Obituary of William Semeniuk

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Dear Father, Grandfather (Gido), Brother, Uncle, Nephew, William Semeniuk on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Dad passed peacefully with his family at his side at the Vita Hospital.

He is survived by two daughters: Sherry (Travis), Angela (Ron) and one son Kevin, four grandchildren: Chelsey (Julian) Lexi, Nicholas, Jeremy and one brother, seven sisters and their families. 

William was predeceased by his wife (Josephine), his parents, four sisters, one brother and one nephew.  

Dad was born and raised in Sundown, Manitoba on the family farm.  When he grew up, he left home to work in Dryden, ON for the Dryden Paper & later the Quertico Timber Company in Atikokan.

Dad met our mom and married in 1969.  They made their home in Atikokan, Ontario where they had their two daughters, Sherry and Angela. In 1975, dad and mom moved back to Sundown where they farmed and raised their family.  Five years later, their family was complete when their son Kevin was born.

In addition to farming, dad was employed by Joe Hovorka & Sons for 29 years.  He also worked for the Forestry planting trees for a number of years.  Dad was an outdoor person.  Dad loved fishing, hunting, gardening and all nature. 

Our dad was an extremely hard worker and he was one of the strongest men we knew.  Dad loved his work, whether it was farming, logging, tree planting; he loved it all. He was always there to help when there was a job to be done, ready to lend a hand and offer his expertise.  Dad would always say “It’s got to get done.” He was giving of his time and showed his love by spending time with us, whether it was work or play. We will miss dad’s big bear hugs full of love. 

Farming was very dear to dad; he loved all the animals and took great pleasure in caring for them.  Over the years he had many pets which were special to him.

Our dad enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his precious grandchildren.  He was a caring and loving husband, father and gido (grandfather).   He never missed a special occasion and he attended as many sporting events/concerts as he could.  His time with his grandchildren was very special; he loved to visit them.  Family was the world to our dad; he loved us all so much!

Our parents were married 52 years and my dad’s greatest loss was when he lost mom earlier this year.  Dad took care of our mom as best he could through her illness, but they were separated when she had to move to the personal care home in January.  The last time they were able to see each other was for a short while at the Resthaven Nursing Home on their 52^nd wedding anniversary on April 26^th.  There was a volunteer playing the accordion at the care home in the lounge and dad was tapping his toes.  Just a day short of two weeks mom passed away.  Dad ended up in the hospital again May 2, a day before his 80^th birthday.  Mom passed while he was in the hospital.  

Dad will be dearly missed by his family. Due to his battle with congestive heart failure, on May 21^st dad was admitted to the Vita & District Health Centre where he spent the last few months of his life.  He enjoyed all the visitors he had, including the happy yellow visitors (Gold finches) that came to visit him at the hospital.  It gave him peace to have the birds nearby.  We miss you so much and the birds will too!

Dad we feel such as loss but we know you are now reunited with Mom in Heaven.  We know you are together again and we will join you someday.

We as a family would like to extend our heart-felt thanks for the prayers and support we have received. A special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Vita District and Health Centre for the care and compassion shown to our dad.  We have a great appreciation for all you have done.

If friends so desire, donation can be made in memory of William to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”  John 16:22 ESV

The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 6, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with public viewing held one hour prior to the service. 

The interment will take place at Ridgeland Cemetery.