William Kanak

In Loving Memory of

William "Bill" Kanak

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday, September 4, 2021

2:30 p.m.

Rose Valley Community Hall

Rose Valley, SK

Please join the family virtually here .

William “Bill” Kanak was born on his grandparents’ farm just west of Fosston on May 6th, 1927 to Max Kanak and Donnie Zaporosky. He was their second of nine children. His early childhood was spent on the family farm and in school. When he was 11, the family moved west of Nora. He left school at the age of 14 to start work at a meat packing plant in Prince Albert. Bill went on to work in bush camp kitchens in Ontario; he also worked building elevators.  Bill resided most of his life in Saskatchewan, except when work took him elsewhere.

On October 28th, 1956 Bill married Pauline, daughter of Nick and Mary Luchak from Spalding. They lived one winter at Bills’ family farm near Nora before moving on to Regina. He was a welder on pipelines, built elevators, welded cattle gates, built houses in Regina, and he was a carpenter at the Canadian Forces Station, Dana, Sask. Bill even built the model for the Gardiner Dam, which he proudly stated is still on display, and he then built the stage for the Grand Opening of the Gardiner Dam by John Diefenbaker.

The family moved a few times with Bill’s work before building their first home west of Rose Valley in 1962. This became the town they would call home.  In 1971, Bill and Pauline built another house just south of Rose Valley. Here they raised their family; neighbors, friends, and relatives were always welcome.

Along with the houses he built for his wife and family, he helped his children with their homes. His career and his passions revolved around working with his hands. Bill worked in the Rose Valley area at various jobs when the family was young; from road construction, mechanic and carpenter. He built on the hospital in Lanigan, Sask. and houses in Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and Alberta; as well as grain elevator repairs. Bill’s last job was when he bought his own gravel truck and started his trucking career.  His son Allan then joined him; they hauled for road construction in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Bill excelled at many jobs in his lifetime— he was a skilled mechanic, craftsman, and carpenter. His handiwork did not go unseen. Even once retired, he restored cars including his treasured Model A’s, designed and built a snow-plane, recreated workout machines, constructed not one but four Dulcimer musical instruments and built furniture for his family. It didn’t matter what it was—Bill could make it or fix it. Many friends and family could count on his skills when they needed help; if you asked, he would be there.

Bill and Pauline were married just shy of 65 years. An incredible testament to their commitment and life they shared. Together, they had six children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

He was proud of his family and always interested in what they were doing. He was excited to be a grandfather and in turn a great-grandfather. Bill has passed down his creativity, knowledge and determination on to the younger generations of his family.

Bill spent his last years at home in Rose Valley, tinkering around the yard, always still building and fixing things. He lived his final months at Kelvindell Lodge in Kelvington, where he passed with family by his side.

Bill Kanak lived a full 94 years of life. He is survived by his loving wife Pauline, his children and their spouses: Adeline and Bill Wilson, Marlene Brink, Allan Kanak, Mark and Anita Kanak, Andrea and Latif Baluchi, Dennis and Moira Kanak. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Richard Wilson; Jeff and Jen Wilson and children Kylee and Jeremy Hosken; David Wilson; Sarah Brink; Roxanne and Cam Symon; Layne Kanak; Mitch Kanak and Katie Monson and children Carter Monson, Rylee, Autumn and Brinley Kanak; Kenzie Kanak; Madalyn Kanak; Hailey Kanak and Brandon Kremp. Bill’s siblings: Steve Kanak, Polly Luchak, Phillip (Pat) Kanak, Alex (Olga) Kanak, Mike Kanak, Olga Puchala. Also Pauline’s siblings: Julian (Betty) Luchak, Angie (Jim) McCreery, Amelia (Marcel) Lecomte. Bill had numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He will be missed and remembered for all he has done.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Max and Donnie and Pauline’s parents, Nick and Mary; his infant sister Lena; brother Tony Kanak; brothers-in-law, Bill Glowa, Ted Puchala and Carl Luchak. Sisters-in-law, Marlene Kanak, Laura Kanak, Jennie Glowa, Serena Kanak, Helen Kanak, Mary Kanak and Lynn Kanak.