Obituary of William Prokopich

Surrounded by loved ones, our beloved father, William Prokopich, age 93, passed away peacefully at Waterloo Regional Health Network Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) in Kitchener, Ontario, on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Bill was born on May 9, 1932, the third son and first to be born in Canada (Kapuskasing, ON) to Michael and Julia Prokopic of Slovakia. He grew up on alongside his four brothers, Mike, John, Steve and George, spending much of his early boyhood rambling around Moonshine Creek. Dad was a fun-loving and somewhat mischievous young fellow, and he told countless hilarious stories of the ‘trouble’ he used to get into. Dad would do anything to make a few nickels which he would promptly spend down at the Circle on a slice of pie. After graduating from Kapuskasing District High School (KDHS), he made his way to the University of Toronto. Upon graduation, he attended the Ontario Institute in Education (OIOSE) at the University of Toronto. Bill met his wife, Olga, after she graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson) and was employed at the Spruce Falls Pulp and Paper in Kapuskasing. Bill travelled to Europe, not sure where to settle, but ultimately, he could not resist Olga’s charms. Bill moved to Kirkland Lake, Olga’s hometown, in 1957 where he joined the teaching staff at Kirkland Lake Collegiate and Vocational Institute (KLCVI) and found his people. Olga and Bill married in 1961, and they made their home in Kirkland Lake where he spent the next 33 years as a beloved and dedicated math teacher and fun-loving colleague.

Mr. “Proky” is fondly remembered by his former students as an entertaining and gifted teacher whose magic was his ability to make even the most complex mathematical concepts easy to understand and apply. He left no learners behind. Indeed, he is remembered for coaching many students against giving up on math, helping them thrive in their math courses, and often in their occupations. As KLCVI was the only high school in Kirkland Lake, he taught each one of his own kids in at least one course in math, and he was their favourite teacher, too.

Bill’s curiosity kept him busy with many interests, hobbies, activities and sports. He loved to golf, to fish and to curl. He was a very talented curler who spent many years as a respected member of the Kirkland Lake Curling Club and who curled competitively in the Seniors. He coached the KLCVI junior boys’ team and his spirit and dedication helped catapult the team to victory in the 1964 Provincial then National curling championship as the first team ever to win for Northern Ontario. Bill’s love of the sport never abated. He was avid fan of the sport until his final days, watching the matches on his phone.

Bill was a perpetually curious man and a lifelong learner. He became a formidable carpenter and was a jack of all trades, spending many enjoyable summers working on projects alongside friends, especially with one of his best friends, Bill Smith. During the long Northern Ontario winters, Bill could be found with his friends on the lake ice fishing with the newest version of Proky’s ice hut. He built the family home at 16 Wright Hargreaves Avenue in 1969 where he and Olga raised the family. A few years later, they found their unique cottage escape on a small private bay on Labyrinth Lake in Quebec, where the family (aged 1 to 91) spent the summers together, from the day school was let out in June until Labour Day. Bill always had a plan in the works, from raising the cottage, to adding indoor plumbing; from building a Winter house to installing solar panels. There was always dedicated time for play, fishing and relaxing with the family and the many friends that were always welcome. Bill and Olga loved to share their home with everyone and are fondly remembered for the welcoming party atmosphere including food, spirits, song and dance. Bill loved people and enjoyed celebrating anything and everything, and people loved being around his joyful nature. Most of all, Bill is remembered for his perpetual sense of humour and boundless love and devotion to his family and close friends. He was eternally dedicated to his kids and grandkids, and to Olga, and was able to spend 14 years living with Lisa and family in Waterloo.  He maintained close connections with his friends and extended family of nieces and nephews, who he loved dearly.

Dad, you leave behind an enduring legacy of love, integrity, wit and generosity. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You touched so many lives with your kindness and wisdom. Rest in peace.

Bill is survived and greatly missed by his two daughters, Kathy (Grant) and Lisa (Randy); his son, Tony; and his three grandchildren, Emily, Henry, and Griffin. He is predeceased by Olga, his wife of 51 years, and his parents and four brothers. Bill received wonderful care at Grand River Hospital during his short illness. Sincere gratitude is extended to all those who lovingly cared for him there.  

The family will welcome friends at the Erb & Good Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, for a drop in reception on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Condolences, donations and photo and story sharing can be arranged online at www.erbgood.com. 

Donations to the WRHN Foundation (formerly Grand River Hospital), Blanche River Health Foundation (formerly Kirkland District Hospital Foundation) or The School of Optometry & Vision Science Charitable Care Fund (University of Waterloo) are greatly appreciated.