Obituary of John William Hryciuk

January 20, 1927 - April 9, 2012

John William Hryciuk passed away April 9, 2012 after a lifetime filled with adventure, laughter, family & sport.

Bill was born January 20, 1927 in Prince Albert, Sask one of seven children of John & Mary Hryciuk. Bill was quick to note that one of the most important contributions to the person he became was his time spent at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Sask, under the watchful eye of Father Athol Murray who instilled in Bill a solid set of values that he applied throughout an extraordinary life.

Notre Dame was where Bill honed his sports prowess. Although known as a great hockey player he was an even better baseball player. His hockey career spanned many years including his eleven years in the Okanagan Senior Hockey League with the Kamloops Chiefs and Elks where he won many scoring titles and holds most of the scoring records for that league. His efforts resulted in a special "Bill Hryciuk Night" with the Kamloops Chiefs. Bill moved onto become a playing coach for the Kimberley Dynamiters & East Kootenay Rams and the first coach of the Cranbrook Royals.

As a journey sheet metal man, Bill started and successfully ran M&K Plumbing and Heating for many years initially in Marysville/Kimberley and then relocated to Cranbrook. As an employer Bill was always greatly concerned about the personal and financial welfare of his employees, many of who stayed in his employment for extended periods of time.

Bill believed in giving back to his community and was involved in several key projects with the Marysville Lions Club (outdoor rink), the Kimberley Elks Club and held positions on the executive of the Kimberley and Cranbrook golf clubs.

Bill and his wife of 63 years, Barb, enjoyed many hours curling, golfing and taking golf trips with their friends and their kids. Bill had a big heart and an undying love for his family, wife Barb, sons John (Janice), Bruce (Deb) and daughter Donna (Leigh), nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and a few favourite grand dogs.

Nobody who ever met Bill will forget that special smile and wry sense of humour. In his late days Bill made it clear that he had no regrets about his life, that he considered many people his friends and was thankful for all of the positive influences in his life.

His family will always remember him as a caring compassionate father and grandfather who tried to keep it light and loving. He cared most about others and lived his life in that way.

Special thanks to his best friend Chris DeWaard and Dr. Dave Lenz for your kind ways and care. Thank you to Brian Clifford, Werner Froese, Gerry Rhodes, the EKRH Renal Dialysis Team, Dr. Chi Zhang and the many others who supported and cared for Bill.

The family would also like to thank all those that took time to phone, drop in or visit at the hospital and Joseph Creek, your visits brought many smiles and fond memories.

A celebration of Bill's life will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm (open house) at the Cranbrook Golf Course Fox & Hounds room. The family encourages all those who knew Bill to drop by and remember the amazing man that he was. Who knows, maybe some of us can conjure up a bit of that smile of his to help you with your day.

Those wishing to honour Bill are asked to consider a donation to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, Kids Sport or a charity of your choice.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com