Obituary for
Bill Labatiuk
On February 22, 2021, Bill Labatiuk of Sherwood Park, passed away peacefully at age 90. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Natalia; and his children, Patt, David (Sheri) and Lorraine (Jim); grandchildren, Katie, Jesse, Chelsey, Jillaine, and Lyndi; brothers-in-law, Tom (Eileen) and Harold (Gloria); sister-in-law, Nellie; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill is predeceased by his parents, George and Maria; and his seven siblings, Rose, Joyce, Nick, Sylvester, Lillian, Eva, and Walter. Sadly, Bill was also predeceased by son, Charles (2008).
Bill grew up with his siblings on a farm south of Willingdon, AB. After finishing high school in Vegreville, Bill attended U of A receiving his B. Ed in 1959 and his M. Ed. in 1975. Bill began his teaching career in a one room school in rural Alberta and first became a principal at age 22.
Bill, Natalia, and family moved to the new community of Sherwood Park in 1960 for teaching and family opportunities. Bill was the principal of Brentwood School for nineteen years, retiring in 1985. He continued to be active with the Retired Teachers’ Association and the Strathcona County Museum.
Bill was involved with many writing projects recording family, church and school history. he was chairperson for the Pruth School and Labatiuk Family Reunions.
Church life was very important to Bill. Sunday school and various positions on the executive at St. Andrew’s kept him busy. After retirement, choir kept him singing. Family activities, travel, reading, and gardening were lifelong passions. Bill was famous for growing and wintering many beautiful varieties of geraniums.
Bill was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend. He cared deeply about people, and loved to spread positivity, stories, songs and joy.
In his last few years, Bill required more care. We extend heartfelt thanks to his fabulous home care aide, Naima, Dr. Dusang, Pastor Adam and the amazing staff, friends and volunteers at Sherwood Care. Sincere thanks also to Bill’s library volunteer, the Linking Generations participants, and the wonderful mobility bus drivers. Due to COVID restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at Pruth Cemetery with Reverend Benny Ambrosie officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pruth Church – c/o B. Slusarchuck 7907-155 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5Z-2S7 or St Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 9831-75 Street, Edmonton, AB T6A-2Y8, or Sherwood Care, 2020 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 0X1.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bill
Labatiuk 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vegreville, Province: Alberta