OLEARNEK – William (Bill, Billy-O)
December 24, 1929 – February 6, 2010
In the early hours of a sunny February morning, Bill passed on after a short battle with lung cancer. Bill was born in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, where he grew up on the family farm with his brothers and sisters. At an early age, he left the family farm and worked in Winnipeg and Toronto. When he returned to Winnipeg, he met his wife Doreen—they married in June 1954 and moved to Nanaimo in 1955.
Bill worked at Harmac as a carpenter for 38 years before he retired in 1992. Bill loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing trips all over Vancouver Island. He also loved to putter and took great pride in his yard—no dandelion stood a chance in Bill’s yard! Bill enjoyed woodworking and constructed birdhouses and various yard ornaments as well as a playhouse for his granddaughters. Bill also loved working on jigsaw puzzles with Doreen and keeping his Harewood neighbourhood in order. He will be fondly remembered for his great big heart, his sense of humor, and his willingness to lend a hand when needed.
He will be missed by his wife, Doreen; son, Kirk (Vancouver); daughter, Karen Pierce; granddaughters: Taylor McLennan and Rylie Pierce; sisters: Anne Boyko (Dauphin, MB) and Nellie McClure (Florida), Aunty Pearl, and many nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the USA. He will always be the missing piece of our puzzle!
No funeral service as requested, but an Open House will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Bill and Doreen’s home, 435 Nova Street, Nanaimo.