WILLIAM (BILL) OZERO

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WILLIAM (BILL) OZERO William Bill Ozero, 89, of Fort Frances, ON, passed away Friday, August 19, 2011 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances with the presence of his family at his side and in his heart. Bill was born December 7, 1921 in Winnipeg, MB, where he was raised, graduating from the University of Manitoba. He was a veteran of the Second World War, having served with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and also was an Honourary Life Member of the Elks Lodge. While in Winnipeg, Bill met the love of his life, the former Bernice Jaworski, and they were wed on October 29, 1949. Shortly thereafter, the young couple moved to Fort Frances, where Bill began his long and dedicated 35-year employment with the local paper mill both in International Falls and Fort Frances as a civil engineer, retiring in 1985. It was during his retirement, while Bill and Bernie enjoyed their winters in Tucson, AZ, that Bill developed a love for golfing, which he participated in until the end of the 2010 season. The Kitchen Creek senior men's scramble on Wednesday mornings always was a summer highlight, and the friendships and camaraderie that was shared was very special to Bill. Even though quite ill, as recently as last week he never lost interest in hearing how many participated and who won the weekly kitty. Cherished Arizona friendships and activities provided annual rejuvenation until 2007, when health issues forced a stoppage to the popular cold winter get-away. The family cabin on Hostess Island, and all the countless activities and projects that took place there over the past 50 years, always brought great enjoyment to Bill. Although there always was endless work to be done on that beautiful piece of God's creation, time always was taken to relax, enjoy the moment, and perhaps seek out an elusive walleye. Clearly, the walleye usually won and continued to be elusive. In his earlier years, Bill was a member of the Fort Frances Curling Club and enjoyed curling with his chums. Left with saddened hearts are his wife, Bernice; daughter, Mary Jane, and husband, Bill Gushulak, of Fort Frances, ON, sons, John of Australia and Donald of Winnipeg, MB; grandchildren, Matthew and Steven (Bev) Gushulak, and Lindsay, Allison, Tristan, Tessa, and Tanner Ozero; sister, Laura Irwin of Winnipeg, MB; along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. As per Bill's wishes and directions, a private family memorial will be held at a later date. If so desired, in memoriam donations may be directed to the Knox United Church Accessibility Fund, 340 Church St., Fort Frances, ON P9A 1E1. Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, Love leaves memories that no one can steal.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2011