William Chernish

The family of Bill Cherish is saddened to announce the passing of our dear Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa on August 31, 2021 at 99 years of age. Bill was born in Poland and came to Canada when he was 6 years old with his parents and 6 siblings. The family claimed a homestead in the Larvert area & started clearing the land for their future farm. Bill went to Larvert school and would return home to help his siblings teach their parents English. Bill started running a saw mill to help keep their family farm going, he also worked for George Cooke. It was here that he met the love of his life, Doreen Cooke, while working for her family as a farm hand. They were married in 1948, with their first child Linda arriving in 1949. Linda was followed by Delilah in 1951, Calvin in 1956 & Dwight in 1959. They raised their family on the farm they built together near Island Lake. Bill & Doreen loved to travel, whether it was in their motorhome with their camping friends, on a bus tour or cruise. They also enjoyed trips to the casino and numerous dances at Grosmont Hall. Bill drove school bus for the County of Athabasca for 26 years while they were establishing their cattle farm. He loved to go hunting, camping & fishing with family and friends. He also ran an active trapline & a commercial fishing license which provided his specialty smoked fish that was second to none. 

Bill was an amazing storyteller and loved to re-live stories of his past to everyone who would visit. Photography was another one of Bill’s passions and he loved to share the pictures and stories that accompanied them. Bill and Doreen loved their time at Pleasant Valley Lodge and their staff became a second family to them. Sadly, on May 31, 2021, Bill lost his lifelong partner Doreen and the sparkle left his eyes. He made his last move to Long Term Care where again he received exceptional care and kindness. Bill brought much joy to all who knew him and has left a lasting legacy that will be cherished forever. Bill leaves to mourn his children: Linda (Gerry) of Bonnyville, Delilah (Gordon) of Edmonton, Calvin (Theresa) and Dwight (Tracy) of Athabasca, 2 sisters: Leda and Vera of Edmonton, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Long Term Care at Athabasca Health Care Centre.

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