WILLIAM JOHN SAWKA (WILLY)

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Deepest sympathy to the Sawka family on Bill’s passing. I have fond memories of Bill’s tasty moose meat sausage that he brought to staff gatherings after school Christmas concerts. May he Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Josie Landry - Posted by: Josie Landry (Colleague ) on: Nov 22, 2022

• I was very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. My deepest sympathies to Sheila, Leanne, Michael and family. I was fortunate to have worked with Bill at Howden , Frontenac and Shamrock schools. He was a very supportive principal and always willing to help out in any way possible . He was open to hearing suggestions even if he did not always agree with them. I have many fond memories of Bill from camp Red Rock. During hunting season I would always tease Bill telling him I hoped he would not be successful in his deer hunt. He always took it very good naturedly. He will certainly be missed by many! - Posted by: Arlene Keller (Colleague and friend) on: Nov 21, 2022

• My Deepest Sympathy as I have always had Bill in my thoughts of such a good man he was. He was a great principle and he greeted his students everyday and parents in the halls of Shamrock School. I will never forget him hiring me for my first job in the school division great memories. All my prayers are with his family. Leanne my condolences. 💕🙏 Nancy Kosie - Posted by: Nancy Kosie (Principle to my sons/Employee) on: Nov 09, 2022

• My Deepest Sympathy as I have always had Bill in my thoughts of such a good man he was. He was a great principle and he greeted his students everyday and parents in the halls of Shamrock School. I will never forget him hiring me for my first job in the school division great memories. All my prayers are with his family. Leanne my condolences. 💕🙏 - Posted by: Nancy Kosie (Principle to my sons/Employee) on: Nov 09, 2022

• To the family of Bill Sawka: I am so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. I share my condolences to Sheila, Mike and Leanne and the entire family. I first met Bill in a floorhockey game at Prendergast school where many St. Boniface fellows met in a “friendly” game. Then when Howden School was converted to an Immersion School, Bill was transferred to Frontenac where I was the VP. That was the start of 16 amazing years. Bill was not a “boss” as the Principal of our school but a colleague, one who was supportive of all good endeavours, a leader of so many important programs and activities that made our school the envy of many. As a partner in the office, Bill was not one to pick and choose his responsibilities, but one who looked at the list of all we had to do and grabbed whatever needed to be done next. Being that we both came from a rural background with a strong work ethic, I always respected his attitude of “pitching in” to get whatever had to be done not only completed but to make it the best we could. I also respected his confidence in me and was not afraid to share whatever responsibilities that our system needed. From spearheading educational programs of all types to the hiring of staff. I would challenge any other school with the quality of people we hired. My memories of Bill include his support and leadership in Outdoor Education programs, music programs including stage productions, (Bill even pitched in to help us set up stages after classes) and our amazing Physical Education programs which included many, many teams and sports. He was a divisional leader in the area of mathematics, (Sequence of skills eg.) as well as innovative programs for the classroom. And a favourite memory will always be the “staff” meeting held in his office at the end of the term or year where we could always count on a bottle of CR showing up. Just bring the Pepsi. Bill left a mark on this world that will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Andy (Colleague and friend) on: Nov 07, 2022

• Our most sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May your cherished memories live on in your hearts forever. Perry & Susan Sawka & Family - Posted by: Perry & Susan Sawka (Cousin ) on: Nov 05, 2022

• Our deepest sympathy to Sheila and family. We have so many wonderful, fond memories of Bill. Spending time together at Buffalo Point We Fest, family gatherings in Carmen and Winnipeg. We will always remember Bill for his kindness, gentleness and great sense of humour. Rest in peace Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love Allan and Joanne Malenko - Posted by: Allan and Joanne Malenko (Friends ) on: Nov 05, 2022