Obituary of William Stefanovich

Passed away at the age of 92 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Olga (2012), parents Nicholas and Saveta (nee Krawciuk) and sister Artemesia (1924). Family members left to mourn his passing are sons Robert (Barbara) and Michael and grandchildren Nicholas (Calgary) and Kaitlin. The son of Ukrainian immigrants, William was born and raised in Windsor, ON. He attended Western Public School in the then town of Sandwich and later, Gordon MacGregor Public School. He would often say his education thereafter was at the school of "hard knocks". "Steffy" enlisted and served with the Essex Scottish Regiment during WWII. Following the war he took advantage of skill training programs that the government was making available to veterans and took up the carpenter trade. After working 5 years as a carpenter, he was elected as Business Agent for Carpenters (U.B.C & J.A.) Local 494 in 1951. He was an astute thinker and intelligent man. These attributes allowed him to progress further during his career as a leader in the Carpenters Union. In 1954 he was appointed an International Representative. In 1957 he was appointed as Regional Director for Ontario and lastly was elected as Executive Board Member in 1966 with responsibility for all carpenter local unions in eastern Canada. William would also serve one term as a V.P. at-Large with the Canadian Labour Congress (1968-70) and was a delegate to the International Labour Congress convention during this time. He retired in 1979. Those who knew him well would use many words to describe William, including compassionate, loyal, generous and dedicated with a heavy dose of sentimentality. He was a member of Descent of the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church and St. Vladimir"s Orthodox Church; Masonic Lodge #34; Canadian Legion Branch #261. He took pleasure in his annual fishing trips up north; big band music from the 1940"s; boxing; world events and politics, especially American Politics; and spending time at the family cottage. The comfort that he held onto during his final days was the knowledge that he would soon be reunited with his wife of over 61 years, Olga. Special thanks are owed to Dr. Satz; Dr. Upneja; and the IDA Westminster Pharmacy for their excellent care. Visitation at WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (Main Chapel) 519-253-7234 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E. on Tuesday March 8, 2016 from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm. A Veterans Service under the auspices of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee will be held at 4:30 p.m. Parish prayers at 7:30 pm. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday March 9, 2016 at Descent of the Holy Ghost Church (2895 Seminole St.) from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Service at 10:00 am. Rev. S. Catau officiating. Interment to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens. In kindness, donations may be made to Descent of the Holy Ghost Church, or the Downtown Mission. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com