WILLIAM BILL POCSIK

February 15, 1921 – November 18, 2013 William “Bill” Pocsik passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 18th, 2013 at the age of 92.

He was the beloved husband of the late Ann Pocsik (nee Hepfner). He leaves to cherish his memory three children, Glenn (Cheryl) Pocsik, Darcy (Leslie) Pocsik, and Linda (Pete) Sorensen all of Medicine Hat; seven grandchildren, Dana (Blake) Wirachowsky, Jaret (Jamie) Pocsik, Drew (Lisa) Pocsik, Tyler (Nicole) Pocsik, Kelsey Pocsik, Austin Toresdahl, Dakota Sorensen, and Dawson Sorensen; his great- grandchildren, Quinn Wirachowsky and Jude Pocsik, all of Medicine Hat; his sisters-in-law, Christine Pocsik, Katie Stein, and Angela (Bill) Glasser; a brother-in-law, William Hepfner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Ann on March 14th, 1999; his parents, Charles and Helen Pocsik; brother, Alex Pocsik; sister, Gisela Danku of Hungary; his brothers-in-law, Andrew Stein, Frank Scherger, Leonard Schneider, and Jerry Feininger; and sisters-in-law, Josephine Feininger, Minnie Scherger, and Alice Schneider. Bill was born in Zsurk, Hungary in 1921. After graduating from high school at the age of 16, he immigrated to Canada, making Medicine Hat his home. Upon arriving in Medicine Hat, he attended Elm Street School for a short time to learn English. He was working at the Medicine Hat Greenhouses when he was drafted into the army to serve in Canada and overseas. He was honorably discharged on May 30th, 1946. He returned to Medicine Hat and his work at the greenhouses where he met the love of his life, Ann Hepfner. They were married on July 29th, 1950. Bill and Ann both continued to work for Medicine Hat Greenhouses, as well as ran a family-owned greenhouse which provided income for his parents. Bill became the acclaimed foreman of the rose sections. He was able to grow many tropical plants, such as bananas, a unique lemon and grapefruit cross, various rare tropical flowers, a huge mimosa (touch me not) plant that entertained the school children and the general public when they came to see these plants. Bill was famous for his green thumb. He retired from the greenhouse at age 65. His retirement years were spent enjoying his grandkids, riding his bike around the neighbourhood, and happily tending his perfectly manicured garden while showing it off to whoever stopped by. If you came to see the garden you never left empty-handed. His greatest joy was supplying his family and friends with peppers and tomatoes. Family birthdays always included the famous butterscotch chiffon cake. This tradition was started by Ann, and after her passing Bill continued to bake these cakes with love and some success!! Bill was well known for his firm (painful) handshake, as he smiled innocently. Chances are you only shook his hand once. Bill was a generous, graceful, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who took time for his family and friends. His smile lit up the room. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 1:00 to 1:55 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Friday, November 22nd, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Matthew Emmelkamp officiating. The officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #17, will conduct a Poppy Service for their departed comrade. A Private Interment will take place on Saturday in the Family Plot at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bill Pocsik. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Thursday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599