Obituary of WILLIAM (BILL) GRYWINSKI

            After a difficult battle with cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at Riverview Palliative Care Unit on August 7, 2021.

            He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew & Pauline, in-laws Joseph & Anna Behun, nephew Robert Behun, brother-in-law Orest Behun, uncle Steve Chuckry, sister-in-law Rose Behun, brother-in-law Roman Behun, brother Steve, sister-in-law Olga Chuckry, nephew Bill Behun.

            He is survived by his wife Luba, children David and Dianna, step-grandchildren Eli and Avery Reimer, sister Elaine (Frank) Grzenda and family, sister-in-law Alice Grywinski and Larysa, and many nieces and nephews of the Grywinski, Behun & Chuckry families.

            Bill was born at the home place in Poplarfield, MB., January 16, 1939. He attended High Plains School gr 1-8; then Dehowa School gr 9-11. Afterwards he took an Electronics, Radio & T.V. course at MTI, Wpg. In 1961 he was employed at Inco, Thompson, MB., as an Instrument Technician, later being promoted to supervisor of the Instrumentation Department. He took more courses and received his journeyman certificates in Instrumentation and Electrical.

            He married Luba in 1965 and eventually God blessed them with two loving children, David Michael and Dianna Lynn. Bill and Luba were active members of St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. After 17 years they returned to Winnipeg to be closer to aging parents and the families.

            Bill began working with the Trane Service Agency; after several years he was promoted to Service Manager; a position he held until his retirement in 2005. He was involved in work related organizations: The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society & the Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Association. Wishing to keep current, he took updating Controls courses at Red River Community College throughout the years.

            The family became members of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1981 and joined various parish organizations. Bill was involved with the Brotherhood; Bishop Budka Knights of Columbus Council; eventually progressing to the Fourth Degree Canon Luhowy Assembly. He served on the executive of Blessed Bishop Budka Council for many years as Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Grand Knight. In 1988 Bill was Chairman of the Planning and Construction Committee for the St. Michael’s Villa and Cultural Centre; which commenced building in 1990 and was ready for occupancy in 1991. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors until 1996, and remained on the board until June 2021. He also willingly looked after St. Michael’s Church maintenance.

            In his younger days he enjoyed golf and hunting. He was an avid sports follower of hockey, football and baseball; enjoyed watching CNN, Power & Politics and the news, and daily read the Winnipeg Free Press.

            Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 13 at 11:00am, at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church with Very Rev. Fr. Mark Gnutel officiating. Masks mandatory. Pallbearers are nephews; Frankie Grzenda (Godson), Lawrence Grzenda, Donnie Bihun, Ted Behun, Rick Behun, Jamie Behun.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church 100 Yale Ave East R2C OH8.

            The family wishes to thank the Doctors and Staff of the Clinical Assessment Unit at HSC; Dr. Eric Saltel; CancerCare and Dr. Shahida Ahmed, Dr. P. Czakowski; all the Doctors and Staff at Riverview Palliative Care Unit for their excellent care; especially his nurse angels Maureen and Janet.

Our heartfelt thanks to:

all our clergy for their spiritual help and guidance, prayers and liturgies: Very Rev. Fr. Mark Gnutel, Rev. Fr. Alan Wizinski, and Rev. Fr. Michael Krochak, who so beautifully administered the anointing for Bill, giving us such spiritual peace. 

all our dear family and friends for their loving support and prayers, liturgy offerings, get well wishes, cards, and visits.

all who helped with transportation; especially nephew Joey (Debbie) Behun for countless trips to emergency, Dr. appointments, etc., and driving Auntie Luba everywhere she needed to go.

sister Elaine for providing us with a constant supply of homemade soups, which Bill enjoyed so much.

Knights of Columbus and Brotherhood Honour guard.

last but definitely not least our parish family at St. Michael’s who helped and prepared to make the funeral service and luncheon possible – all who cleaned, sanitized, served, and helped in any way.

Make God Bless you all abundantly.