WILLIAM (BILL) ONYSKO

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WILLIAM (BILL) ONYSKO P.Eng., CD (Cdr. Retired RCN), P. MGR. February 11, 1924 - May 13, 2000 Bill, the beloved husband (51 years) of Genevieve (Parker), will always be lovingly remembered by his cherished children, Kathryn T. Ross (Gregory), Halifax, NS, Nancy, also known as Zoe, Bear River, NS, Mary Anne van Gaal (Marty), Nepean, ON, Patrick Onysko (Kim) Sydenham, ON. He was the devoted and loving grandfather of Andrew, Ryan, Jason, Matthew, Kaitlin, Sara, Christopher, and Casey. Bill will be dearly missed by his sisters, Mary Munroe, Winnipeg, MB, Jean Stewart (Chuck), Winnipeg, Ollie Parker (Jack) Crofton, BC. He is predeceased by parents, George and Mary Onysko; brothers, John, Joseph, Peter, and Donald. Bill was born and raised in Winnipeg, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942. He earned his Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1946, and attended St. Marys University acquiring the CIM designation in 1969. During university, Bill enjoyed playing all sports including, football, boxing, basketball, and hockey and his lifelong passion was curling; as an ardent curler who immensely enjoyed and thrived on the competition of bonspiels. His distinguished Naval career took him through many positions and postings in Canada and the U.S. He demonstrated lifelong initiative, dedication and high achievement; as a young man having received a gold watch in recognition of excellence for his perfect service in newspaper delivery and during a military posting in Washington, D.C., he founded the Potomac Curling Club in 1961. After retiring from the RCN in 1974, he continued working with the National Energy Board until 1985. Through his life Bill will always be remembered for his devoted, caring, and unconditional voluntarism, especially after retirement, with The Day Away Program (Alzheimer Society), Knights of Columbus, Big Brothers Association, and Neighbourhood Watch (as Past President). His generosity extended to anyone who needed a helping hand; he was there to assist and support. Family will be receiving visitors at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair, McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON on Tuesday, May 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, 153 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully accepts donations in his memory to the Alzheimer Society and Arthritis Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2000