Obituary of Bill Silzer

William "Bill” "Willie” Walter Silzer of Limerick, SK passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015, at the age of 84 years. Bill was born on the family farm north of Limerick on January 8, 1931. He was the third of eight children born to John and Caroline (nee Mang) Silzer. Bill grew up on the family farm and attended Limerick School. He was an avid sports enthusiast, playing hockey, ball, pool, curling and skating. At an early age Bill and his two older brothers became responsible for the farm and helping their mother raise their younger siblings. Bill left school in 1946 and became the drayman for the Village of Limerick, hauling coal, wood, water, and fuel oil. He was employed at a sawmill in Maple Ridge for a short time, and returned home to farm with his brothers in the fall of 1948. In 1951 Bill began farming on his own. Bill would work long hours to get the farm work done so that he could go to work for other farmers. He was also the caretaker of the skating rink and curling rink for many winters. For the winters from 1949 to 1953 Bill would find employment in Moose Jaw at the Robin Hood Flour Mill and the CPR Round House, and in Regina at Smith Brothers Construction. In the spring of 1955 Bill met and fell in love with Marcella (nee Kachuik). They were married on April 4, 1959 at the Trinity United Church in Limerick. Bill and Marcella were blessed with three children, Ronda, Clinton and Holly. Together they farmed and raised their family. From 1965 to 1967 Bill was employed by both Orban’s Farm and Auto Garage and Compton Motors in Assiniboia. Bill always enjoyed carpentry and in the winter months would take electrical, furnace maintenance and welding courses through the community college. Bill also obtained his Water Plant Operating Certificate through STI, and from 1968 to 1987 Bill was the Village of Limerick’s maintenance and water plant operator. He also worked as a seasonal groundskeeper for 14 years at Thomson Lake Regional Park and 5 years at the Shamrock Regional Park. Bill and his family worked as the custodian and maintenance at the two Limerick Schools for 12 years. His grounds keeping and maintenance knowledge took him to Empress, AB one summer, working for the town and park there. Bill took pride in all that he did and left a legacy of knowledge for his family. His motto was "If I can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.” Bill retired from farming in 2003 after 52 years. Bill and Marcella enjoyed dancing, singing, and traveling together, especially to BC and Ontario to visit family. Bill treasured the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. He will be dearly missed. Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years Marcella; daughter Ronda Silzer, grandson Cody Mercer (Shelby Jonescu), grandson Ryder Gall (Rebecca Sirianni), great granddaughter Maddison Gall; son Clinton Silzer; daughter Holly Silzer (Shane Logan), granddaughter Jessie Logan. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at the Limerick Community Hall, Limerick, SK, with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiant. The eulogy was shared by Ryder Gall and Cody Mercer. The Limerick Trinity United Church Choir was accompanied by pianist Gail Mergen. Photo tribute by Shelby Jonescu. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Limerick, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Bill to the Trinity United Church, Box 143, Limerick, SK S0H 2P0, were greatly appreciated.