WILLIAM (BILL) ROMANO

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WILLIAM (BILL) ROMANO Peacefully on August 27, 2000 at the Selkirk General Hospital, William (Bill), aged 88 years, of Betel Home, Selkirk, MB, widower of Alice Romano, left the suffering of this world to be with the Lord. Bill was born in Gonor, MB on February 25, 1912 to Safat and Catherine Romano, a pioneer family. Because he was the eldest son, he assumed much of the enormous large-family responsibilities at a very early age, especially during the Great Depression years. On October 23, 1937, he married his childhood sweetheart, Alice Negrich, and together they maintained a beautiful market garden and grain field for over 50 years. Bill was a dedicated worker of the land, and understood the mysteries of nature. With his practical abilities, he could repair almost anything and was always there to help his friends, family and neighbours. With his positive attitude and perseverance, he was a great influence on others, and helped others spiritually, emotionally and physically. God and his church were an integral part of his life. He was the Cantor and Choirmaster for over 50 years at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gonor, a tradition in his family. He volunteered his time and talents to help construct the existing church, and served on the executive parish council for many years. He was very pleased to attend the churchs 100th Anniversary in May, 1999. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Alice in 1995; his parents; his older sister Anne; brothers, Michael, Harry and John; as well as special sister-in-law Mary Ritchie. He leaves to cherish his memory daughter Beverley; son-in-law Edward Los; grandchildren, Ian, Allison and Chuck, Kristin and her fiance Stephen Sidloski. He loved his grandchildren deeply and was very proud of their accomplishments. He will be lovingly remembered by his brothers, Steve (Mary), Nick (Mary), and Harold (Wiltrud) sisters-in-law, Mary Romano (Eugene) and Betty Romano; and many nieces and nephews. He will respectfully be remembered by the many members of the Negrich family, especially his dear niece Adeline Kruse. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 30, in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Gonor, with Msgr. V. J. Bozyk and Fr. Harry Oliynek officiating. Interment will follow in the churchyard cemetery. Pallbearers will be his nephews. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Holy Trinity, Box 45, Group 360, RR 3, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E7; or Selkirk and District General Hospital, c/o Donations, 100 Easton Dr., Selkirk, MB R1A 2M2. The family wishes to acknowledge the doctors and the many health professionals and workers who truly cared. "Hard-working hands at rest at last."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2000