William (Bill) P. Harshenin
July 20, 1944 - July 7, 2008

In loving memory of William P. Harshenin who was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. On Monday July 7, 2008 at 11:34 a.m., Bill passed away peacefully at Talarico Place with family by his side. Bill had an 18 month battle with lung cancer.

Bill was born in old Raspberry Village on July 20, 1944 to Ann and Peter Harshenin. Bill was the youngest of five siblings. He lived in the Village until age four, then moved to Pass Creek and lived there until the age of 16. In 1962 Bill graduated from Stanely Humphries Secondary School.

He then moved to Vancouver in 1963 where he met the love of his life, Diane Kabatoff. Together they had two children, son Matthew, and daughter, Darlene. Bill attended the Vancouver Vocational Institute to pursue his carpentry trade. Shortly afterwards, he obtained his journeymen certificate in 1968.

In 1972 the family moved back to the Kootenays, and built their home in Raspberry, very close to the village where Bill was born.

Bill worked as a carpenter on most of the projects in the local areas. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 2300 for the past 43 years.

William's hobbies were fixing old watches as well as repairing broken down equipment. He also enjoyed going to garage sales as well as having garage sales at home and throughout the years he made numerous friends.

Bill's most happiest moments were when he was helping and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and his favourite saying would be "Is the coffee on?" He also took great pride in nurturing his apricot orchard. He especially loved to have coffee with his friends at A&W and always had to be there on time in order to solve the world problems.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Ann and Pete, brothers, Alex, Larry and Harry. Bill will be mourned by his wife, Diane of 45 years, son Matthew (Lisa), 2 granddaughters Kristen and Leah Harshenin, daughter Darlene (Dave) and grandon Myles Peterson, brother Peter (Margare)of Kelowna and his Aunt Mary Gleboff of Robson. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Bill accepted Christ and believed in the Bible and followed the scriptures. As he would always say, "I am the richest man in the world because I have my wife and family all around me, with so much love and support given to me, especially during my illness."

The family of William would like to express their heart felt thanks to Paul Strelive for officiating the funeral service, Peter and Margaret for their love and support during his stay at their home in Kelowna and Ming Kwon for his kind words of comfort.

In addition, the family would like to thank all the doctors and staff of Castlegar Medical Clinic, Castlegar emergency, KBRH, Oncology Unit, Ambulance Service, Talarico Place, Kalesnikoff Lumber Co., Castlegar Funeral Home and Bill Strelieff. We sincerely thank everyone who showed their support during this difficult time with phone calls, home and hospital visits, food, flowers, fruit baskets, baking and words and cards of sympathy, the singers, cooks, grave diggers and pall bearers.

Funeral Services were held at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel on July 9, 2008, with burial at Brilliant Cemetery.

William went to be with the Lord. May he rest in peace.

You will be in our hearts forever. Thank you all, with love from Diane and the Harshenin, Peterson families.

*Obituary from - Castlegar News - July 17, 2008