Sep 25, 1930 - Mar 17, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of William (Bill) Makortoff at the €age of 87. He passed away peacefully on March 17, 2018 at Castleview Care Centre in Castlegar, BC.
Bill was born on September 25, 1930 in Shoreacres, BC to parents William and Elizabeth Makortoff (nee Poznikoff).
From 1955 to 1966 Bill was married to Mary Zaitsoff (nee Kazakoff). Together they had three children: Gary, Sandra and Lena.
From 1975 to 1984 Bill was married to Kathleen Makortoff (nee Shlakoff). Together they had two children: Leesa and Nicholas.
Bill worked as a Faller at the Lower Mainland€for several years. In his later years he upgraded his career and achieved a welding certificate. He retired from the KFP Sawmill when it shut down in the 1980s. Some of his hobbies included fishing, making tables, bowls and clocks from burls, gardening and singing with the Men's Tri Choir.
He enjoyed traveling south with his partner Winnie, going to hot springs, dinner outings and visiting with family & friends. He will be remembered for his great love of family, beautiful singing voice, and jovial personality.
Bill leaves behind his loving partner of 24 years, Winnie Watson; his children: Sandra Belanger (Allan), Lena Keller (James), Leesa Makortoff, Nicholas Makortoff (Sarah), stepdaughter Stephanie Swetlishoff (Barry); grandchildren: David Belanger (Chisa), Dylan Belanger, Patrick Keller, Kristie Ehman (Greg), Alek & Felix McMillan, Kaitlin & Liam Makortoff; great grandchildren: Roman Belanger, Cole Keller, Madison, Jamie, Tysen and Alena Ehman, and sisters Sonja Ostrikoff and Vera Lapshinoff; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Elizabeth Makortoff, his son Gary Makortoff, his sister Nellie Conkin, and his brother Harry Rezansoff.
A traditional Doukhobor funeral service will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Krestova Prayer Home at 10:00 am, followed by interment at Krestova Cemetery.
The family invites all friends and family to a luncheon in Bill's honour following the service.