We Remember

Plotnikoff, William Robert “Bill”

January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970

Passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the age of 75. Survived by his loving wife Marianne of 51 years, his sons: Robert (Anna) of Bonney Lake, WA, Todd (Jennifer) of Sylvan Lake, AB; his grandchildren: Brittany, Brandon, Jenna and Cydnee; his brother Peter (Gail) of Grand Forks, BC, sister Olga (Don) Baron of Vernon and their families. Sadly predeceased by his parents William and Molly, his brother Harry and sister-in-law Elaine.

Bill was raised in Castlegar, BC, working with his family-owned general contracting firm. His earliest interest included building flying model airplanes. This keen interest led to an education at the University of Washington in Seattle in Aeronautical Engineering (1961). He returned to British Columbia and accepted a teaching position at Grand Forks Secondary School. Bill taught math and sciences until he assumed the Head of the Vocational Programs. He focused on teaching construction and cabinet making that brought him back to his roots. Bill followed his retirement from Secondary teaching with residential and commercial real estate sales. He knew the construction practices in the community and was a staunch advocate for his customers. Bill had a keen interest in boats and built two beautiful houseboats that resided at Christina Lake, BC. The first boat was a pontoon houseboat with the second a larger single hull boat. Both were well-known on Christina Lake where “Captain Bill” hosted the annual houseboat convention every Labour Day weekend. Bill loved his valley, home, and his family. His family received a lifetime of joy and love and are forever grateful for their husband, father and grandfather.

A private Family Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 202 – 1835 Gordon Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 3H5 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1589 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7.

Service
Private family service will be held at a later date

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Canadian Cancer Society, 202 – 1835 Gordon Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 3H5 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1589 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for Plotnikoff, William Robert “Bill” is scheduled for Private family service will be held at a later date. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

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Condolences

  • Hedy Oleski says:

    I’m so sorry about your husband’s passing. It’s so hard to say that final goodbye. At the end of it all, you have a lifetime of memories, a wonderful family and good friends.

  • Rob Fofonoff says:

    Dear Rob, Todd and Marianne.
    Mr. P was one of my favourite teachers…he happened to have a son who became a great friend and family that gave us great memories. And am grateful to know you all. Lorraine and I send our heartfelt condolences. My guess is, where ever Mr. P is, I am sure he has the best houseboat. Pls keep in touch.

  • Chris Keogh says:

    Mrs. Plotnikoff (Marianne), Rob, Todd and families,

    “Mr. P” was one of my favourite teachers in high school. He was the father of one of my best friends too. I feel privileged to have been allowed to get to know a little bit of his private side as well as his professional teaching side. Hanging out at the Plotnikoff’s on a Friday or Saturday night was always a cool event event for me. “Mr. P” was never shy about sharing his wisdom and experiences with us boys and I want to let you all know how much I appreciated him for that even after all these years. His thoughts and his anecdotes were not lost on this fellow. He helped me think about things in different ways rather than just taking things at face value. “Mr. P” will be missed.

    All our Condolences,

    Chris, Karen & Taryn Keogh (Grad ’81)

  • Gloria and Tom Keogh says:

    To the Plotnikoff Family. It is with great disbelief we send you our Condolences. Hugs to you all. Tom and Glo Keogh

  • Natalie & Martin Schafer says:

    Marianne & Family
    Bill was a great teacher…& We enjoyed serving you folks at Golden Heights Restaraunt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time…..
    With Deepest Sympathy…
    Natalie & Martin Schafer

  • Zena says:

    Marianne and family, Peter and Gail
    I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, I have fondly thought of him over the years and giggle when I think of working with the ‘boxologist’. He was a great man….

  • Jan and Andy Anderson says:

    Dear Marianne and family,
    Our most heartfelt condolences
    to you all. We along with many
    many people will miss Bill’s
    cheerful hellos when meeting
    him around town. I hope your wonderful memories will help
    you through this sad time.
    Our love to you all.
    Jan and Andy Anderson.

