WILLIAM (BILL) KOWAL

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WILLIAM (BILL) KOWAL Peacefully on February 15, 2011, in Palliative Care at the St. Boniface Hospital, Bill Kowal passed away at the age of 81 years. Bill was predeceased by parents Nicholas and Katherine, brother and sister-in-law Nick and Emily, sisters Sylvia and Eugenia Slaby, mother and father-in-law Doris and Frank Cancilla, and sister and brother-in-law Maureen and Ron Johnstone. He is survived by wife Patricia; daughters Cynthia, Valerie Regan, Teresa Anderlic (Jernej); sons Ronald (Neal Wilson), Richard (Charlene); grandchildren Calvin, Sharla and Kira Regan, Jared and Rebecca Anderlic, Thomas Enns; sister Mary Krywonizka; brother-in-law Ed Slaby; and a number of nieces and nephews. Bill was born August 19, 1929, the fifth of seven children (predeceased by his first two siblings in Ukraine) and the first child of Nicholas and Katherine to be born in Canada. He grew up in the Kowal family home on Jamison Avenue. In high school he became President of the Student Body and was hired by Eaton's as a member of the 1946 Junior Executive program. Bill worked part-time at Eaton's while he continued his post-secondary education, eventually graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. It was during his time at university that he developed lifelong friendships with Ron Johnstone and Linn Johnston and they began their weekly Monday beer night - a tradition that endured for over 50 years. Following graduation Bill began full-time employment with Eaton's in the Sales Office where he met his future wife, Pat Cancilla. Pat and Bill married in 1954. Bill went on to work at Osler Hammond and Nanton in their Research and Sales Departments, and eventually with Investors Syndicate, later Investors Group, in the Investment Department, until retirement. The Kowal family settled in East Kildonan where Bill was active in fundraising to support the building of the local EKY . The family was a member from the beginning and Bill's passion for having his children learn to swim resulted in a family that loved the water. Bill became actively involved in the Manitoba swimming scene including driving his children to early morning swim practices, officiating at weekend meets and holding the position of Meet Manager. Bill himself enjoyed the pool and, later in life, began each day with a predawn swim at the Y , taking pleasure in the exercise and the camaraderie of several other regular, early risers. He also looked forward to his monthly poker night with his brother Nick and friends and during his retirement years spent much time at the local library. A humble and generous man, Bill was well-read and informed, and people naturally sought him out for advice or stimulating conversation. He had a remarkable aptitude for completing the most difficult crossword puzzles and he readily shared his insights on investing and managing personal finances with his appreciative family and friends. Summers were a special time for the family and early-on were spent at a variety of locales around the province. Eventually settling down at Victoria Beach in 1973, Bill enjoyed many summers at the cottage with friends, guests and his expanding family. In 2006, Bill was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease (ALS) and, while this curtailed many of his favourite pastimes, he faced this challenge as he had faced life, with tenacity, integrity and a good deal of humour. He will be missed. The Kowal family would like to extend their thanks to the team at the ALS Society who were a great help early in his illness and the many, many competent doctors, nurses and staff members of the Palliative Care Unit at the St. Boniface Hospital who cared for him during his lengthy stay. Bill appreciated the support, comfort and companionship that were extended to him and the entire family. Their friendship and many kindnesses will always be remembered. Bill has requested that no commemorative service be held. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a future date. If friends so desire, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba - Client Services, the Palliative Care Endowment Fund at St. Boniface Hospital, or to the charity of your choice. For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2011