POPOFF - William (Bill) Popoff passed away in the early morning hours of August 30, 2015 at the Yorkton Union Hospital following a short, acute illness.
Dad lived a varied and full life! We teased him endlessly that he lived like a “cat” (nine lives), but finally succumbed, surrounded by his children. He was born November 21, 1922 on the farm in Cote, Sask. He was the sole child of a second marriage for both parents. His step-siblings were much older and thus, he often felt an only child, becoming independent at an early age. He loved to read and learn; he taught himself to play guitar and told the story of his father building him a “shack” to strum his guitar (and give the family’s ears some peace!)
As a young man, Dad played in a local band (“The Potato Diggers”), and made some “good cash” playing at community dances and weddings. For Dad, having an education was “key” for a strong future. He loved school and was devastated when he was not able to attend High School in Kamsack because of cost.
When his father passed, he assumed responsibilities on the family farm. Dad met Mom (Alma Haberman) at a Halloween dance. He bragged to his best friend George that he was going to marry “the girl I danced with”. George thought he was crazy, but 4 weeks later, there he was, Dad’s best man on November 28, 1948. Mom passed away this past February 15. They would have been wed 67 years this November. Mom and Dad farmed until 1958 and then relocated to Winnipeg with daughter Cynthia (1956) in tow. Dad was a “jack of all trades”, and while raising three children (Barbara - 1960 and Wesley - 1962) he made the decision to return to school and retrain as an electrician and appliance repairman. Dad was employed in Winnipeg with Cronin’s Fire Equipment and the T. Eaton Company as a sales manager and appliance repairman respectively. He retired happily in 1987. Mom and Dad returned to Kamsack at that time and enjoyed almost 20 years of fun and mischief with our Uncles Clarence and Dave, and Aunt Anne.
Mom, Dad and Clarence started a “house flipping business” in Kamsack, before HGTV made it popular! Their home in Kamsack was heaven. Mom had a green thumb and a yard of flowers. Dad loved his vegetable garden. Together they spent many hours working in the yard and encroaching on each other’s (yard) space! Finally Dad resorted to planting his potatoes on the farm because the flowers were winning in town!
In 2008, Mom began to exhibit signs of dementia, but Dad was determined to have them both stay in their home. He managed to keep this vow until February, 2013 when he was struck down as a pedestrian in Kamsack. With a fractured hip, Dad could no longer manage at home with Mom, and they lived together at Eaglestone Lodge until Mom’s passing. Dad’s health continued to deteriorate, and he ultimately became a long term resident at Jubilee Nursing Home in Foam Lake.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Alma (2015), and two infant sons (William and Brian), his parents and step-siblings. He is survived by his 3 children: Cynthia (Alex) Tymchak (Winnipeg), Barbara (John) Kresowaty (Red Deer), and Wesley (Nancy) (Swift Current). He had 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister in law, Anne Schwab (Kamsack). Dad died with dignity in his 93rd year. He was frail and non-ambulatory, but he loved to talk, joke around and share stories of his past. He loved to read the paper, watch the news or a good baseball game. He despised chicken or turkey (“anything on 2 feet”), but loved Barb’s chocolate chip cookies and licorice allsorts. He would still strum his guitar. He always supported the underdog and believed “family was first”. He believed in exercise and missed the ability to stand and walk. Dad was always a fair, honest and supportive man.
Rest peacefully dear Dad. We love you and will miss you. Your life’s work done well. The family extends a huge thanks to the tremendous staff at Eaglestone Lodge, Canora Hospital, Foam Lake Jubilee Nursing Home and Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Dad has requested no formal service, but the family will gather for a graveside memorial in the summer. Memorials honouring William’s life may be made to the War Amps. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com
