William John Chorney was born on July 7, 1927 to Frank and Julianna Chorney. In the fall of 1937, Bill along with his parents, sister (Stella age 6) and grandmother, immigrated from Ukraine to Canada. The journey to Canada was a difficult one. At the Port city of Donetsk, Poland the family had to leave 6-year old Stella with relatives because she had contracted measles and had to be isolated from everyone. Stella remained in Poland for 2 months alone while Bill, his parents and grandmother travelled on to Canada. In September of that year, Stella who was travelling by herself made the trip to Canada and rejoined her family. Bill’s uncle, Peter Chorney, who was already in Canada helped support, Bill and his family to get settled into their new surroundings. Having come to his uncle Peter’s farm near Clair, SK, Bill and his family spent the winter with them. In the spring of 1938, Bill’s family purchased their own farm, also near Clair and began their new life in their new country. Life on the farm was very difficult for Bill and his family. They worked hard to create a new life in a foreign land. Even as a child, Bill was a responsible hard worker. Farming became his way of life and he worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Bill enjoyed playing baseball and softball for many years representing the village of Clair and surrounding community. He was active in sports and also coached many teams. Bill never lost his interest in sports as an adult and was very involved in all sports that his family participated in. From managing David’s hockey teams and coaching his baseball teams and supporting Melany in her varied sporting activities, Bill loved watching his children grow, develop, and gain the skills they did from being active and athletic. Later on in life, Bill’s greatest joy was to enjoy time with his grandchildren and receive pictures and talk on the phone or Face time and hear of their accomplishments in sports and school. Although it was not possible to watch his grandchildren participate in all of their activities, his visits to Edmonton to watch his granddaughter Victoria and grandsons David, Alexander and Christopher perform at their Ukrainian dance recitals was heart-warming to him and he took much pride in his grandchildren’s performances. Education was very important to Bill and he was very proud of Melany and David’s educational accomplishments. He always encouraged them and fully supported them financially throughout their post-secondary endeavors. He always praised them for everything they did and continually spoke of how important getting an education was and personally sacrificed much to ensure his children would be supported and have the things in life that he did not have. Bill was an active community member. He was a member of the Clair Foresters, the Quill Lake Chamber of Commerce and he received a certificate from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in recognition of 30 years as a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee member. Bill married Marilyn Martinson in October 1963, and together they began farming on the family farm near Clair and where they would begin their life journey together raising their 2 children Melany and David. Bill’s faith and Ukrainian heritage were very important to him and he attended Church as often as he could until failing health very late in his life made it impossible to attend Church. Family was the most important thing to Bill. His family included all of his in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families. Bill was predeceased by his parents Frank and Julianna Chorney, grandparents Nick and Taciana Kralka, and Brother-in-law Jim Mclean and nephew Cameron Grant. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of 54 years, daughter Melany and her husband Francois of Regina, son David and wife Arancha and their children: Victoria, David, Alexander and Christopher from Edmonton. Bill’s sister Stella Nakrayko (Peter) from Edmonton, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mavis and Ken Grant from Saskatoon, as well as 4 nieces and nephews from Saskatoon, and Edmonton. We will all remember the good times, the Christmas memories, birthday celebrations and every family gathering together. Always sharing hugs and kisses and laughter. The trips to the fields to check on the crops, visiting family and friends near and far and sharing that cup of coffee with so many people over the years are just a few of the things Bill loved to do. For all you have given and sacrificed throughout your life Bill, your children and grandchildren give you their heartfelt thanks and eternal love. May the Merciful Lord reward you a hundredfold for your loving care shown to your family. We have a hero….. we call him dad. We will all miss him dearly and cherish his memory... Prayers Divine Liturgy 7:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Thursday, August 2, 2018 The Chapel of Narfason's Ukrainian Catholic Church 102 - 1st street North West 94 - Horkoff Avenue Wadena, Saskatchewan Wadena, Saskatchewan S0A4J0 S0A4J0