William (Bill) Diduck of Wroxton passed peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at age 90. Born August 23, 1925, on the family farm near Wroxton to Malanka and Clem, dad was the 7th of 12 children (Steve, Mike, Nick, John, Ann, Mary, Tony, Jennie, Peter, Matthew and Raymond). As with many farm children in that era, dad attended school until grade 8 after which time he worked on the family farm. On July 29, 1961, dad married his soulmate, Verna Novakowski. For the next 48 years, they would devote their lives to raising their children, and building their small family farm 2 miles west of Wroxton, Saskatchewan. For many of these years, our parents grew cereal crops and a large vegetable garden, along with raising beef cattle, chickens, turkeys, geese and sometimes a pig. They hand-milked many cows, sold the milk, cream, homemade butter, and cottage cheese; as well as eggs from laying hens. They were renowned for their farm gate sales. In time, dad had to give up the milk cows and butchering chickens but continued raising a few beef cattle, hay and grain. Dad's favourite season was the fall, and the labours to bring the harvest into the bins. Dad was passionate about many things: attending auction and bull sales, staying active and healthy, his faith, raising his children, and eventually, spending time with his 13 grandchildren, who knew him as "Gido". It was without question that Gido loved his grandchildren, cuddling them as babies, playing on the floor as toddlers, and taking them to do things on the farm like sleigh rides, milking the cows, gathering vegetables and wild berries. That love and affection for "the kids" endured to the end. Despite many hardships over the years, dad never complained. He remained a humble, giving, and prayerful man. As he and mom grew older, their Christian faith grew stronger. For many years, they attended worship services and Bible studies in Kamsack. By 2009, as mom's health declined, dad would also be unable to continue staying on the farm by himself. By 2010, Bill joined Verna at the Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook, SK near their daughter, Joanne. He remained there until his passing. Predeceased by his loving wife, Verna, on June 1, 2014, dad's life and memory will continue to be celebrated by his 5 children, Dwayne (Ruth) of Edmonton; Joanne (Kevin) Burant of Shellbrook and their children, Jessie, Katelynn (Mark) Kelloway and Kyle; Lawrence (Rachel) and his children and grandchildren, William (Katelyn & son Tyrees), Matthew (Leanne & son Nicholas) and Christopher; Margwyn (John) Zacaruk of Calgary and their children, Anna, Adam, Claire and Jake; and Raelene (Walter) Krahn of Chilliwack and their children, Jonathan, Nicole and Nathan; along with one brother, Peter, from Sherwood Park, AB and his wife, Jean; one aunt, Wasalyna Lushney of Wroxton; along with many brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, close friends and dear neighbours in the Wroxton area. He will be especially missed by the staff and Home A residents at the Shellbrook Health Centre where is he lived for the past 5 years. A celebration of dad's life was held on Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, officiated by Pastor and friend, Anita Pearce. Eulogist was John Zacaruk. Casket bearers were grandsons Kyle Burant, Adam Zacaruk, Jonathan Krahn; son Lawrence Diduck; and nephews Glen Diduck and John Diduck. Interment was at the Garden of Crucifixion. The family of Bill Diduck would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the caregivers during the years that their parents' resided in Shellbrook at the Health Centre. Their commitment, love and devotion will not be forgotten. Memorials in dad's name can be made to the "Parkland Integrated Health Centre - Recreation Centre, Shellbrook, SK". Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Condolences can be sent to the family at .
