October 27, 1924 – February 10, 2017
Bill was born in Kylemore, Saskatchewan on October 27, 1924. He was the youngest of 8 children born to John and Christina Posnikoff. Bill spent his early years in the small village of Malakoff, on the outskirts of Kylemore, helping with the community work alongside the residents. He met Pauline Sherbinin and they were married on February 29, 1949.
In 1943, Bill and Pauline settled in Crescent Valley and raised three children, Christine, Bill and Larry.
In 1951 Bill joined the Teamsters Union and was a proud and dedicated member for over 40 years. He worked on many projects throughout BC including the construction of the Waneta Dam in 1952, as well as the Duncan Dam and Seven Mile Dam. Bill worked for Emil Anderson for over 17 years building roads including the Blueberry/Paulson and Salmo/Creston roads. Bill was very proud of the fact that his sons, son in law and 4 of his grandsons became Teamsters – 3 generations!
Bill and Pauline loved to travel to many different places down south, including Palm Springs and Mexico.
After retirement Bill enjoyed taking his grandsons camping all over Southern BC and northern Washington. He was fond of cooking and was well-known for his famous pies, homemade borscht, stew, bean soup and macaroni and cheese.
Bill loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed preparing a heavy duty breakfast at Deda’s anytime.
Bill always made time for everyone! He was always on the go “zooming around” (as he would say) whether he was picking up parts, going for coffee, or just giving someone a ride home.
Bill’s aim in life was to do good things and not harm anyone, to live according to the Laws of God, and to express love and hospitality to others.
Bill was predeceased by his father John in 1942, mother Christine in 1949, sister Ruth in 1919 (at the age of 12), his brother Pete in 1978, sister Mabel Chernoff in 1979, sister Helen in 2011, grandson Tommy Posnikoff in 1989 and loving wife Pauline on May 21, 2009. His sister Annie, brothers Nick and John all died in infancy.
Bill is survived by his daughter Christine (John) Kooznetsoff, sons Bill (Elsie), and Larry (Treyleen Bruce), six grandchildren and their spouses, Kevin and Tracey Kooznetsoff, Mark and Tara Kooznetsoff, Todd and Shauna Posnikoff, Curtis and Dyanna Posnikoff, Aaron Posnikoff and Brady Posnikoff, along with 2 step grandchildren, Erin Bruce and Heather Bruce, and 7 great grandchildren: Ryan and Bradley Kooznetsoff, Lane (Raya Nikkelson) and Avery Kooznetsoff, Kaitlyn Posnikoff, Carter and Reese Posnikoff, and 3 step great grandchildren, Nick and Kyle Baker and Johlynn Doskoch.
Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.