January 24, 1931 - August 16, 2025
After a long and well-oiled life, William "Bill" Hawryluk has finally put down his wrench and taken his final cruise into the sunset. Born in Kaministiquia, Ontario, where the Matawin and Dog rivers meet, on January 24, 1931. Bill spent his 94 years restoring cars, planting gardens, and fine-tuning the art of living well. Bill passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025.
Bill was a mechanic by trade and a tinkerer by nature. Whether it was under the hood of a car or knee-deep in tomato plants, he believed anything could be fixed with a little elbow grease and a lot of patience. Bill completed his apprenticeship beginning at Superior Motors, then later at Gibson Motors. Bill -while partnered with the late Mike Homeniuk- owned the Esso Service Station in Thunder Bay on the corner of Bay and Cumberland streets, then the Husky Station on North Cumberland Street. After retirement, he worked on his own cars and had a particular fondness for restoring vintage Model A Fords, Volkswagens, and MGBs.
His love for old cars extended far beyond the garage. Bill was a regular on the swap meet circuit, travelling across the Midwest in search of rare parts, good deals, and even better conversations.
When he wasn't under the hood, Bill was knee-deep in soil. His sprawling gardens at home and the Kaministiquia homestead were a local marvel.
Bill was a proud member of the Shuniah Masonic Lodge #287, Lakehead Shrine Club, Thunder Bay Horticultural Society, Lakehead Antique Car Club, and the stamp & coin clubs. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Mary Hawryluk; his brothers Joe and Jack; and his beloved wife, Sheila.
Bill leaves behind his children: Danny (Lana), Joanne, Bill Jr (Ronda), Kevin, and Dennis (Linda), nieces Holly and Rosemarie, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, plant something. Fix something. Share something. That's how Bill would've wanted it.
