William "Bill" Harasymuk

    William (Bill) Harasymuk affectionately known by his Grandsons as “Grandpa In Town” with his loving family by his side entered eternal life on Thursday August 15th, 2019. He was born in the Hubbard, Sk District to Nick and Kate (Wuscheny) Harasymuk. In 1944 the family moved to a farm 1 mile West of Fenwood, SK. While times were tough in those days it was here that William learned the value of hard work and enjoyed all that was involved in farm life with grain, cattle and hog operations. During this time he also attended Fenwood School, a place in which he always showed so much pride in. Sports was something William truly loved, starting out with playing hockey and later playing competitive fastball with the Fenwood Flyers. Those were special times and he often would reflect on his ball years and getting the chance to play with his brother Allan and brother in law Matt Harrick.

     Hunting and fishing in his early years was also a passion for him as well as being on horseback with his favourite horses made his early life one full of happiness.

    After leaving the family farm William was employed by CN Rail and then the PFRA where he as in charge of lake levels in the Qu’appelle Valley.

     In the early 1960’s William moved to Winnipeg, MB where he would meet the love of his life Violet Harrick. On October 6th, 1962 William and Violet were married at the Decent Of The Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Planview, SK and continued to reside in Winnipeg where he was employed with the North West Smelting Company and Griffin Steel. In 1972, they welcomed their son Matt into their world, and completed their little family. In 1974 Williams dream of owning a family business came for real when he and purchased the Empress Hotel in Togo, Sk. They quickly grew to enjoy the life of business ownership as well as the many lifelong friends met in their time in the community. After selling the business in late 1977, Violet and William would purchase the Homestead Motel in Grenfell, Sk. Another bond would form between them and the community that they always called home. In 1981 they sold the business and semi-retired in Melville. In 1988, with Matt’s hockey career advancing they decided to make one final move to Yorkton, SK where they would reside for over 30 years. In the early part of their move to Yorkton William started a contracting company M & W Painting a business he ran for over 10 years until his retirement. During this time, he ran into some tough times with his health but would never let it get him down. No matter how tough things ever got he always fought back. His brother Allan always referred to William as a true Warrior. He was also someone who loved to give back in the community and served as a board member for many years with the Yorkton Parkland Mallers Midget “AAA” Hockey Club, and later volunteering with many projects at St Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish and with the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. While he cherished his bond with Violet, Matt and Tracey, Williams pride and joy were his Grandsons Brett and Tyler. He would spend every given moment with them whether it was school functions, hockey, football or just stop by and visit or take them to the mall for some” chips” he could never get enough of “The Boys” who he often referred too. His proudest moments of them were when he got to witness Tylers’ YRHS Raider-Gridders capture back to back  Moose Jaw High School Football League Championships  2017 & 2018, the first two in the Schools history and then listening on the radio in April of 2018 the final call in game 7 of the SJHL finals and hearing the words..”For the first time in 28 years…The Nipawin Hawks are SJHL Champions”…and then getting a call from Brett on the ice right after the game…..saying Grandpa…we did it! Those were memories that filled his heart.  He was thrilled to find out that Brett and Tyler would also be moving on to the next level of their hockey and football careers with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and the Okanagan Sun. Proud was an understatement. His boys….his family…that’s all he ever needed.

     William was predeceased by his parents Nick and Katie, brothers John and Steve and infant sisters Marie, Helene and Elizabeth. He will be ever remembered and cherished by his loving wife of 57 years Violet, his son Matt Harasymuk (Tracey) and their children Brett Harasymuk (Taylor Leslie) and Tyler Harasymuk, brother Allan (Beverly) Harasymuk, sisters Anne Dratwa and Irene Harasymuk.

     Prayers will be offered for William on Thursday August 22nd, 2019 at 7:00 pm from St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Church ( 155 Catherine St. Yorkton, SK). A Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday August 23rd, 2019 at 10:00 am from St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Church.

     Internment will follow in Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

     Friends so wishing may make Memorial Donations in memory of William to the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood Branch, 155 Catherine St. Yorkton, SK, S3N 0B9.

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Vichnaya Pamyat

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