William Protzak was born on July 28, 1907 in the Ukraine, the eldest of three children born to Peter and Anna (nee Nekorak) Protzak. He came to Canada in 1926 and settled in the Parkerview district. William was united in marriage to Mary Kolebaba in 1932 and were blessed with five children, Ann, Olga, Iris, Orest and Sylvia. William was a farmer at heart who loved to grow crops and raise cattle. Initially times were tough when the land had to be cleared and all buildings were built. As most people of that generation William was determined to succeed through the thirties when money was tight and many obstacles were present. He started farming with horses then switched to tractors, etc. in the late 1940's. Most of these years were labour intensive but there was always time for a day off for worship and relaxation on Sundays. In 1965 William and Mary sold their farm in Parkerview and purchased a farm in the Insinger district. There they farmed until retiring and moving to Yorkton in 1985. When in Yorkton, William continued to grow a large garden and raised his own vegetables. Being self-sufficient and independent was one of his greatest desires and achievements. Hard work and good management was certainly one of his strong points. In 1992 Mary passed away. William continued living in their home until 2009 when he moved to the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. William was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anna; his wife, Mary; two daughters, Olga Thies and Iris Berezny; son-in-law, Bill Bobyk; granddaughter, Charlene; two sisters, Kay Monych and Dora Anaka. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Bobyk, Sylvia (Stan) Rashbrook; his son, Orest (Veronica) Protzak; his sons-in-law, Leslie Thies and Taras Berezny; sister-in-law, Olga Gresko; 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. The family is deeply appreciative of the care given to William "Papa" during his stay at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. Prayer Services were held on Sunday, September 21, 2014 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK and the Funeral Service was held on Monday, September 22, 2014 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton, SK. The Very Reverend Father Mel Slashinsky officiated both services and the Cantor was Gerald Yaholnitsky. The Cross Bearer was Troy Vives. William was laid to rest in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Harold Berezny, Terry Berezny, Barry Thies, Ryan Misfielt, Brad Bobyk and Dion Protzak serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
