Wilhelm Hilbig, VE5TS SK HILBIG, Wilhelm August "Bill" July 16, 1921 - July 6, 2018 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, godfather, and friend. Wilhelm August Hilbig (Bill) passed away peacefully on July 6, 2018, at the age of 96. Bill was born in Konigswalde, Silesia, Germany, on July 16, 1921. On April 9, 1927, Bill, his parents and his brother, Erich, travelled on the ship Minnedosa to immigrate to Canada. Upon arrival, they settled in Kuroki, Saskatchewan, where they purchased land and built their home. This was when Bill's love for farming began. Bill attended the University of Saskatchewan for a short time before he was conscripted to serve in World War II. During World War II, Bill served his country as a radio operator in St. John's, Newfoundland. There he met the love of his life, his wife, Agnes Luby, at a Knights of Columbus dance. Bill and Agnes were married on September 30, 1946, at St. Helen's R.C. Parish in Kuroki. Together they welcomed their eight children. Life on the farm was busy: full of challenges, learning and fun. Everything Bill did was a teaching moment. He loved music and insisted on giving his children the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. He also ensured that all of his children had swimming lessons. Education was also very important and Bill encouraged his children to further their education. Despite all this working and learning, Bill always made time to go swimming at the lake, as well as other summer and winter activities. Bill loved to dance and enjoyed taking his wife, Agnes, for a spin at the many weddings they attended in the community. Bill was an avid gardener, even winning recognition for his large pumpkins. He knew how to grow a plentiful garden, which produced vegetables that would last throughout the winter. After moving to Saskatoon in 1991, Bill and Agnes enjoyed carpet bowling with their friends. Bill kept in contact with family and friends by Ham Radio and often conversed with people from all over the world. Bill enjoyed travelling, returning for several visits to Germany. Bill and Agnes also had the pleasure of taking a trip to the Vatican in Rome. The Catholic Church was of great importance to Bill and they often prayed the Rosary together as a family. This was a tradition Bill learned from his mother, Maria. He built his family on a solid foundation and strong faith. He was a hard-working man who adored his wife and loved his children and grandchildren. He was the eldest of 4, the father of 8, the grandfather of 25, a loving husband, a farmer, a storyteller, an inventor and a music maker. And when Agnes went to have another baby, a potato maker. He had a heart of gold and the warmest smile you'd ever see. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. Bill passed away peacefully in his retirement suite at Marian Chateau in Regina surrounded by his family. A gracious thank you is extended to Bill's caregivers Linda Kelly and Jocelyn Klein, who took such good and loving care of Bill. Also thank you to the Staff, Management and Residents who gave Bill acceptance and love throughout his stay there. Bill is survived by his children Joseph, Rose-Marie Smith (David), Ted (Julie), Theresa, John (Wendy), Patricia Pasloski (Manny), Helen Sabadash (Roman) and Rita (Ray Kerr), his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sisters-in-law, Margie Bordeaux, Noreen and Marion Hilbig, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Agnes, his parents, Theodor and Maria Hilbig, and his siblings, Erich, Helen Neskar (Walter) and Günther. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church (114 Kingsmere Place). Flowers are graciously declined. Donations in Bill's honour can be made to the Sask Pro Life Association. Following the reception, the Rite of Committal will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are in care of John Schachtel at Mourning Glory Funeral Services, (306) 978-5200, www.mourningglory.ca Funeral Home Mourning Glory Funeral Services 1201 8th Street East Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S5 (306) 978-5200 Published in The Regina Leader-Post on July 9, 2018 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/leaderpost/obituary.aspx?n=wilhelm-hilbig&pid=189498765&fhid=6639
