COLESKI, William Francis

(February 5th, 1954 - December 6th, 2016) - Kept his humor and his will to try and outlive us all right to the very end of his battle with cancer. Let it be known - cancer didn’t win. Nothing will ever beat the love he has for us. He escaped the physical pain, but never the love we share. Known to many as a lifelong Canadian soldier, he served his country and the world on multiple peacekeeping missions for over 35 years. His loyalty and integrity aided him in contributing to such an outstanding life of service. His grandchildren knew him as Pirate Papa, and he was a fitting pirate captain - rebellious and fun, turning his nose up at the mundane of life at every turn. He was once a Scout leader, and in later years, an enthusiastic volunteer with Give Kids The World. He lived a life full of adventure, great love, and could fix anything with some 2x4s, a screwdriver and some duct tape (and if he couldn’t, he could set it on fire and go buy a new one). He instilled a strong sense of integrity and individuality into his children, and lived for the love of his life, Shirley, for 36 years. He’s survived by his beloved Shirley, his children Jason, Jamie, Dayna, Nicholas and Amanda, their spouses and 10 grandchildren, his mother Mary Howell, 9 of his 11 siblings, their spouses, children and grandchildren, and a host of adopted family too numerous to name, but who speak of the great heart he had for people and life.

To his people, he’s saying from his pirate ship in the sky,
“Drink up, me hearties! Yo ho!”