William "Bill" John Macooh

William “Bill” John Macooh was born August 28th, 1932 to John and Annie Macooh at the farm in Kobzar, SK. He passed away on August 11th, 2024 at the Swan Valley Health Centre.

Dad was blessed to be born into a musical family. He and his twin brother, Henry, both played accordion and violin from a very young age at weddings and various events.

In the 1950’s his first job away from home was as a farmhand for his uncle in Mikado, SK. From there he went to Marathon, Ontario to work as a log truck driver. He worked in Thunder Bay, Ont., as a painter. In 1961 he was fortunate enough to purchase the Texaco Bulk Station in Benito. In 1976 he sold the business and took up 3 trades; drywalling, painting and stucco which he continued to do well into his 70’s.

In 1958 Dad married his fist wife Anne in Thunder Bay. They had 3 children, Raymond of Benito & Randolph and Rosalind of Edmonton, Ab.

On July 24th, 1993 Dad married for the 2nd time to Stephanie Caryk in Benito in a Caryk-Macooh family ceremony. They had an especially strong bond through their time together. They both worked and played hard throughout their marriage. Dad and Stephanie enjoyed golfing, skiing, skidooing, dancing, and especially going to polka and music festivals. They were truly the loves of each others lives.

Dad’s greatest personal activity was his accordions. He enjoyed playing at weddings, socials and polka fests for many decades. He and Stephanie would hook up their camper and spend 4 or 5 weeks every summer going to festivals and visiting family. He competed at the Kimberly B.C International Accordion Festival for many years. He took pride in giving the best accordion presentations possible. He was also an active volunteer in playing at the care homes in Norquay, Pelly, Swan River and Benito. He tuned and repaired accordions for friends from Vancouver Island to Thunder Bay and North Dakota.

Dad was predeceased by his first wife Anne and brothers, Mike, Henry and Metro.

Active honourary pallbearers were: Ramsey Macooh, Dale Macooh, Lornie Mydynski, Dave Soloway, Chad Bartok and Hunter Verhoek.

Everyone who ever listened to Dad play accordion are to consider themselves to be honorary pallbearers.

Should friends so desire, donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.