William Stephen Hanchakove

1948 – 2021

On January 1, 2021, Bill aged 72 years passed away.

He is survived by his wife June of 52 years, son Steve (Lisa) and four grandchildren; Mikyaela,  Joshua , Xavier and Scott and son – in law Blair

He leaves two great grandchildren; Kayson and Zaleah and extended family.

Born in Winnipeg, he eventually joined the Navy and upon returning from a Far East Cruise, he met June and they were married on November 23, 1968.

Bill was employed at Headingly Gaol, then at Stony Mountain Penitentiary where he gained many friends and colleagues.

Once retired he decided to go to Red River Community College and learn how to become a long haul trucker.

Bill and June moved to Matlock, MB approximately 30 years ago and he joined the Matlock Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter and taught classes in CPR and First Aid.

Bill was the local handyman and tended to many friends yards, cutting their grass. He would do whatever he could for friends and neighbors, when called upon.

Bill loved sports. He umpired fastball and slo – pitch games, refereed hockey, enjoyed target shooting and you could find him with the Chippawa Curling Club, encouraging one and all with the finer techniques of the game.

Bill loved playing the guitar with the Jammers in Gimli and Otter’s Craft in the Village of Dunnottar.

Bill and June were able to spend may winters in Texas with their cherished friends.

Our family is truly grateful to the Home Care teams who assisted in allowing Bill to spend his last days at home.

Much gratitude and thanks to Brian, “his adopted brother”

                                               I LOVE YOU, MY CANDYMAN!

Words of condolences may be left on Bill’s memorial page at www.interlakecremation.ca

Donations may be made to Cancer care Manitoba 675 McDermot Ave, Wpg, MB.  R3E 0V9 or

Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst way, Wpg, MB. R3T 0R3

Arrangements entrusted to Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services

17 thoughts on “William Stephen Hanchakove

  1. Mae Stohl

    Hugs, Gary and Mae Stohl

  2. Alyce Hnatiuk

    Bill was such a great guy and I loved working with him because of his great attitude and his incredible sense of humour. He always made me laugh. He attended my husband’s funeral in August 2019 not long after he himself had had major surgery. In keeping with his nickname at work of the “Candyman” he held out his hand as I walked down the aisle in the church so I could pick a candy out. He made me smile on one of the most difficult days of my life. My heart goes out to June and the family. May Bill rest in peace and hopefully he and Cliff are up in heaven playing cards and talking about the good old days at work especially their time together with the volunteer Fire Department. Bill will definitely be missed by all who knew him.

  3. Mary Danel

    My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Bill when I started my career at SMI many years ago. He had a great sense of humour and was always willing to help with advice and assistance, including organizing rodeo or boxing matches. He loved his family, was a great friend and co worker. Rest In Peace Bill.

  4. Doug cassin

    I was on core with Bill and worked at the provincial jail with him.also..a real solid guy..
    Condolences to the family… may Bill rest in Peace…

  5. Rick and Karen Zurba

    I played fastball with Bill for a few years with The Raiders.
    He was a good sportsman and all around great guy.
    Later he Umped many of my Slo-Pich games especially
    the Police tournaments at Blumberg.
    I always looked forward to seeing him.
    Our sincerest condolences to June and Steve.
    Bill’s passing will be a great loss to his family and community.
    Although it’s been many years since we last spoke, the memories
    seem like yesterday.

  6. Margaret Hillius

    I worked with Bill at SMI. He was always there for a bit of advice and I loved him for making me feel better when I was down. He always had a piece of candy as a final touch. My deepest condolence to June and the family. He will be missed.

  7. Gary Guest

    June and family, we are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was a great asset to the Village. As your neighbors for 12 years, Bill was always available when help was needed – building the stairs for our new deck – fashioning an extended stain brush so Carol didn’t have to climb so high on the ladder – and always greeting with a broad smile.

    Gary and Carol

  8. Gert Harrison and family.

    We can’t possibly express the sympathy we’re feeling for you and all you’re going through right now.Bill was a wonderful,sincere human being and will be missed by everyone.

  9. Bev & Lawrence Grimshire

    We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to June and the rest of Bill’s family during this difficult time. We have so many happy memories of Bill and will be missed by all. He was a good friend and a good sport.

  10. Wayne Beatty

    Steve, sorry to read of your dads passing. When I was at Matlock I always passed his house and wondered if you were there. Please accept my condolences.
    Wayne Beatty, Munroe Junior High

  11. Anonymous

    June, Steve & family.
    My deepest condolences.
    The world has lost a neighbor, friend, handyman and a member of softball’s “ blue crew”
    Bill and I officiated at a few Softball Manitoba provincials together.
    May I also say, it was my esteemed honor to assist the family in Bill’s arrangements.
    Rest In Peace, Bill. You will be missed!

    Kathy Penner

  12. Don and Janice Innes

    My condolences to all. Bill was an exemplary human being. He had a smile for all not to mention a candy. One could feel his genuine care and concern for others in sports and life. The virtues of fairness, honesty and consideration for others he readily demonstrated. He was always willing to assist. He loved to share his love for curling by teaching anyone who would like to learn.

    “Blessed is the influence of one true, loving soul on another.” George Elliot

    By knowing Bill Don and I have been truly blessed.

  13. Anonymous

    June and family, your in my thoughts at this difficult time. Bill aka Hanchy was a huge part of my career at SMI and was always there for me good or bad. I have many funny memories because of him and will cherish them. The last time I seen him was my own retirement and the first thing he did was hold out his hand for me to take a candy. He was an umpire in quite a few of my ball games back in the day too and was always fair to both teams along with some humour. He will be missed…. Rest In Peace my friend
    Delinda Koski aka De

  14. Gloria K

    June wishing you and your family all the best during this difficult time. I loved working with
    Bill. He always had a smile and a candy for everyone. He will truly be missed by everyone.
    Take care. Gloria.

  15. Gord Davis

    R I P Bill no more pain it was a pleasure to know you and I felt like part of your family.To June my condolences to Steve I am sorry he was your friend and Father .Its not often that one would run into a fellow like Bill.He led a full life and he packed them all in a short time.Adios my friend on your journey.May it be all love and peace. Gord DAVIS

  16. Rick Warner

    Our condolences go out to June and her family. Bill was an unforgettable type of guy. He was a friend to all that knew him. He always had a smile and a candy for everyone he met. Bill was a pillar in the community and was always there to help anyone who needed a hand. He was a great asset to the Matlock Fire Dept and was helpful in many ways. We have truely lost a very special person and friend may he now be pain free and looking down on his family and protecting them from above. We will miss you Bill. Rest in Peace.
    Rick Warner & Darlene

  17. Robin and Louise Simmons

    My wife Louise and I (Robin) extend our most sincere condolences to June and the family at this time.
    I have very fond memories of curling with (or against) Bill with the Chippawa Curling club, and also at a number of CanMidWest bonspiels.
    It was always a pleasure to socialize with Bill and June, and we will always remember the good times.
    Take care and keep safe.

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