Obituary of William "Bill" Gregory

GREGORY - On July 12, 1915, in Calder, Saskatchewan, George and Yelena Gregory welcomed William into the world. In 98 years, William experienced many great moments and lived a very full life… William married the love of his life, Effie Filipchuck in 1937, and together raised 2 sons (Vincent and Richard) and 1 daughter (Sharon). Their family continued to grow over the years, with the addition of their daughter-in-laws (Gladys and Doreen), 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. After 65 wonderful years of marriage, Effie passed away in Edmonton, which was now home for William. As a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, he became a very well respected educator and was eventually recognized for 40 years of teaching service. In addition to teaching, William displayed an incredible amount of dedication and pride to his commitments. At the age of 94, he was honored by the City of Edmonton with a "Volunteer of the Year" Award. This achievement recognized him for working over 4000 hours transporting patients at his nursing home to and from the dining room. William volunteered until the age of 94 when he then needed a volunteer to take him for dinner. William's generous and loving personality shone through in everything he did. He would say hello to every stranger he passed by, was never judgemental and made many friendships along the way. He touched many lives with his respectful, caring and sharing ways. Of course William had a stubborn side. He was extremely independent and persistent. He definitely liked it done his way. He always insisted on bringing a pie to dinner and ensured everyone had a piece regardless if you did not like pie. As for passions in life, William had many… His love for flower gardening and ice cream are definitely symbolic of his beautiful and sweet personality. It was not uncommon for him to enjoy 2 liters of ice cream in one sitting with his son and over the years, William became Dairy Queen's best customer! William will mostly be remembered for his love of music and his musical aptitudes. Never a day passed without instrumental or sacred music playing in the house. He was blessed with the talent to play the violin, mandolin and guitar. Most significantly, William was a proud church choir director for over 50 years and graced many with his voice. William's heart was always kind and true. He would never leave home without a box of chocolates or dessert for others to enjoy. In fact, William would rather be late for dinner to pick up a pie from the bakery, than to be empty handed. He loved to make others smile and was the most caring, sharing and unselfish man we knew. At sunrise on January 23rd, 2014 William joined his beloved wife Effie, daughter Sharon and daughter-in-law Gladys, as he passed away peacefully. After 98 years of good health and lots of love, William is resting peacefully in the arms of angels. Following prayer services in Edmonton on Tuesday evening, January 28th, the funeral service was held on Friday morning, January 31st from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky led members of the church choir in the singing of the responses. Members of the Order of St. Andrew, Yorkton branch attended the service and formed an honour guard. Andrew Antony was the crossbearer. The interment took place in the family plot in the Garden of Crucifixion at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens followed by a memorial luncheon at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium. Condolences may be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials in Bill's name may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Ave. Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, January 31st, 2014 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens