With sadness and heavy hearts, the family of William (Bill) Macsemchuk announces his sudden passing at the age of 79, on May 11, 2011 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Bill, the youngest of four boys, was born Nov. 3, 1931 on the family’s homestead in Pearson Township. His formal education began and ended at S.S. no. 3, however his unending pursuit and cultivation of specialty skills made him a lifelong learner.
Learning a skill, however, was never enough – only mastery was. This shone through in everything he did, whether it was building a house, putting the finishing touches on a piece of furniture, or successfully defending his property line against an unruly batch of bushy-tailed rodents.
At a young age, Bill began what would end up his inveterate career in the forestry industry, working for several local companies over the years. This passion led him, along with his wife Eva, to form their own company, Batwin Timber, in 1978.
Their business continued to thrive until 1991, when Bill decided to take a well-deserved early retirement. This allowed him the opportunity to focus on his health, as well as spend more time with Eva and the rest of his family and friends, all whom he cared for deeply.
However, with his staunch work ethic, Bill wasn’t sidelined for long. He was always more than willing to help out anyone who needed a hand with any project, big or small. His overwhelming skill set, coupled with his infectious laugh and undeniably gregarious personality, made him a tremendous asset on any worksite.
Humour was bill’s calling card. His quick wit never failed him, and he was always the life of any party he attended. He was also known for his refreshing straightforwardness which, although sometimes came off as abrupt, was only further testament to the genuine person Bill was. These qualities made for excellent coffee conversation, and he and his close friends were long-standing patrons of the A-Ok Café.
The only other lady who came close to rivalling his affection for Eva was Lexus, their Yorkshire terrier. Despite initial protests against getting her, Bill warmed to her quicker than even he could have imagined. At home, they were inseparable, and Lexi could often be found trailing behind Bill as he did house or yard work. Anyone who’s had even one conversation with Bill in the last ten years can likely testify to his adoration of his tiny companion.
Bill will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Eva, brother John, children: Sandra (Jim) Delvecchio, Donald (Sherri) Macsemchuk, Debbie (Jaime) Costa, Terry (Laurie) Kivi, Brent Kivi and companion Lorraine Beaudry, grandchildren: Kristin, Kyle, Michael, Ryan, Devin, Brandon, Terri-Lynn, Stacey, Amanda, Brady, Candace, Conner, great-granddaughter Chloe, sister-in-law Maizie and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Stefan and Paraska Macsemchuk, brothers Michael and Tony, sister-in-law Aileen, nephew Gerald in infancy, niece Doreen, and nephew Douglas.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17th in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, presided by Rev. Msgr. P. M. Stilla, V.G. of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at
www.harbourviewfuneral.ca
