William (Bill) Philip Kalenchuk
February 16th, 2019
William (Bill) Philip Kalenchuk passed away on February 16, 2019 at the age of 72 years. Bill was predeceased by his parents Stephen (Mary) Kalenchuk. He is survived by his wife Linda; his children Twyla (Jorn), Susan (Rob), and ginger; granddaughters Sydney Rose and Grace; brother Stephen (Elaine) (children Michael, Jordana (Joseph)); sister Barbara (children Tammy (Zackary)); foster son Adam; and the McGillicky family.
Bill was born in Bienfait, SK and moved to Weyburn where he attended Weyburn Collegiate, but as soon as he could, he joined the army and jumped out of many planes, usually by choice. He was stationed in Germany, Lebanon and Cyprus. He enjoyed the military, but by all accounts he enjoyed his leave time in Europe even more.
Bill and Linda were married in 1971 and lived in Ottawa where Bill worked for the Solicitor General’s office. Thankfully he left that career so that he could move back west and focus on his life-long passion, feeding people. He was able to perfect and give to us all, the world’s best perogy.
Bill taught his children how to throw a strong right hook, to not drag their feet or mumble, to burp the alphabet and how to bring people together.
Bill taught everyone that we all need to eat, even if you think you’re not hungry. He could feed an army when only a sandwich was needed. Feeding people meant inclusion and kindness and family. It meant sharing what you have and always having an extra place ready for whoever comes through the open door. He loved people with his food and his stories, and he had as many stories as helpings of food. Bill had a booming, deep voice, mischievous sense of humour and a grand laugh. He was a big, strong, Dad and for the short time he had with them, a sweet, silly, loving grandfather.
Some of Bill’s hobbies were embarrassing his children, collecting wreckages of old vans and rusted out trucks and teasing Linda. And Bill loved teasing Linda because he loved Linda. Bill and Linda were a welcoming, funny and warm couple. They listened to polka music, danced in the kitchen and played endless rounds of scrabble together. Throughout their nearly 50 years of marriage, Linda cared for Bill with good humour (it was needed) an enormous amount of patience and love, and even more so during the last years.
Thank you Dad, we love you everything in 9’s.
An open house Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at 1425 Carlton Street, Regina,SK.
Messages:
Dear Linda and family, So sorry to hear about your loss of such a great husband, father and grand father. Bill was a loving person and enjoyed life so much. He will be missed. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
We are very sorry to hear the news of bill’s passing. Bill will always be remembered for his positive outlook and unique story telling. We always enjoyed our time together we will miss him dearly. Tim, Jane and family
So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I met him when we worked together at the Eurika Club. He was so fun to work with always smiling and full of mischief. Sorry that I lost track of you. Will try to stop by for the memorial. Please take care.
Linda, So very sorry to hear of your loss, really wish we could have all connected when you lived here. When you find the time could you please reach out via e-mail Arlene
My deepest sympathy to the Kalenchuk family, they have all been so strong in this period of Bill’s illness. Linda is a strong dedicated lady and has been a super caregiver. She dedicated her life to Bill’s care in his time of need. Her thoughts and love were always for Bill’s need. May God bless you all and know that your husband and father is in good hands. Much love Auntie...
Dear Bill, During a video-chat with Linda, the day after she was forced to a transfer of care for you, Grace asked where her grandpa was. As young as she was, having met you in person on little more than a handful of days, your absence was immediately noticed. Something had changed. Something had just ended. The two of you were unlikely to ever interact again. Something you were challenged to remember, and she will soon forget. We have never met. I am not sure you were ever curious to meet me, but I was curious to meet you. There were plenty of threatening stories, and I guess I sort of heard a challenge in them. A small part of my curiosity stemmed from my own father’s passing, almost 17 years ago. I was curious to see you interact with my daughter, your grandchild. Something my father never got to experience with any of his grandchildren. No one is ever ready to lose a father, and then you find they are never really gone either. I did not get to meet you. There was distance, there was disease, and then there was death. But there is still connection. There is a picture in our house of you and your youngest daughter, attending your other daughter’s wedding. You look strong, proud, at ease. I will continue to do my utmost best to earn that look. By loving, caring for and looking after your first daughter and your second granddaughter. Through this look, from father to son-in-law, you continue to look after them as well. We will do it together. Rest assured, Jorn
Linda I'm so sorry about the loss your family has suffered. I am so glad I reconnected with both of you since moving back to Regina. Prayers and lots of Love to your family. Please get in touch if you need a little company.
