William Zukowsky

Bill grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and after a short time in the army went on to graduate from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating at the top of his class. His career of 33 years with Imperial Oil began in Montreal and took him and his family to Sarnia, Toronto, Calgary, culminating as the Manager of Strathcona Refinery in Edmonton. Bill excelled at his job and held a variety of management positions with Esso. He was proud of his contributions to Esso along with the numerous close business associates who became close friends. He adored Kay (his wife of 65 years) and his daughters and he was the happiest when he was spending time with his family. His zest for life was evident in his joking nature, his discussions with his many friends and family, as well as every retail clerk and waitress he met. Bill was known for his concern for others, his commitment to his work and his sincere friendships. His most enjoyable time was spent in Sicamous where he would socialize with the neighbours, sit on the deck, martini in hand, to watch the Osprey and other wild life, or putt around the lake on the boat.

Bill is survived by his wife, Catherine “Kay”; his daughters, Claudia (George) Bell, Loraine (Bruce) McLeod, Cathy (Bob) Stemp, Betty-Jane “BJ” Marks; his grandchildren, Ian (Jennifer) Bell, Aron (Lindsay) Bell, Jason Bell, Spencer McLeod, Kathleen McLeod, Jessica (Ryan) Charney, Emily Stemp, Taylor Stemp, Elliot Marks, Anna Marks; great grandchildren, Bailey and Austin Bell and Mason Charney; sister-in-laws, Gert Zukowsky of Winnipeg, MB, and niece, Janet Zukowsky of Ottawa, Ontario, Ann Trylinski of Calgary, AB, Louise Malegus of Winnipeg, MB; brother-in-law, Chris Trylinski of Winnipeg, MB; and numerous other nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Pinebrook Country Club, (166 Pinebrook Way SW), from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Bill’s memory directly to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta either online at https://netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/LCI, or by cheque payable to “University of Calgary” with memo line “Libin Institute – In Memory of W. Zukowsky” (Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1).