William (Billy) Kowbel, resident of the Yorkton & District Nursing Home passed away suddenly on December 25, 2017. Billy was born July 22, 1953 in Rothern, SK to Peter and Anne Kowbel (nee Pryma), he was one of 11 siblings. Billy's Dad Peter passed away in 1961 and his Mom Annie in 1971. Billy along with his brother, Larry, moved to The Moose Jaw Training Centre (Valley View Centre) in Moose Jaw in 1962. In 1963 he moved to Kobewka foster home in Yorkton and then in 1964 moved into the Anderson foster home where they remained until 1992. Billy attended the Lions School and Simpson School and then to Sask Abilities here in Yorkton. Billy took part in Scouts and Sea Cadets and was an avid bowler, he had over a 200 average. In his younger days he would go to JC beach, he loved it there. He also used to enjoy working at the fair running the kiddies rides. He enjoyed doing yard work and helping out whenever needed. Billy and Larry moved into an apartment together in 1992 and accessed YAIL Harbors Supportive Living Program where they were assisted with independent living skills. Billy lived with his brother Larry from 1992 until 2009 when there apartment began to experience flooding problems which forced them to move and go their separate ways. It was at that time when Billy moved into his basement suite and for the first time lived completely on his own. He took such pride in his apartment and kept it neat and tidy all the time. Billy then ventured to new job opportunities which included delivering papers for Yorkton This Week, street cleaning for YBID (Yorkton Business Improvement District) and his most recent, Walmart doing the carts. Next to his apartment Billy took pride in his most prized possession, his bike, you could see him riding it all over town with his reflector shirt and his helmet, everyone in town knew who Billy was. His bike opened many doors for him and allowed him to venture all over town including going out to the museum July 1st which he never missed. Billy enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, fishing and his all time favourite, watching the Riders Football Games. Billy's health began to decline this past summer which forced him to move into the Yorkton & District Nursing Home Melody Manor. Billy overcame many health issues in his short time there and was finally starting to feel better and partake in the different activities. He touched the hearts of everyone who knew him, he will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Larry Kowbel, Colin, Hal and Corey Anderson, Russ Ricard, James Kisielewski & Dwight Yacyshyn serving as pall bearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.
