In Memory of

William

"Bill"

Michael

Gelevan

Obituary for Mr. William "Bill" Michael Gelevan

William (Bill) Gelevan
July 6, 1924 - April 27, 2021

The family of William (Bill) Michael Gelevan sadly announce the passing of their father, on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 in (only) his 97th year of life.

Born in Kriva, Czechoslovakia, “Bill from over the Hill” survived many war adventures supporting the allies as part of the Czech resistance and made his way to Canada once hostilities ended, settling in Fort William. He married Emily Kuzminski in 1953 and was employed as a farm hand, aircraft repair tradesman and ultimately as a Sheet Metal Worker. They settled in their home in the Green Acres neighbourhood to raise their family of four.

Bill enjoyed singing with a Ukrainian male choir in Fort William as well as fishing and tinkering with motors. Gardening and talking about world current events occupied the later years of his life. After the death of his wife in 2018, he relocated to the Walford Retirement Home where he found new joy and appreciation for the care he received. It was a life “beyond his expectations”.

William will be missed by his son, Morris (Linda Steinke), son Willy (Tanis Enders), daughter Eileen (Fernando Dias), and son Daniel (Christine Sombrutski) as well as grandchildren: Douglas (Gloria), Amber (Ray), Christopher; Kirsten (Omar) Justine (John); David (Victoria), Nathaniel, Emily (Paul), Sarah (Jason) and Rebecca. He also leaves seven great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Michalo and Maria and siblings Joseph, Peter, Michalo, Milana and Anna.

Interment has taken place in Riverside Cemetery and a celebration of his life will be scheduled in the future once covid travel restrictions are lifted.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.