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PRYSTASH

Willem

December 2, 1917 – April 15, 2009


Willem Prystash passed away on April 15, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, B.C. He was predeceased by his parents Dimitri and Greta Prystash, his sister Johanna Howell (nee: Prystash) and his brother-in-law Harlen Howell. Bill is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife Mary Prystash (nee: Ferbey) of Comox, B.C.; his daughter Faye Marilyn Wouterlood van Doesburg (nee: Prystash) and husband Frans of Merville, B.C.; his grandchildren: (1) Rod Vajai (Julie McCarthy) of Comox and their children Patricia “P.J.” (David), Leah (Scot) & Savanah, (2) Lisa Bognar of Comox, B.C. and her children Marissa, Tyler and Lukas, (3) Chris Wouterlood van Doesburg of Merville, B.C. and (4) Melissa Wouterlood van Doesburg of Campbell River, B.C. and her child Bailey; great-great- grandchildren: Mary, Neveah and Cristos; his brothers Ted Prystash, Bob Prystash and Hamsel Prystash all of Edmonton, AB; his sister Margaret McKay of Edmonton; as well as many nieces and nephews in Alberta and B.C. Bill briefly enlisted in the military in 1940 – 1941 but was forced to leave early due to a disability. In his leisure time Bill enjoyed his tools, new technologies, repairing items in need, gardening and looking after wildlife. Bill worked on the family farm early in life, worked as a cook on the “Dew Line”, worked in construction and was Foreman/Cleaner for Yarrow Shipyard in Victoria. Bill will always be remembered for his good humour, his loyalty to his family and his great smile. He loved being with his family and hosted, with his wife Mary, numerous dinners throughout the years. Bill was a generous man, always making sure that his grandchildren had money for gas and food when they came to visit him and Grandma Mary at “Rodli” Acres. They always insisted that family would call them when they arrived home no matter what time it was. Bill had a way of making everyone fell at home and had a sympathetic ear for anyone’s problems. Bill loved helping family with technical problems. He was a “Wiz” with tools and always had a solution to whatever the problem may be. Many happy hours were spent by him in his tool shed (Pumphouse) fixing household items. Bill and Mary’s love of nature was evident in the flower beds and trees planted around his acreage. The animal world also knew exactly where to go for nourishment. There was a steady stream of deer, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and birds visiting them. He loved all creatures large and small and they loved him. Bill will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. A special Thank You to the caring doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s that made his last days easier. A Celebration of Bill’s Life was held on Tuesday, April 21st with viewing from 11:00 A.M. till noon with the Service starting at noon from Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation & Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road, in Courtenay. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Bill’s name can do so to The Canadian Cancer Research Society.



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