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William Fewchuk
December 17, 1922 - August 11, 2014
Obituary
FEWCHUK, William “Duke”
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of William “Duke” Fewchuk on Monday, August 11, 2014 at the age of 91. He was well known for his great sense of humour and his wonderful ability to recall and tell stories of his colourful life, maintaining this gift right up to the end. William was born at Beacon Corner, Alberta, the sixth child of Tanasia and Michael Fewchuk. He, along with his 8 siblings, worked on the family farm while going to school at Beacon Corner. William leaves a long legacy. He worked the docks in Toronto where he picked up his life-long nickname “Duke”. Duke always enjoyed the game of fastball and was famous for his knuckleball, having pitched many professional ball games in different leagues throughout western Canada. His only regret was that he didn't join the national league when he was scouted out in the late forties and was invited to go to “Boot Camp”. He worked in the coal mines, and enjoyed many years as a commercial fisherman throughout Alberta’s northern lakes. He had a love for music and enjoyed entertaining with his guitar, accordion and fiddle, playing for local dances at the time. In 1948 he decided to go into the trucking business, and along with sideline activities such as sawing lumber, assembling livestock, owning a bottle depot and carwash, he made that his lifelong passion. Duke was a walking treasure-trove of information and events regarding local history and its people and will be forever missed by friends and family. William’s family wish to express appreciation to the outstanding team at St. Paul’s Sunnyside Manor, of which he was a resident for 5 years, and Bonnyville Auxiliary for all the excellent love and care they provided to him during his final years. Duke is survived by 2 sons, Michael & Johnny (Bev) all of Glendon; 4 grandchildren, Dallas & Nikki, Dustyn & Kara; 2 sisters, Ella Chomey of Pickering, ON & Rose (Jim) Johnson of Pincher Creek; numerous nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael & Tanasia; wife of 54 years, Margaret; brother, Samuel; 5 sisters, Mary, Ruth, Sennie, Anna & Elizabeth. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 29 at 1:00 p.m. at RCMP Century Hall, Glendon, with Pastor Kelly Sibley officiating. Cremation has taken place. If desired, donations may be made to Sunnyside Manor c/o 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL
5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1
780-645-2677
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From: Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel Staff
Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Paul E Boisvert
Relation: acquaintance
To all of “Duke’s” family family I offer my most sincere condolences. Although I knew who he was for many years, it was during his time at Sunnyside Manor that I came to appreciate him as someone I could always have a great conversation with. His comments and input to the many slide shows I did for the residents were always welcome. He was a great conversationalist and his eyes would just light up when he became engaged in discussing days gone by. May knowing that many of us held him in great esteem help you as you deal with your sorrow. RIP “Duke”…
From: Rose Mack/Loucinda Stanley
Relation: friend of the family
Our condolences to all of Duke’s family. Mom and I had the pleasure to visit with Duke just after he came to Bonnyville this summer- he was so happy, reading all his papers and was looking forward in spending time at the cabin… May he be remembered fondly forever…
From: Barry and Marilyne Kissel
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
Our condolences to you..keep his and Marge’s memories close to you. take care.
From: Harvey and Louise Onciul
Relation: friend
Thinking of Dukes family….always appreciated the way you considered Harvey as famly after working for Glendon Transport for 10 years. You all have a special place in our heart.
From: Gwen Glover
Relation: Friend of Mike's
Mike, Nicki and Dallas – Was so sad to hear of dad/grandpa’s passing….hope you are all fairing okay.
Mike – the tribute to your dad is so nicely written – way to go in saying by to your dad, your friend.
Gwen
From: betsy kriaski
Relation: Friend
On behalf of Alice Navrot, Duke’s card playing buddy at Sunnyside Manor, and her family, I wish to share a short story about Mom and Duke. “Whenever the topic of age came up, Mom would always tease Duke that she was two months older and wiser than he was. Duke would grin at her, say “You think so?” and challenge her to yet another game of cribbage.
Mom continues to remember all of the good times she had with Duke. She mentions his love of music (as he’d burst into song in the middle of a card game), his story telling ability as he reminisced about his life and especially his love for Mundare sausage. They shared many a roll over the years.
May the fond memories that you have of your Dad and Grandad comfort you in the days ahead. Know that we are thinking of you at this time.
From: Arlene & Sherwin Prysunka
Relation: Friends
Dear Johnny, Bev and family, – Johnny, we were sorry to hear about Duke’s passing, and that we could not be there with you at your dad’s service. May you always think back with fond memories of good shared times and the years gone by.
One of our memories of your dad, will be all the years that we travelled back to Glendon no matter how late that we would drive into town and as sure as the burning flame on main street, the lights would be on at Duke’s car wash. There would be Duke working, often your mom would be there with him as well, (talk about commitment) . Time passes, life takes a different path, we loose our loved ones, and life moves on…but nothing takes away our memories that we hold in our hearts. Take care, and know that you and your family are in our thoughts.
From: DALE DEMANCHUK
Relation: friend
sorry to hear of Dukes passing was good friend to my dad and mom always going hunting with his wife marg for antiques…condolences and sympathies to all the families and thanks to the staff of sunnyside who treated him well when i visited him at sunnyside-rest well Duke-you had a great life!
From: Kathy Wilson
Relation: Friend
Sorry to hear the loss of your father.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
August 29, 2014
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
RCMP Century Hall
Glendon, AB Canada
Glendon, AB Canada
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to: Sunnyside Manor c/o 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1
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