WASIL BOWITSCH

December 25, 1928 – March 22, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest father (Lorraine, Susan and Ronald) and grandfather (Elyse) at the age of 94 after a courageous battle with cancer. Papa was predeceased by his cherished wife of 60 years, Anneliese Gilch. We celebrate a life fully lived.

Papa was born in the Carpathian Mountains to Ukrainian parents, but left home at the young age of 12 at the beginning of World War II. Over the next decade he worked as an apprentice electrician for the monks at the Benedictine Abbey in Metten, Germany. Papa met Mamma at a dance in the neighboring town of Deggendorf, after which “they danced at every chance.” They married on May 12, 1951 and embarked on their adventure together by crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Canada on the USNS General Blatchford. Upon settling in Montreal, they joined its vibrant German community and became lifelong members of Saint-Boniface Parish.

His love for family came first and never wavered. He was a committed family man, who provided a beautiful, traditional life for his wife, three children and grand-daughter, including vacations by the ocean and an excellent education. In recent years, he was an especially proud Grandpa to Elyse, student in medicine at McGill. Papa had incredible determination and a strong work ethic that culminated in a 35-year career with All Steel of Canada and several independent ventures. His curious, creative mind amassed a breadth of knowledge that made him a valuable resource to friends and neighbours requiring a helping hand with their construction projects.

His humble origins were deeply embedded in his character; ever a modest man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, in particular a savory home cooked meal or BBQ, an array of desserts and a great cup of coffee. His affinity to nature and his generous heart ensured even the neighborhood birds were fed. Road trips, Hockey Night in Canada, baseball games and keeping abreast of daily news brought him enjoyment. His luxury in life was time spent together and a lengthy conversation with family or friends that was animated with favorite anecdotes, unique expressions and laughter. We will miss him and those conversations tremendously!
The family extends their gratitude to the medical staff at the MUHC hospitals, the nurses at the CLSC and to his GP, Dr. Dannenbaum, who were committed to his care.

The family will receive condolences on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM, followed by service at 3:00 PM with Father Westphal in the Mount-Royal Chapel at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt, Outremont, Québec.