William “Bill” Sinkewich passed away in Kamloops on August 21, 2020 at his home that was filled with love and all his family by his side.
He is survived by his wife Mary, children Cheryl Sinkewich-Kirstien, Terri Langlois (Norm), Lyle (Jim), Rob (Gail), grandchildren Chandra, Whitney, Brendan, Kelley, Chase, and his sisters Annie, Emily, Lois, May and brother Walter. He is predeceased by his parents Justin and Christina (Byrum) Sinkewich, brother Pete and sister Elsie.
Bill was born on the family farm in Belloy, AB. The third of eight children, he graduated Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary in 1957. He later joined the Alberta Society of Engineering Technicians in 1964.
In 1955, he met Mary Chrystyn while they were both working in Hythe, AB. They married in 1957, and soon after started a family. While raising their four children in Grande Prairie, AB, Bill worked his way up from Lineman to Transmission Manager of Alberta Power (ATCO). Outside of work, he was active in Rotary and coached minor hockey and softball. His own love of travel inspired him to purchase Trumpeter Travel in the 80’s, and allowed him to enjoy trips through the Panama Canal and the Amazon jungle. Later he would visit Australia, Europe, and his extended family in the Ukraine.
He retired from Alberta Power in 1991 and spent more time with his family and playing golf. In 2005, he and Mary moved to Sun Rivers, Kamloops, BC. It had been a goal of Bill’s to live near a golf course. Weather permitting, Bill golfed five times a week and scored a few Hole In Ones. The golf course also allowed Bill to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounded their home. After he was done having dogs of his own, he would walk his children’s dogs through Sun Rivers.
Bill was a generous man and always made time to listen or share his expertise. He would gladly solve electrical problems in person or over the phone. He never missed taking out a sister for lunch on her birthday or having a coffee with his children and grandchildren. He was also an active member of the Rosewood HOA, and was awarded Volunteer of the Year in Sun Rivers in 2013.
Bill said his proudest achievement was his family. He also loved indulging his wife with stops at outlet malls on their many road trips, iced cappuccinos in the afternoon, moving plants in her garden and waving his arms in his front yard to shoo away the mountain sheep hellbent on eating her plants. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
Bill will be cremated and his ashes scattered at a later date. No public service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation in Bill’s name to your favorite charity.
One Tribute
Have not seen Bill in years but always liked him. he was such a kind and gentle soul