William James Spokowski, "Bill" as he was known to family and friends, was born on January 4, 1931, one of ten children, born to Nicholas and Katherine (nee Fedun) Spokowski. He passed away peacefully with family at his side on February 10, 2015 at the age of 84 years. Bill married his sweetheart, Lois (nee Murphy) of the Eden district on December 22, 1956. They were blessed with six children, four boys and two girls. The family lived on the farm until moving into Yorkton in 1980. He continued to farm for many years after moving into Yorkton. Like his father, Bill's passions were farming, carpentry, sports, hunting and fishing. In recent years, his fishing trips were a highlight of his life. He poured his heart and soul into his tasks, whether he was working with cattle, gardening, playing cards or building cupboards. A skilled mechanic and carpenter, he did most of his own repairs and built many of the farm buildings. Bill had a tender appreciation for God's creation, often bringing small critters into the house to show young children, baby bunnies, birds or guiding friends and family to a newborn fawn he'd come across in the field. He had a special love for the children in his life and was known for his relentless teasing. Bill always had time for friends to visit or to lend a helping hand to a neighbour in need. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Katherine; his siblings, Steve, Mary, Ann, Frank, Joe, Fred and Josephine; his in-laws, Charles and Gertrude Murphy; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lois and their six children, Darwin (Debra), Delmer, Dean (Colette), Ken (Lea), Rhonda (Randy) McCombs and Kim (Brad) Liebrecht. Also left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sisters, Corinne Hall and Jean (Leonard) Radons as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, good friends and neighbours. Bill's practical advice, quick wit and sense of humour, his constant teasing and joy of life will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. His life is celebrated and will be forever cherished through the light he has left in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, February 13, 2015 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Jen Dresser (Minister at St. Andrew's United Church) officiating. Special taped music selections included "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as sung by Willie Nelson, "In the Eyes of My People" by Mac Davis and "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan. The Urn Bearer was Bill's grandson, Kyle Liebrecht and all of the his grandchildren were considered to be Honourary Pallbearers. 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.