  • Phil Passmore says:

    I will always remember Mr. P for his patience- he needed it when I was in his shop. His kindness and ability to point out the good of what you were doing not just the faults certainly encouraged me. I too had the privilege of getting to know his son, a truly remarkable individual in his own right. His contribution to not only Grand Forks and area but to all he came in contact with will be his ongoing legacy.

  • Clint and Jan Armstrong says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a good man and a good friend….
    He will be missed by all who knew him.

  • Fay & John Malins says:

    Dearest Marianne and family: We were all shocked and saddened to read about Bill’s passing in the Grand Forks Gazette. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of your family. John & Fay Malins & Family; Pete & Dorothy Chernoff and all the Chernoff family

  • Julie Fletcher says:

    Marianne, Rob, Todd and family……
    It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Bill my teacher and friend. My condolences to all of you at this most difficult time. Julie

  • Dan & Shirley Romaine says:

    So sorry for your loss. we always enjoyed Bill’s company and the years spent working with him–also drinking red wine and visiting at the cabin. Our condolences to the whole family.

  • Verna & Bill Keraiff says:

    Marianne and family, Peter and Olga and families – sad news of Bill’s passing – just read it in our local paper – our thoughts are with you, and have many good memories of Bill, from playing ball many years ago, to just sharing stories and laughs – hugs and memories be with you all. Bill and Verna Keraiff’s

  • Doug Lobay says:

    Sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and father. He was a great teacher. I had him for woodwork and electricity classes. He always had a quick wit and good sense of humour.

    Doug and Natalie Lobay and family.

  • Paul & Barb Makortoff (nee Brown) says:

    Just wanted to let you know that we think of Bill often. As students & neighbours of his from 40 years ago we have very fond memories of Bill. May your memories give you strength.

  • Bob and Jane deVries says:

    Marianne. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. It sure took us by surprise! I guess I’ll remember Bill most by the ‘Tarzan call’ whenever we met each other in town. Thinking of you at this time of great adjustment in your life. I’m sure there is a huge empty spot! Let me know how I can help or support you. Jane

  • sandy murphy says:

    My thoughts and prayers be with all of you at this challenging time. I agree with
    Rob F. That he is definitley enjoying a house boat somewhere. Treasure your memories. His love for his family will never end!
    Sandy(Popoff)Murphy

  • Will & Karen Spragge says:

    Marianne. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our sympathy go out to you and your family at this time of sadness.

  • Sharen Popoff and family says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the difficult time.

  • Gary Smith says:

    Bill was one of the first people I met in coming to Grand Forks. I found him to be ever warm-hearted, witty, and intelligent. I will miss our conversations around the post office. My deepest sympathies. Rest in peace, Bill.

  • Don & Marlene Wallace says:

    Dear Marianne, Rob, Todd and families. What a shock to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May happy memories help you through this time of sorrow. Love to you all.

  • Beth Novokshonoff says:

    Dear Marianne and family, Peter and Gail. I was saddened to read in the Grand Forks Gazette of Bill’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. Vechnaya pamyat. Beth

  • Karen Popoff says:

    Marianne, Todd, Rob, Peter, Gail and Family.
    So sad to hear about Bill passing. I hold many positive memories of Bill and I feel a deep sadness knowing he has moved on from your/our lives. I wish you all peace during this difficult time. With love and respect, Karen Popoff and family.

  • Stacey&Deb Stooshnov says:

    Dear Marianne,Rob,Todd and Family.

    We are shocked, saddened and sorry to hear of your great loss. Our heartfealt condolences goes out to all of you. Mr “P” was one of my favorite instructors. His wisdom mixed with humor always made going to shop class something to look forward to. Our “group” would always hang out in the wood shop during lunch hour joking and having a good time. Bill was instrumental in instilling a love of construction and wood working in me for which i will always be thankful for.
    With deepest regret and sympathy.

  • Yvonne & Shayne Konar says:

    Dear Marianne and Family,

    It is with deep sadness that we recently learned of Bill’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and we wish you all the best during this difficult time.

    Special hugs,

    Yvonne & Shayne Konar

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