In loving memory
William Charles Sygutek
(1937-2014)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Charles Sygutek of Blairmore, Alberta who was called to be with the Lord on August 25, 2014 while receiving care at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre. Willy enjoyed 77 years of a full and wonderful life.
Willy was born on August 5, 1937 in Blairmore, Alberta to proud parents Charles and Anne Sygutek. At an early age, he was taught to appreciate the rewards from a hard day’s work, the love of family, faith in the Lord and to take pride in your community. He was an altar boy in his youth and throughout his entire life, he could still recite several prayers and parts of the Mass in Latin.
After finishing grade school, Willy found work as a lumberjack. His tall and powerful frame made it easy for him and he was talented in his work. He developed a love for music and started playing the drums, rhythm and bass guitar and later focused on vocals. His first band was called the Teenagers but he was better remembered for his highly acclaimed group, The Lightermen of which he played in from 1977 until 1992.
A handsome and dashing young man, Willy fell in love with a beautiful and intelligent young lady, Gail Patricia Wrixon, and they pledged their love in holy matrimony on March 19, 1960. They were blessed to have a family of devoted and charismatic children whom they nurtured and loved unconditionally. He gained employment with the Saratoga Gas Plant here in the Pass and obtained his Third Degree Power Engineering ticket. He was a hard working loyal employee for thirty-seven years until his well-earned retirement in 2008. He continued to provide for and support his clan by helping with the family business of publishing the Pass Herald newspaper as their Circulation Manager.
Willy coached minor hockey for 12 years and enjoyed working with young children inspiring them to achieve higher levels of performance and success not only on the ice but also in their lives. He was a huge Elvis fan and sang practically every song The King ever recorded - the people of the Pass may remember him in his Elvis attire performing atop a float in the Rum Runner parades. He was an international sensation singing for groups of Hell’s Angels as well as crowds in Anpachi, Japan. He was passionate about fly-fishing, visiting Vegas and Graceland; he was a proud member and Past Master of the Masons, drove stock cars, enjoyed tinkering on vehicles and all electronics and was a dedicated and loyal “Ford-Man” but his greatest joy came from his family and his beloved Gail whom he adored with all his heart. The most hard-working, stubborn, quick-tempered man you will ever meet as well as the most lovable, caring and generous man we are proud to call Dad; we will miss him dearly but forever hold him in our hearts.
Willy is survived by his loving wife, Gail Sygutek of Blairmore; his children, Gary (Jamie) Chapman of Nampa Idaho, Dee Dee Sygutek of Lethbridge and Lisa (Lyle Douglas) Sygutek of Blairmore; his grandchildren, Ricky Frederickson, Jimmy Chapman, Tanner Sagrafena, Greg Chapman, Tyler Sagrafena, Keiran Douglas, Aiden Douglas and Quinn Douglas; great grandchildren Metallia Frederickson and Lyric Frederickson; his sister, Tammy Armstrong of Calgary; his long time friends, Trevor “Bud” Slapak, Rick LaCroix and Renso (Bonnie) Castellarin; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; as well as the many people he inspired throughout his lifetime.
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles & Anne Sygutek; his daughter, Betty-Jo Ann Sygutek in 1965; his son, Ricky Sygutek in 1977; his sister-in-law, Donna Tymchyna and other revered relations.
The Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Ben Marino as Celebrant and Deacon Renso Castellarin officiating.
Donations in memory may be directed towards the ALS Association (250, 4723-1 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2G 4Y8). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements (403) 562-8555.