Obituary of William Thomas Chernichen

It is with very heavy hearts we announce the loss of William (Bill) Thomas Chernichen on Saturday, January 21, 2006, far too soon at the age of 72 years. Bill was born and raised in Edmonton. He embarked on his working life in 1949 by joining the Canadian Armed Forces for three years of duty, much of it in Germany. He began his civilian career with the Provincial Ministry of Lands, Mines and Minerals in 1953. In 1956 Bill moved to Calgary and the Land Department of Shell Oil Company as a clerk/analyst. For the next thirty-five years, he learned everything there was to know about Canadian oil and gas land management, working his way across the country and up the ranks, eventually retiring in 1991 as Land Manager responsible for all Canadian land acquisitions, maintenance and dispositions. He was determined, dedicated and highly respected by his industry and peers, but most of all he was committed to building a home and hearth for his wife and family, a place to gather, celebrate, commiserate and grow. From the very beginning of our family, he wove a safety net out of his courage, character and confidence that supports us still and will carry us through our loss. Husband to Nell for fifty years and father of Michael (Tracy), Catherine Getty, Jeffrey (Marta), Carolyn (Jim), and Jacqueline, he has also left behind grandchildren, Audrey, William, Michael, Ashley, Kirk, Erik, Sara, Elliott, Hannah, and Florencia, as well as his sister Marge (Bill) Carroll of Edmonton; brother Donald (Nina) Chernichen Q.C. of Calgary; and extended family including Fred Houle, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by sister Carol; brother George; and sister-in-law Nadine. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, January 30, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Tomy Manjaly of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.ca or directly to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca. Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.