William George Ward

William (Bill) George Ward was born on August 17, 1929. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 17 at the Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats. He was the eldest son of Leonard and Beatrice (James) Ward. He grew up on the farm in Oxbow, Saskatchewan with his siblings Lena (Forsyth), Beverley (Camesao), and youngest brother Allan Ward.

On Oct. 19, 1949 he married Florence Irene Watson, in Yorkton. Bill and Florence had one daughter, Heather Lynn. Together, they built a life they were proud of on 8th Avenue in Yorkton. Their home was filled with love, many memories of parties with friends, the smell of cinnamon buns baking in the oven, Dolly Parton or country music playing in the background, and lots of laughter for the many stories and jokes he loved to tell.

Bill worked at the GM garage as a mechanic through many owners. When Heather married Blaine (Zaharia) and their kids, Ward and Robyn came, he was a proud grandpa that was called Poppy. When Robyn married Michael, he became a great grandfather to Sam. Bill had special nieces and nephews, especially his niece Bunny and her daughter Jodeen (their Poppy too); and Doug (Donna), Murray (Margaret), Cheryl, Jim, Margaret (Lorenzo), Patti, Leonard, Maureen and Sharon.

The story of life has many chapters and our story with the man we called Dad and Poppy was filled with a collection of simple moments and happy memories. With his wife Florence, together they made many great meals that often included pickerel that Bill had caught, fresh carrots, peas, and potatoes from their garden. There was always a seat at their table, where all were welcome. At Burgis Beach, Bill loved to fish, have campfires, take his grandkids on his tractor to launch the boat, or to the "Ukrainian swap shop" (Aka the dump), out on the boat to kneeboard, exploring at the dunes for driftwood, and there was always something to make and create at the boat house garage. Many hours were spent visiting while playing cards, and if you knew him you would've heard at least a dozen "Little Johnny" jokes that he would tell enthusiastically to fill the time with laughter and conversation.

Time passes and things change, but we keep our good memories close to our hearts and cherish our time together. He taught us to fish, laugh, create, explore, "drive like a madman", appreciate a good joke, and get our hands dirty while both working hard and having fun. When his wife Florence passed away, his next chapters continued when he met Arlene.

Their story follows...

Bill married Arlene January 11th 1998 after their Sunday service at a church in Texas. They got the minister to wed them in front of a room of mostly strangers. They enjoyed many winters spent in Texas.

Bill gained a daughter, Peggy Dyck and a son in law, John Dyck along with their children Heather and Tiffany, who gained a grandpa. He became a great grandpa to Ashlyn, Karina, Madilyn, Evander and Zola.

As young girls, Heather and Tiffany would spend almost every summer at Burgis Beach with Bill and Arlene. Bill would take them for boat rides or just down to beach to play in the sand or enjoy the water.

Many memories were made throughout the years and will never be forgotten. If he wasn't working in his garden or keeping his yard, he was down at the legion playing cards. He was always on the go.

Bill will forever be loved and remembered by many.

A funeral service will be held at Christie's Funeral Home (121 Palliser Way, Yorkton, SK) on Friday, July, 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM.

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