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