Mr. William Matthew “Bill” Kibzey, age 88 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at Southbridge Lakehead Manor on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Born on September 7, 1937 in Fort William, he was raised and educated at Ogden Public School and Fort William Collegiate. Throughout school, he was an avid young musician and member of Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration and the Fort William Prosvita Society youth groups. As a teen in the 1950s, he was a piano player in a quartet called The Polka Hits, playing wedding receptions and band competitions in Fort William.
Dad started his teaching career straight out of high school, teaching at S.S.#1 Oliver before joining the Fort William Board of Education at Franklin St. School. He continued his teaching career at Francis St. and McKellar Park Schools, followed by his role as an Art Resource Teacher based out of Central School in the 1970s. Summers for many years were spent obtaining his Bachelor of Education degree, with courses often taken in Toronto. He became a Vice-Principal and later a Principal with positions at Agnew H. Johnston, Sherbrooke, Prospect, Claude Garton, C.D. Howe, Cornwall, and Shuniah St. Schools before retiring in 1992 after 35 years. Not yet done with the education world, Dad taught with the Lakehead University Faculty of Education and supervised Student Teachers for several years.
Dad’s warm sense of humour and smile were never stronger than when he met a beautiful student nurse at McKellar Park School named Heather Hill. Swept off her feet by his evident charm, they were married on October 20, 1962 and had a tremendous life together for 63 years. From raising Mark, Luke, and Jon in a busy household on Windsor Street and later Fairbank Crescent, to adventures at the family cottage at Trout Lake, there were countless memories to cherish. Music and art were important to him throughout his life, and he loved singing, teaching, and sharing his musical and artistic knowledge. Gatherings with family and friends meant a lot, and remained treasured moments throughout his life. Whether watercolour painting, gardening, or spontaneously building docks, decks, rock gardens, or other creations, Dad’s creativity, work ethic, and giving nature were always at the forefront.
Bill is survived by his wife Heather (née Hill), and sons Mark (Janelle Brough), Luke (Kathy), and Jon (Kim Pressick), grandchildren Ben (Ally), Daniel, Zachary, Jadon, Anna, Jasper, Tess, Jackson, Grace (Corey), and Ben (Lauren), as well great-grandchildren Callen and Finn. He is also survived by his brother Jerry (Patti), sister- and brother-in-law Lynda & David Gallant, as well as other family and many longtime friends.
Bill is predeceased by his parents Peter and Anastasia Kibzey (née Wozna), parents-in-law Byrnece and Joseph Nett, brother Morris, nephews Paul Kibzey, Brian Blekkenhorst and niece Christina Blekkenhorst. He also dearly missed the many pets in family history who are all by his side now, loving treats and cuddles.
Special thanks to Dr. Long for his many years of exemplary care, as well as Dr. Osman and the many other staff and doctors at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their care throughout the past year. We would also like to thank the second floor staff at Southbridge Lakehead Manor for their outstanding care of Dad in his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery.
If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Surgery Campaign or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
