WILLIAM SIRANT

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WILLIAM SIRANT It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William on April 29, 2015 at his home with his son by his side. William was born on September 2, 1920 in Winnipeg. After meeting the "Love of his Life" Margaret at a dance, they were married on July 3, 1943 in Holy Family Church. Margaret predeceased him in 2000, but she was forever in his heart. William was also predeceased by his parents, Paul and Pauline who immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine, and his three brothers and two sisters, Michael, Alexander, Roman, Anne and Mary. Dad (Tato, Geigo) is survived by his three children Michael (Gail), Carole Olson, Pat Grafenauer (John); his grandchildren Jason Olson (Jodi) and family, Cathleen Olson and family, Mark Grafenauer (Cecilia) and family, Luke, Brett and Alex Sirant. His presence and guiding love for his family will be deeply missed. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Georgina Sirant in Kelowna and numerous nieces and nephews. William served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Garry Branch. The family lived for many years in Charleswood where he was actively involved with the Varsity View Community Club looking after the club and calling bingo. He continued his bingo calling even after the family moved to the River Heights area and began coaching minor hockey at Sir John Franklin Community Centre. In later years, he was a dedicated supporter of the University of Manitoba Bison Men's Hockey Team, regularly attending games. He was an avid golfer, bowler and curler. He was also a devoted member of the Holy Family Parish. Dad worked a variety of jobs during his life Crescent Creamery, Twoway Transfer Company, but he worked the majority of his life as a pipefitter for Canadian National Railway. After retirement, Mom and Dad loved to travel. Their trips included Hawaii, Barbados, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, and many other road trips across Canada. They also travelled to Europe where they would go and visit with Michael and Gail on their hockey journeys. After Mom's death, Dad still continued to travel to other places such as Costa Rica and Egypt. Dad loved a good joke and was always the prankster and to the end his mind was always alert and ready with a good quip for whomever he met. Even in the last few years when Dad faced some physical challenges, he was determined not to let it affect his everyday life. His strength and courage was a shining example for us all. Most important of all, Dad loved his family more than anything and would do anything for them. He was truly dedicated to his family. We will cherish his example and his memories. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in William's name to the Holy Family Ukrainian Church, 1001 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3M 1Y3. A funeral for Dad will take place at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2015