WILLIAM (BILL) KARABIN

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WILLIAM (BILL) KARABIN It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Karabin on May 31, 2011, after a lengthy illness. He took his last breath at the Seven Oaks Hospital with loving family by his side. William was born on July 31, 1932, in the village of Bazar, Ukraine. He and his family were displaced from their home in 1944 and he spent time in German forced labour camps in Innsbruck, Weiden and Filsen am Rhein. He immigrated to Canada with his family through the port of Halifax in 1948. He lived in Rolphton, Ontario, for one year and then settled in Winnipeg in 1949. William attended St. John's High School, joined Sts. Volodymyr and Olga Cathedral, U.N.F., and O. Koshetz Choir. His biggest enjoyment was singing folk songs; they reminded him of life and people in his beloved Ukraine. William worked as a Fourth Class Power Engineer for the Winnipeg School Division #1 for 31 years, retiring in 1992. He was an active member of the Ukrainian Reading Association (Prosvita), where he was president for several years, and the Kalyna Ukrainian Co-operative, where he served on the board of directors and was chairman. William was best known for his love of gardening and arboriculture. One of his passions was to be thoughtful and well versed in various disciplines; political, scientific, current events, sports, etc. He took great pride in attaining and keeping that information and could carry a conversation on any topic. His work ethic permeated all aspects of his life and he showed great commitment in all his endeavors. One of his fondest was cooking where he displayed excellent culinary abilities, often competing with his wife. William was passionate about the arts. Always attending classical performances at home and while travelling. He especially loved operas and performed as an ensemble member in Aida, Faust, Die Fledermaus and others. He is survived by his loving wife Tela of 37 years; daughters Darcia Pullan (Ken), Lydia Karabin (Michaelo); stepdaughter Anne Wierzbowski; and grandchildren Charles and Roxanna Pullan. He is also survived by numerous cousins in Ukraine and the United States of America. He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Kuczerka, in 1982 and his father, Philip Karabin, in 1984. Prayers will be sung on Sunday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m. and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m., both at Sts. Volodymyr and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street, Winnipeg. He will be interred in All Saints Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Taras Babick for all of his care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Reading Association (Prosvita). He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2011