Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 12:00 a.m.
Oleksy, William
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of BILL OLEKSY at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the age of 91 years.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of BILL OLEKSY at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the age of 91 years.
Left to mourn is? Jennie, his wife of 63 years (to whom he was a fantastic loving partner); son Brent (Jamie), grandchildren Rick, Jody (Craig) and great-grandchildren Tesla, Nolan, Calder; daughter, Brenda (Bob) and grandson Chase; and youngest son, Barton (Criselda) and granddaughter Katya. He is also survived by ?his sister Sylvia (Richard).
He was predeceased by his mother, father, three brothers and three sisters as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, with whom he was very close.
Bill was born in Strong Pine, Saskatchewan, on October 3, 1926. He ?attended a small, one-room country school until grade nine and, when his family moved to BC, finished his schooling in Langley. He then made his way to Winnipeg to enroll in Teachers College. After graduation, he taught in many rural schools before settling in Swan River, Manitoba in 1953 to teach grades five through seven. He met Jennie, a fellow teacher, married her in 1954, and had three wonderful children.
For a change of pace, he moved his family to Lethbridge in 1967 where he managed the Super Sonic Car Wash for a year. He then returned to his first love - teaching. He taught in many schools, but his favorite time was as principal of the Dorothy Gooder School for eight years. At the same time as teaching and raising his children, he attended night school at the University of Lethbridge and obtained his B.A. He is fondly remembered as the teacher who loved to organize field trips and get his students to have more fun in and out of the classroom. Bill retired from teaching in 1987, but kept busy doing a number of things, including driving
for Handi-Bus and working with AMA to teach driving to high school students.
One of his favorite sayings was that, if he had to do it all over again, he'd have more fun!
Bill was famous for his wild selection of ties, suit jackets and mismatched socks. His collection of clothes was featured on CBC and was on display at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge.
Bill was also well known around town at Christmas, where he would stroll through different ?businesses playing Christmas carols on his mandolin. His mandolin playing was also enjoyed by many family members when he and Jennie would call to play and sing happy birthday.
The family would like to give a special thank you to nurses Kara, Katie, Doctors Plotnyk and Winder and all of the amazing staff on the 4th floor of the CRH.
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 - 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 1:30 P.M. with Pastor Bruce Martin officiating.
Guestbook (16)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of William.
Bill was vice principal two of our children were in school. Each one of them looked up to Bill. He even invited our oldest son to visit him at your home. Bill was always there for the children. He had the kindest heart. I remember Bill being in St Michaels hospital when I was there having our youngest son we had a long visit the day before our son was born, then her came to my room and we had a long visit. We are so sorry for your loss Bill was a very special man and will not be forgotten.
Loved my time teaching with him in Lakeview School...such fond memories.
So very sad to hear of Bill's passing, I am going to miss him dearly here at the AMA especially at Christmas time when he came in to entertain us all with his mandolin playing. I will always remember you, Bill, thank you for your memories.
My sincere sympathy, Jennie on Bill's passing. Many years have passed since we worked together in ECS in Lethbridge. I have fond memories of you and Bill . My thoughts are with you. My husband & I live in Cochrane.
I have many great memories of Mr Oleksy from Galbraith School. He always had a smile and something funny to say whenever I saw him over the years. Such a kind man that will be greatly missed. I will always remember him.
I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family at your time of loss. May you find some peace in the memories being shared. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sad to hear of Bill's passing. The world has lost another GREAT and colorful human being. I worked along side Bill on many committees while my son went to school at Galbraith. He was a dear, kind, considerate and giving individual who will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to know Bill. Our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Jennie his children and the whole Oleksy family for your sad loss. From: The Maloff Family Paul, Marilyn, Kendal and Taenia
Mr. O will always be remembered for his quick wit and eclectic style. His dandelions (dandy lines) will continue to bring smiles to others for generations to come; Bill left a lasting impression on all who knew him. "It's not a banjo, it's a mandolin!!" I'll miss him like family. Our deepest condolences to Jennie.
my deepest sympathy in the loss of Bill, Husband, Father, Grandfather Uncle, brother and friend , he will be dearly missed by all, RIP Bill, love Joan
Sending our heart felt condolences and prayers to the family during this difficult time. The Wilkie Family.
We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We will miss his beautiful smile and many happy days when he would play his mandolin with his great assortment of quirky ties. Love to you Jenny we are praying for you and your extended family.
When I think of Uncle Bill - I think what a wonderful man! Lots of great memories and colourful flashbacks as we picture him in is unique ties, socks and shirts. What a big loss for all our families.
Jennie and family, i wish to extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of Bill. As a fellow teacher ( at Agnes Davidson), I know how dedicated Bill was, and I so enjoyed his positive and flamboyant personality!
We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We will miss his beautiful smile and many happy days when he would play his ukulele with his great assortment of quirky ties. Love to you Jenny we are praying for you and your extended family.
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I loved showing off my mismatched socks to him and comparing his to mine. Always in my memory, on of your LPNs from Extendicare.
So many great memories, from his tie collection, his funky socks, to his mandolin playing. Every holiday, Uncle Bill would call the house and as soon as you answered he started playing his mandolin. Hey always entertained us. I'm proud to say he was my Uncle Bill, and he will be missed. Love to the family.