St. John's residents are mourning Hobo Bill, a fixture on city streets for almost 20 years.

William Cherniwchan died at the Waterford Hospital on Christmas Eve. He was 74.

Cherniwchan, better known as Hobo Bill, moved to Newfoundland about 18 years ago and became one of the most recognizable people in downtown St. John's.

He was also one of the most mysterious.

Some people said he was rich but chose a life of poverty. Others wondered why such a well-read man ended up on the streets.

"He sounded like a well-educated man," said Chris Rodden, manager of Breen's Deli, where Cherniwchan ate almost every day. "He always knew about everything you wanted to talk about."

Cherniwchan grew up on a farm in Edmonton and later worked with the military and had a family. He said he left Alberta because of what he called political problems.

"The government is at the opposite end of the political spectrum than I am, made you feel not a first-class citizen in your own province," he said in an interview with CBC radio in 1992.

Cherniwchan's health deteriorated about three months ago. He left the streets of St. John's and spent his final weeks in the Waterford Hospital.

Although he had a difficult life, Cherniwchan had no complaints.

"Life is what you make of it and I made it this way," he said.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.