Obituaries

Unexpectedly in the late evening of March 24, 2023 at the General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, our Dad, Bill, said a much-too-hurried goodbye to his family. With his daughter and son-in-law at his side, holding his hand, and with his son and daughter-in-law on the phone – holding his heart in theirs, we said a tearful goodbye.

Dad fought hard to stay here with us, but another day was not meant to be.

Bill leaves behind the Pride of his life, son Trevor (Danielle Hamm) and daughter Jody (Curtis) Danyluk.

The Joy of Bill's life were his four grandsons Rhett (Jada Baker), Trey and Ethan Danyluk, and Ian Hamm (Meesha Wanigasekara), who are all left to cherish warm memories of him and to keep the spirit of Grandpa Bill alive and well for years to come.

Bill was born in Cupar, Saskatchewan and was the second youngest in a family of five siblings. Along with his immediate family, Bill's life and memories will be forever cherished by his surviving in-laws Myrna Scebinski, Joanne (Gerry) Huber, Irvin (Helen) Lazorko, Ernest (Violet), Doreen Ludwar, Eileen (Mike) Schatz, Darryl Wilson, Sharon Kohuch, Gloria Pawliw, D'arcey Poirier; Carol Buhnai and Anita Buhnai along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends all around North America.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Loretta, parents William and Mary Buhnai, father and mother- in-law George and Doris Lazorko, brothers Tony and Nick Buhnai, sisters Mary Kerr (Hugh Jowsey) and Elaine Buhnai, sister-in-law Gina Wilson, brothers-in-law Darryl Pawliw, Al Ludwar, Jerry Scebinski, Edward (Laurie) Lazorko and Mike Kohuch.

Bill was also predeceased on January 23, 1996 by his constant friend and companion, his big boy, Rocky.

After graduating Balfour Tech High School in 1957 Bill accepted a role with Auto Electric Service. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and career, and he gained many friends and customers while rising to the position of Sales Manager and co-owner of the organization by the time of his formal retirement after 40 years with the company. Bill retained his ownership interest in the organization for an additional decade and always remained grateful to his original, and new partners for that opportunity.

Bill met Loretta and they were married in 1962 in Regina, where they made their life-long home. After raising their two children, and enjoying fulfilling family life and careers, in December of 1997 Bill and Loretta retired and spent fifteen amazing, wonderful and fun-filled years together, travelling in their RV to the sunny climates of the southern U.S.A. each winter, combined with warm spring and summer days at home in Regina and at the family cottage at Wee Too Beach.

In 2007 Bill and Loretta decided to put down additional roots and purchased a townhouse in Las Vegas. He was very grateful that he and Loretta had such a long and fruitful shared retirement, making new friends, exploring new adventures and making new memories at each stop along their way.

On September 8, 2012 Bill and Loretta celebrated a wonderful 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in the courtyard of the hospice where Loretta was at during her illness. That day was sunny, warm and full of love as companionship and conversation were shared, and even more memories were made. Just eleven days later, the family bid a painful farewell to Loretta.

For the past eleven years, Bill continued his retirement in honour of Loretta’s life, spending more time at his favourite places in the south and at home here in Saskatchewan. He grew closer than ever before to his daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons as they became more than family, they became his very best friends. He spoke often of his gratitude for their love and companionship knowing that he had then entered a different phase of his life without Loretta at his side. Together we forged a new path without her, while leaning on each other to heal and keep her memory alive.

Please join us as we Celebrate Bill’s Life on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant/Chaplain Angela Fraser presiding in the Wa Wa Shrine Temple, 2065 Hamilton Street, Regina, SK. Bill’s Celebration of Life will be followed by a lunch reception. Livestream of the Celebration of Life can be viewed at: https://live.prairiewave.ca/william-buhnai

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the WA WA Shrine Patient Transportation Fund/ care of The Shrine Centre, 2065 Hamilton Street, Regina, SK S4P 2E1 and are payable by cheque or money order.

Rest in Peace Dad. With Mom returned to your arms we will constantly watch for you both dancing across the stars; and we will carry your hearts, in ours until we meet again.

Go Riders!