William Francis Coleski (February 5th, 1954 - December 6th, 2016)
Bill kept his humor and his will to try and outlive us all right to the very end of his battle with cancer. Let it be known - cancer didn’t win. Nothing will ever beat the love he has for us. He escaped the physical pain, but never the love we share.
Known to many as a lifelong Canadian soldier, he served his country and the world on multiple peacekeeping missions, for over 35 years. His loyalty and integrity aided him in contributing to such an outstanding life of service.
His grandchildren knew him as Pirate Papa, and he was a fitting pirate captain - rebellious and fun, turning his nose up at the mundane of life at every turn. He was once a Scout leader, and in later years, an enthusiastic volunteer with Give Kids The World.
He lived a life full of adventure, great love, and could fix anything with some 2x4s, a screwdriver and some duct tape (and if he couldn’t, he could set it on fire and go buy a new one). He lived for the love of his life, Shirley, for 36 years and instilled a strong sense of integrity and individuality into his children, Jason Charbonneau (Laurie), Jamie Coleski (Shavaughn), Dayna McIntosh (George), Nicholas Nickerson (Karen) and Amanda Brisbois (Timothy) and the late William Coleski. Loved by ten grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his mother Mary (McNeil) Howell and is predeceased by his father Joseph Coleski and stepfather James Howell. Also missed by his siblings Fred Coleski (Brenda), Joseph Coleski (Lori), Maxine David (Adrian), James Howell (Diane), Anne Marie Howell (Norm), Brenda Viva (Avery), Karen Howell, Leisa Devoe (Ernie), Sherri Howell (Clayton) and the late Charles Coleski and David Coleski.
Family and friends will be received at STECKLEY-GOODERHAM FUNERAL HOME, 30 Worlsey Street, Barrie, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 for visitation from 7-9pm. A service will be held the following day, on Sunday, December 11, 2016 starting at 1:00pm. Reception to follow. Online memories and condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com
To his people, he’s saying from his pirate ship in the sky,
“Drink up, me hearties! Yo ho!”
This service will be available to watch via Live Stream through the following link:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/steckleygooderham