William Pokletar

William Pokletar was an adventurous soul whose earthly journey ended on May, 27, 2023. He was curious, restless, funny, clever and warm, quick to laugh, never malicious, sassy and grateful for his long life. He was born in St. Andrews Manitoba in August of 1930, to Mary and John Pokletar and grew up happily playing on the river with his brothers, Johnny and Ernie. His adventures would take him far and wide.

He had a diverse work history, with a strong stubborn streak, a can-do attitude and a gifted mind that could figure out spatial relationships and fix things ( and bullsh#t the rest). He worked in a candy factory in Chicago, did mining in the Yukon, hotel owner in Montana, car sales and insurance adjustor in Vancouver. Additionally he was a beautician in North Hollywood, electrician, plumber, builder, mechanic, body worker, painter, and manager in Southern California.

That William lived to nearly 93 years old is nothing short of miraculous. He was very rarely ill but he had by far more accidents and injuries than most humans. He fell through ice, fell out of cars, off roofs, and a tree fell on him leading to multiple neck surgeries and early retirement. Working in the mines in the Yukon, his head lamp had not been charged so he sat sit still for his 8+ hour shift to avoid falling down the mine shaft. He was traveling by bus in Canada when a train struck and killed everyone that was a few row ahead of him. He was electrocuted, nearly drowned several times, and nearly always had some cut or bruise. He was a terrible driver and traveled across America visiting every state multiple times, usually without enough sleep, but somehow avoiding hurting anyone. For all his injuries, he remained active, walking and biking until the last few years of his life.

He loved and was proud of his children, delighted in his grandchildren and appreciated the last chapter of his life near his Brother Ernie and the extended families. His last 2 years he was well cared for at Tatagawa in Weyburn SK-- though he would still have very much preferred to be traveling. He loved dancing and hockey, baseball, cribbage, gambling, Country and Irish music, sushi, pumpkin pie, the beach, mountains, desert and forests. He was an avid reader.  He was a member of the Masons, Shriners and Eagles.

He is survived by his brother Ernie Pokletar and sister in-law Bonnie Pokletar. William is survived his four children: Karyn Tetrault , Cat Woon, William Pokletar and Robert Pokletar and his 4 grandchildren: Nicola and Isaac Woon and Maya and Camille Pokletar. Also by his niece, Susan and nephew, Don and their families, especially Avah Pokletar who regularly visited him and fed him cookies and wheeled him around in his wheelchair and could get him to laugh on his most grumpy day. He was loved and he will be missed.