Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Bill Diachuk, an alumnus of the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company and a former member of the Alberta legislature who represented Edmonton-Beverly for 16 years, until 1986.
Born in 1929, Bill attended the University of Alberta and was very active in community affairs, which led him to serve as an Edmonton Catholic School District trustee for years. For 25 years, Bill volunteered full time with the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, tirelessly advocating for others in Canada and contributing to community development in foreign countries.
I met with Bill many times in my office, where he was a consummate humanitarian, advocating for others' well-being. I recall his attendance in full Knights of Columbus regalia at every Remembrance Day ceremony at Alberta's oldest cenotaph in Beverly.
My sincere condolences to Ollie, Bill's wife of 62 years, and their children and grandchildren. Bill set a standard of excellence and service toward his fellow man. Bill will be dearly missed by all.
Memories eternal.