. From 1968 he served for four years as Area Director (People's Opportunity Services) for Urban Renewal and was later promoted as the Winnipeg Regional Director. In 1981, he assumed the position of Executive Director of Regional Operations with Manitoba Health and later served as the Senior Mental Health Planning Officer with Manitoba Health. Bill took early retirement from Government service to fulfill an insatiable urge to serve Winnipeg's Ukrainian community. He was recruited as the Executive Director for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress where he provided sound leadership until his retirement in 1993. Throughout his challenging career, Bill served on the Board of Directors of many Ukrainian Organizations - Holy Family Home, Progress Vera Credit Union, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation, Canadian Foundation for Ukrainian Studies, Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Winnipeg, as well as the Osvita Foundation. He was also a member of Vanier Institute-Canadian Family, the Sanatorium Board of Manitoba, Oseredok and U.C.B.C. Holy Eucharist Church as well as the Board of Trustees at Seven Oaks General Hospital. Bill was formerly a parishioner of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church and later became a member of Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Dad was an avid hockey fan as well as a Winnipeg Blue Bombers season ticket holder for many years. Dad took great pride in his gardens and yard every summer as well as having the pool ready for family and friends at any time which he welcomed with a warm heart. Dad enjoyed his yearly fishing trips with his friends. The family would like to thank Dr. J. Mayba for his care the previous years. The family is very grateful for the excellent care administered to Dad by the S.S.M.I. sisters, 5th Floor staff, the pastoral care and volunteers at Holy Family Home. A special thanks to David N. We extend our sincere thank you and appreciation to Dr. T. Babick for his compassion, concern and care during Dad's stay at the Holy Family Home. A private family service was held. Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. M. Kwiatkowski officiating. The family wishes to thank Korban Funeral Chapel for their expert advice and service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to Holy Family Home or a charity of one's choice. VICHNAYA PAMYAT

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2011