Bill Osatuik was born on November 24th, 1928 and passed away in Vernon BC on January 5th, 2012 at the North Okanagan Hospice House.
Bill worked across the country in various jobs from boats in Ontario, to the railroads in Saskatchewan and eventually Burns Lake where he settled and raised a family. It was there that the handsome Bill met his pretty wife for life, Ena.
In the sixties, his attention turned to welding and from that point forward he was known as a man of steel. Houseboats, trailers, hitches, rails, bridges, you name it, he built it. He loved music his whole life and after retiring to Vernon took to fiddling in earnest, practicing daily and playing with the Old Time Fiddlers, one of his favourite things to do.
Bill was a big, strong, clever man; happy and quick to smile and added wit to any conversation he was part of. He was a dedicated, protective and caring father to Duana, Shelly, Laurel and Heather who always provided for his family and was a good friend to his sons-in-law, Todd, Alain, Stanley and Alton. Loving grandfather to Adam, Jamie, Caitlin, Rhiannon, Brandon, Amy and Ryan and great grandfather to Oliver, Vaughn, Lochlan, Hunter, Nelson, Regann and Sterling. He lived and worked as he saw fit, didn’t like being told what to do, and never stopped enjoying life. He has touched our lives deeply and although no longer with us physically will always remain close through our memories, our relationships and our love.
A memorial service was held on January 7th to celebrate his life.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Bill to the North Okanagan Hospice Society 3506 27th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4.