William SAVENKOFF

A father, friend, poet, musician, and gentleman of the ages. With the heaviest of hearts, we see our most genuine William (Bill) off to his next performance with the “spirit in the sky.” A brief but courageous battle with cancer has taken our star far too soon. To all that knew him, he was the kindest, most gracious, “coolest”, caring and most warm man you could encounter. The family wishes to send a most heartfelt thanks to all those who brought joy to him and were supportive in his passing. We will never forget the small-town compassion shown which has brought so much life and light to us all even in difficult times. We know he will always be smiling down upon us all, helping to guide positivity and good vibes for eternity.

William was born in Canora Sask. to William and Florence Savenkoff in 1952. He spent his early childhood living the typical small-town Saskatchewan life, helping his parents with chores, farm maintenance, and tending to the family garden. His teachers often noted in his report cards of his “vibrant” and “outspoken” personality! This enthusiasm for life also led to his first written works, which were often published as short poems in local magazines and newspapers in the area. In his mid-teens, Bill caught the explorer bug and started hitchhiking around Canada. He found his way into BC for the first time and was amazed by the beauty of the mountains. He had odd jobs, and many an adventure along the way, including working for the traveling circus for a couple of years! He would eventually make his way back to Sask. for a brief time before finding his permanent home in Elkford BC. After securing a job at Fording River, (so the story goes… assisting a supervisor out of the snowbank after a late night of fun at the local watering hole…) he welcomed his first son (Dylan Savenkoff) with Mother Lorenda Harvie in 1984.

Bill embraced the mountain lifestyle - fishing, camping, playing slow-pitch (Gordie’s Mugwumps), bowling, and the general socialite way of living of the area at the time. Later in life, he welcomed his second son (Jacob Savenkoff) in 1996 with Mother Kathleen Daniels. During this time Bill was an avid sports fan, always participating in local drafts and often hosting hockey pools. “Horseshoes” was another staple of the Savenkoff household, with many a day and night being sent off with a couple of cold beverages and the cheers of a “ringer”. Bill was also active in the local music scene with his good friends Bob MacRae, Bill MacDonald, Shane Croft, Sierra Schultz, and many others including his son Dylan. Always willing to showcase his song writing skills to town benefits, fundraisers, and coffeehouses. “Bill’s Kitchen” as it was known, was a centerpiece to many artistic gatherings, and the music never stopped flowing through the walls. He also enjoyed traveling to the annual Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival, and had the experience of a lifetime visiting Cuba, including taking in the Rolling Stones first concert in Havana to a crowd of 500,000! Upon retirement (after 30 years of service) with Teck, he often joked about how nice it felt to not be taking the bus to work, and rather enjoyed waving a friendly “hello” as it drove by. Bill was also an amazing cook, remembering many recipes from his early life, such as his traditional “Russian style” famous borscht! He was also a lifelong gardener and “plant” lover. Always finding him outside tending to his flower beds and vegetables. He always knew little secrets of the trade to keep them healthy and happy, many of which he picked up from his parents.

William was also an extended father to Lacie Daniels (Grandchildren: Kayleigh, Ava, Harrison, Mya, and Jackson). William was predeceased by his sisters Luba, June, nephew Sam (Sasha), parents William and Florence Savenkoff, and Kathleen Daniel’s. He is survived by his nephew Leo (Melanie, Megan) Bugera, niece Georgina, siblings Marilyn Mckinley (James), his sons Dylan / Jacob, as well as many close friends, acquaintances, and all those who considered him family throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to plant something of your own to remember him by. Nothing would bring him more joy then to see others find happiness through a new blossom and new life. A celebration of remembrance to be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William SAVENKOFF, please visit our floral store.