William ‘Toolie’ Kawulia

With his family by his side, it is with great sadness the family announces the passing of William “Toolie” Kawulia, 72, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
He was born Dec. 25, 1933 in Gardenton, Man. to the late William Sr. and Helen Kawulia.
Toolie lived most of his life in Fort Frances. Dad was a tremendous athlete with many fond memories of the times he played on Brockies baseball team. He also loved to play tennis and golf, but his passion was hockey.
Toolie was a prominent hockey player beginning with youth hockey in Fort Frances and proceeding to teams in Windsor, Ont. (Spitfires), an affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, Clinten, N.Y., Indianapolis, Ind., Iroquois Falls, Ont., and Green Bay, Wis.
He completed his long career as a member of the Fort Frances Canadians. He was recognized as a goal scorer and a colorful character of the game.
Toolie, as he was called by all who knew him, was the type of person that others enjoyed having as a teammate, whether in baseball, softball, or hockey.
Dad’s love of sports brought him back home, where for 33 years he proudly held the position of recreation director—a job he took great pride in. Many of the youth programs that run in our community today were implemented by Toolie.
Before hockey and his career, Dad’s greatest love was for his seven children and his grandchildren. Even his extended family (his kids’ friends) you could always find hanging out on the back deck or with their heads in the fridge.
Dad loved to be outside in his yard gardening, or on the barbecue cooking up his famous burgers—the best on Crowe Avenue.
Most of Dad’s friends today go all the way back to his boyhood days. He had a very special bond with his buddies—one you do not often see. Dad’s friends meant the world to him.
Toolie was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia Kawulia; his sister, Mary Kaye Kawulia; and his brother, Metro “Butch” Kawulia.
The family includes Helen Jill Kawulia of Fort Frances, Ont.; four daughters, Marcia and husband, Gary Borden, of St. Catherines, Ont., Sandra and husband, Bruce Oster, of Ignace, Ont., Melissa and Mike Belluz of Fort Frances, Ont., and Georgina and husband, Shane Pope, of Nestor Falls, Ont.; two sons, Robert Kawulia and Ross Kawulia and wife, Jennifer, all of London, Ont.; nine grandchildren, Justin, Joseph, Jill, Mitchell, Brent, Paul, George, Megan, and Jorja.; and one great-grandson Tristan.
Also surviving are one brother, Peter Kawulia of Chicago, Ill.; one
sister-in-law, Doris Kawulia of Winnipeg, Man.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Jack Cameron officiating.
Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Honourary pallbearers will be Bobby Peters, Guy LaFrance, Mike Pearson, John Hazel, Pete Makarchuk, Ross Pearson, Ed Kivimaki, and Bill Borlase.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Ice for Kids, 828 Sixth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1W9 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Dad almost always wore #9—a number that in many ways became significant to our family. Now his children and grandchildren wear #9 on the back of their jerseys. You can know, Dad, that it is out of a tremendous amount of respect and a legacy to you.
We love you Dad, Grandpa, #9, Lamplighter, Toolie Bug.