Flight Lieutenant William Fedoruk

Birth: February 28, 1917 in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan
Death: November 26, 1944 in Invergordon, Rosshire, Scotland
Service: WWII
Service Number: J43270

Biography:
The Fedoruk family moved to Richmond from Fort Frances, Ontario, in the 1930's. Mr. Fedoruk was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway. William Fedoruk returned to Fort Frances to look for work while the rest of the family remained in Richmond. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Kenora, Ontario on June 1, 1941. He listed his religion as Greek Orthodox, his occupation as handyman and stated that he also spoke Ukrainian. His civilian occupations had included working for the CPR on track maintenance, a millwright's helper, and a steeplejack. Bill liked heights and had also worked painting a water tower. He was single and named his parents Jacob and Katrina Fedoruk as next of kin. William had four brothers all of whom served in the Canadian Armed Forces. John served with the Fourth Field Ambulance Corps, Steve was with the Royal Canadian Navy and Peter had served in the Canadian army but was given an honourable discharge due to knee trouble. The fourth brother Mike lived at home, as did his sister Lee, but had also served in the Canadian army.

On enlistment, Bill was posted to Penhold, Alberta as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He had previously served 8 months as a gunner with the 17 Medium Battery, Fort Frances, Ontario. He was trained in Alberta and also at Sunnyside, Prince Edward Island. He became a corporal in June 1942, was promoted to sergeant in July 1942. Bill had home leave at this time prior to being posted to England where he became a Flight Lieutenant in June 1944. On November 26, 1944 the crew of Sutherland aircraft #DD851 were returning from an anti-submarine patrol when the aircraft caught fire and crashed on the rail line, two miles north east of Invergordon Rosshire, Scotland. William Fedoruk was buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

After the war, Bill's mother was in mourning and regretted that her son was buried so far away. His sister Lee went to England many years later on a tour and visited the cemetery in Harrogate. She asked the caretaker where the Canadian section was located and as he was explaining to her, the register of graves book fell open at her brother's name. After seeing Bill's grave, Lee felt very content that her brother was resting in such a beautiful place.

History of the Road Name (Fedoruk Road):

• Name choice advised to Council in letter dated June 14, 1954 from R.C. Palmer, City Clerk. (Street Naming File 6818 1950-1955)
• Council Resolution to adopt road name: Council Meeting Minutes June 21, 1954, res. 559, pg. 355