What a sad news to get and what a great story of an interesting life. We only knew him through stories from Twyla and this beautiful obituary. Fundamental, but by no means ubiquitous values that we covet, strive for, he had and passed on: being inclusive, kind and welcoming. Food is a great way of welcoming and meals are the best integrators. One can only wish to be remembered like this. We wish the family and friends the strength they need. Warm regards,
I’m so very sorry for your loss Twyla.
A Dear friend had left us behind to join others left before him. He will be a real asset up in heaven I can just hear the laughter. I do not remember any visits without laughter and great food. The Wheely Mart was always open to the Kalenchck family (private joke) you will be missed Bill. Our Deepest sympathy to You Linda Twyla & spouse, Susan and spouse, Sydney Rose and Grace. Rest in Peace my dear friend
❤️Rest In Peace “Billy Boy”...you were a very bright light in this world.So blessed to have known you and to have been teased & fed by you❤️. Hugs to Linda & family
Bill: “You and Suzie are going to behave when you go out tonight.... right?” Me: “Ummmm..... yeah. Sure thing Bill.” Bill: (eye roll, leaves the room) LOL Your dad was such a good sport Suzie, even when we teased him and wound him up like that! But such a gentle giant too, I will always remember his big booming voice, and his even bigger hugs.... The world is a poorer place now without Bill in it. Big hugs and kisses from here.
I’m so sorry to hear this, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family Twyla.
Love you guys, and thinking of you all. I used to love sitting at that table, and listening to his jokes, and eating so much good food, I felt sick. In a good way. Sending my love and condolences. - Tony "Twyla, be nice to that guy - Bill"
My deepest sympathies to you all. We enjoyed Bill’s humour and stories. Not too long ago he sang a song from his German days. He will be missed. We also enjoyed his perogies too.
He was a great guy. We enjoyed his perogies quite a few times. Lawrence and I enjoyed his humour over coffee. He is missed very much. He loved his family very much. Bill has been missed for some time. He was entertaining and I miss that. My sympathies to you all.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bill a couple of times many years ago after he was talked up to near mythic status by his daughter, Twyla. He didn't disappoint. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Condolences to Linda & Family! So many memories come to mind, especially our evenings visiting and playing canasta. Of course, Bill made up his own rules - his sense of humour, his hospitality, food and more food, made for a very entertaining evening. Loved our time together! Thinking of you all! Hugs❤️
Growing up with Bill was a fun time, our little community of kids would gather at the school grounds every evening to play dodge ball in the summer time. Lots of laughs brings lots of fond memories, Rest in peace Bill. You will be missed! Hugs for Linda and her Family!
Hugs to you all! You guys were the best neighbours! We will never forget Bill and the way he was so great to our kids! Kelsey will always remember him saying FE FI FO FUM and dressing up as Santa! He was one of a kind!
I am so very sorry about your Hubby, father and grandfather. I only knew him for a short time but have known Linda much longer. They are wonderful people. My prayers and much Love goes out to one and all. Hugs.
Bill was an amazing foster dad too. I ended up doing lots in life from the advice he had given me growing up, it made me a better person. I told myself I'd never forget you for teaching me those things and still after all these years I'll chuckle just remembering some of the jokes you used to tell. He used to always tell me that "I had lots of potential." He was right. I will always remember him.