Obituary of William Semenuik

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Folder". William Semenuik, son of George and Katrina (Todoschuk) Semenuik, was born October 14, 1924 in the Rhein district. Here, he attended elementary school and worked on the family farm. A few winters took William to the Hudson Bay area where he worked in the lumber camps. William was united in Holy Matrimony to Pauline Wakarchuk June 8, 1952. They settled on the Semenuik family farm where William built their first home. Together they began raising a family and worked on the land until they were hailed out. William decided to seek employment in Yorkton. Already a self-taught carpenter, he was hired by Weber Construction; here he became a highly-valued foreman and worked for many years up until retirement. He also worked in the Pas, Manitoba as a building inspector, and had his own construction crew for a while in Yorkton. He continued to farm for several years. A man of countless talents and a keen sense of observation, William would tackle any task, whether his own or for others. From restoring the historical windows at Wroxton Church and building projects at Camp Trident, to re-upholstering furniture and teaching his children how to knit, to repairs of all kinds: automobile, farm equipment, appliances, furniture. It was not uncommon to find William in the garage welding, repairing his tools and jigs, rebuilding his vehicle engines, or working on the wood lathe. William loved to share his knowledge with others and became a mentor to many. His generosity of time, skills, and donations was bestowed upon family, friends, neighbours, and many organizations throughout the years. While being a hard worker, faith and family always guided William's way. He and Pauline raised the family in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, volunteering many hours in the Yorkton congregation of Holy Transfiguration, as well as in the surrounding country churches. He served on several committees, was a member of the Order of St. Andrew, enjoyed singing in the church choir, and venturing out with the Christmas carollers. Upon retirement, William enjoyed meeting friends for coffee discussions. He had a sharp wit and generous heart, always offering a warm hello to strangers and acquaintances alike. William is survived by: His wife of 61 years Pauline; Daughters: Zennovia (Nick), Nadia and Fialka; Sons: Wayne (Wendy), Emanuel (Leslie), Eugene (Judith); Grandchildren: Laura (Kevin), Oksana (Graham) , Steven (Bronwyn), George, Christine, Katherine, William (Marisa), Richard, Hal (Marites), Christopher (Chiemi), Isaac; Great grandchildren: Cara and Katie, Connor, Kuya and Kazami, Robert, Oliver, and Ariel; William's Sisters: Polly Smeretsky and Annie Konkel, Brother-in-law Al Wakarchuk; Sisters-in-law Mary Kowalyshen and Sylvia Korol, and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. William is predeceased by: His parents George and Katrina Semenuik, Brother: Nick, Sister: Mary Kostenuk, Brothers-in-law John Smeretsky, Mike Kostenuk, Reinhardt Konkel, Metro Kowalyshen, Zenovie Korol; Sisters-in-law Mary Semenuik, Lillian Wakarchuk. Nieces:Liz Anderson, MaryAnn Morrison, Patricia Fox, Evelyn Zaruma, Margaret Semenuik. Nephews: Carl and Ernest Semenuik, Bill Kostenuk. Service Information Sunday, June 1st, 2014 7:00pm, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Monday, June 2nd, 2014 9:30am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens