William (Bill) Victor Makarenko

It is with sadness that the family of Bill Makarenko announce his passing on February 14, 2024 at the age of 88 years.

Bill was born on May 23, 1935, in Lamont, AB. His family moved to Fairview in 1943 when they bought the Fairview Hotel and Monarch Hotel. Bill helped his parents at the hotel while going to school. He excelled in track & field and other sports. He grew up playing hockey and later played for the Fairview Monarchs. Air Cadets provided Bill the opportunity to get his pilot’s license.  Grandpa was so proud to tell his grandchildren the story of how when he was a teenager, he flew around the Edmonton area while at the summer Air Cadet Camp and was the first of the group, and one of the youngest, to get his license.  

Bill and Doreen Lowe went to school together and were high school sweethearts. After high school, Bill attended a TV installation and repair program in Montreal. He then moved to Edmonton where Doreen was working, and he worked for Woodward’s as a TV Repairman. Bill and Doreen were married in Fairview on June 27, 1959 and continued to live in Edmonton after they were married. They decided to move back to Fairview in 1960 when Bill became a partner with his father in the Grand Hotel. Bill decided he wanted to be a farmer so in 1962 Bill and Doreen purchased the Pratt farm in Highland Park which Bill farmed until his retirement. Bill was proud to be part of the Fairview community and served on Town Council and could often be found at Fentie’s at coffee time or on his daily walk to get his Edmonton Journal. Bill and Doreen were long-time members of the St. Paul's United Church.

Bill and Doreen enjoyed traveling and Maui was Bill’s favorite sunny winter destination. They enjoyed camping, golfing and travelling with friends around Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and north on the Alaska Highway. The grandchildren shared many fun visits with Grandpa at the farm, down at the river at Pratt’s Landing or talking hockey and playing pool. They often shared their love of a good cookie and ice cream. 

It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Fairview and their farm but Bill and Doreen made the move to Sherwood Park in 2016 to be closer to their family. Bill and Doreen celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their family in 2019.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Doreen. He is also predeceased by parents Nick and Sadie Makarenko, and his sisters Olga (Bert) Pask and Gerri Makarenko. His memory will be cherished by his children Janet and Ken Arndt and their boys Taylor (Shai) and Darrin; David and Melissa Makarenko and their children Jade, Lowell (Daina) and great-grandson Weston; Audrey and Gord Klemchuk and their children Braylon and Bayley (Darryn).

A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Doreen Makarenko Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Fairview Health Complex Foundation.

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