William (Bill) Verabioff BSP

VERABIOFF: William James March 29, 1943 to August 25, 2023, 80 years
It is with great sadness the family announces that William “Bill” James Verabioff (80) passed away in Kamsack, SK on August 25, 2023 after a battle with cancer.

He was born on March 29, 1943 in Kamsack and was the second son of John Verabioff and Anne Verabioff (Negraeff). Growing up, he was active in sports and band. He loved playing hockey and football as a well as curling and later golf. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Verabioff (Goodfellow) and had two children, William Todd Verabioff and Tracey Rae Verabioff.

After graduating high school at Kamsack Collegiate Institute in 1961, Bill attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy. While in University he remained active in sports and played football with the U of S Huskies, during what he liked to call “the building years” as well as hockey and was on the College of Pharmacists Hockey team that won intermural hockey for the first time in history of the College in 1964/1965. He loved curling at local rinks in Saskatoon as well as at the University. He also enjoyed playing in the marching band with HMCS Unicorn while attending University.

After graduating, he moved the family to Regina and worked at McNeil’s Rexall Drugs on Broad and 14th which later became Pinder’s Rexall Drugs. While in Regina he was active with the Lion’s Club, curling, attending Roughriders games as a long –time season ticket holder, and was introduced to golf. In 1974, Bill was given an opportunity to purchase Davie’s Rexall Drugs form Jack Davies and he moved the family to Kamsack to open Verabioff Drugs which he proudly ran for 30 years. Bill truly loved his job. He was active in the town Chamber of Commerce throughout his career. He was also an active member of the Board of Directors with United Pharmacists since its inception. He was a proud Legion member and in 1989 he became a Mason joining King Solomon #58 in Kamsack. He was initiated on September 13, 1989. During his Masonic career he was Junior Warden, Senior Warden and Worshipful Master in 1994/1995. He was also the Z of Sheba Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons and held provincial office with Royal Arch giving him the title of Very Worshipful Companion. He remained involved with the Shrine throughout his life.

It is evident with all who know him that he lived life to the fullest. His ease with meeting and talking to people won him many friends throughout his life. His great sense of humour and love of sharing stories about his many adventures also enriched those who knew him.  He loved to travel with his family to Hawaii, skiing the mountains with his friends, the odd curling bonspiel, golfing trips with both family and friends, and fishing trips to northern Saskatchewan.

Many gatherings around the family table in the kitchen were remembered with stories, jokes and much laughter and love. Most of all, his love for his family showed in hosting many Christmas gatherings, summer holidays at Mage Lake and trips abroad. He was a strong-willed person of conviction and proud of where he was from and what he accomplished, but underneath what some might see as a tough exterior was a gentle and generous soul who loved nature and connecting with people on a deeper level.  His intelligent spirit and wisdom were not taught to him in school but came to him through his experiences in life, and this he passed on to those close to him. He was truly a unique soul and there will never be another like him in this life. Our lives were better knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna and her sister Betty Porteus (Goodfellow) and her parents, Don and Bernice Goodfellow (Trueman), as well as Bill’s mother and father John and Anne Verabioff, and both his brothers, Lorne Verabioff and Peter Verabioff.

He is survived by his son Tod Verabioff, Daughter Tracey Verabioff and her husband Jeff Zarchikoff as well as his “favorite” grandson, Will Zarchikoff whom he loved more than life. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends too numerous to mention, each one of you held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to thank each and every one of you that sent flowers, cards, emails, text messages, meals and all of the stories and memories that you shared about Dad.  It meant more than you will ever know.

A celebration of life will be held at Madge Lake in the spring of 2024

To leave a note of condolence for the family please visit wolkowski.ca

Those so wishing may make memorial donations, in memory of Bill to Kamsack Hospital Ladies Aux, Kamsack and District Nursing Home Ladies Aux, Eaglestone Lodge or the Assiniboine Valley Medical Clinic.

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