William John OSTAPOWICH

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Willie Ostapowich.

Willie was born September 11, 1937 to Wasyl and Jennie Ostapowich on their farm outside of Veregin, Saskatchewan. He worked with his family, older sister Rose, big brother Steve and little Nellie – who passed away as a baby.

While living on the eastern part of Saskatchewan, he met Barbara Finnie and they married in Kamsack in 1960. Will worked with the Highways Department and they raised three children - Michele, Tracy and Darrin. They lived in cities across Saskatchewan….Saskatoon, Swift Current, Yorkton, Rosetown and Kamsack; dancing, camping, bowling, cards, socializing and enjoying their family, friends and community until Barb passed away in 1993. In late 2000, Will reconnected with Carol Frerichs and their friendship quickly turned into a romance. In July 2001, the pair married and Will’s family grew to include Carol’s relatives. For 20 years, Will and Carol danced, travelled, crafted, curled and cross country skied. Will loved outdoors, fishing, bonfires and even jumped out of an airplane in his seventies.

Will was a lovable, caring, sensitive man. He was also quite the character! He loved to play the prankster whenever he could - always smiling and planning the next “event”.

Will was always around to help, whether it was flipping pancakes for the church, making posters for the bowling league or helping his wife with community volunteer work…he was always happy to help!

Willie will be missed and remembered by his family – daughters Michele and Ted, Tracy and Randy and son Darrin; his grandchildren and their families Kailyn, Adam, Cameron and Benson; Kimberly, Jay and Trance; Leta, Joey and Corinna; Jenny, Jamie, Dustyn and Cyerra; Teega, Michael, Jayden and Jerome and Tamika, Chris and Benjamin and Taylor. He welcomed extended family as Steeven, Kyle and Kali, Jorden (Jordyn according to Grandpa) with Chris and Bowie joined when Michele brought them into his life.

All family was profoundly important to Will. Nieces and nephews were always welcome to his home. He was predeceased by his nieces Bernice, but held a strong relationship with her family, as well as Jenny, Brenda, Tammy, Bruce, Diedrie, Stacey, Lorilee and Jamie.

Then that big old heart of Will’s was welcomed by Carol’s children and their families Norma and Kevin, Dennis and Jen, Karen and Ian and Steve and Tammie.

Will found great comfort, support and love from the people who surrounded him and he gave the love, support and comfort right back. We are all better because we had him in our world.

A Celebration of Will’s Life was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rosetown United Church with Reverend Allan Gairns officiating. A livestream is available to watch on this page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzYJmiEhIhM

Donations in Will’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Rosetown United Church.