WILLIAM NICHOLAS ZAPARINUK
DECEMBER 15, 1933 – June 17, 2023
Bill was born to immigrant parents from the Ukraine seeking opportunity for a better life in Canada. They settled in Moose Jaw and began raising their family. Life was not easy.
Bill started working early, first by selling vegetables from his mother’s large garden. He also had a paper route and even won a bicycle for being the best salesperson. He went on to shining shoes on River Street eventually working on the ice gang for CP Rail. He finally found his way to the Telegraph Office, then known as CNCP Telecommunications. At first, he worked all over Saskatchewan including Meadow Lake, Regina, Swift Current, and Moose Jaw going wherever there was an opening. He finally settled in Moose Jaw and worked a total of 33 years before retiring.
Bill was as an avid sportsman and community person. In the early days he played in a band and could be found playing the steel guitar on weekends at dances and special events. It was during this time he met Tex Emery who became a forever friend. Bill’s life became busy, and music was set aside.
Bill volunteered at the YMCA for 50 plus years. He taught racquet ball for 27 years and played at a competitive level. He played badminton and organized golf tournaments. He also served on the board of directors. Bill became interested in minor soccer and is one of the founding fathers of minor soccer in Moose Jaw. They started with two teams. He taught, coached, and refereed indoor and outdoor soccer for many years. He volunteered with the Lion’s Band while his children participated. Bill was a jogger and at noon in summer he could be found jogging from the YMCA to St. Anthony’s. Bill also helped with the Central Cyclones, his alma mater. His boys were on the team. He was an active ACT-UCT member.
Bill enjoyed fishing, golfing, photography, gardening (especially flowers). He was a BBQ wizard and a dedicated Roughrider fan.
Bill married Maureen Tisdale in 1964 and they settled in Moose Jaw to raise their family. They were married 50 plus years. They enjoyed travelling to Victoria, Las Vegas, Whitehorse, Yukon, Anchorage, Juno, Alaska, Hawaii, Palm Springs, and other parts of the USA.
Bill is predeceased by his daughter Laura Maureen Zaparinuk; mother Pat (Nellie) Glats; stepfather Tom Glats; father John Zaparinuk; brother Dr. John C Zaparinuk; sister in law Eleanor Zaparinuk; brother in law Murray Hunchuk; father in law Robert Lloyd Tisdale; and mother in law Elsie Carn.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Maureen Zaparinuk; son Geoffrey W. (Bonnie) Zaparinuk; grandson Max Zaparinuk; son Kenneth B. (Belinda) Zaparinuk; step grandchildren Elizabeth (Matt) Heacock; great grandchildren Madelyn and Amelia Heacock; step grandchildren Casey (Katie) Zaparinuk and Corey (Andrew) Zaparinuk; sister Katherine Hunchuk; brother in law Bob (Sharon) Tisdale; son in law Chad (Michelle) Baker; step mother in law Marguerite Tisdale; step sisters Julie Kevol and Dana Horning; step brother Lorne Horning; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Moose Jaw Ambulance service, Moose Jaw Home Care, the nurses and doctors at Dr. F. H. Wigmore Hospital as well as the physio and caregivers at Pioneer Lodge and finally Saskatchewan Health Authority (Extendicare). You made Bill’s last days as comfortable as possible. Many others came to help with Bill’s care and thank you all.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Tuesday July 4, 2023, at 1:30pm at W. J. Jones & Son Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St W., Moose Jaw. Reverend Dave Moore will officiate. Interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.
In living memory of Bill, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Chrystine Dacey- Funeral Director