On a cold rainy day, May 21st, 2016, with the love of his life by his side, Bill slipped away to join the loved ones that had predeceased him. Born in Gadsby, Alberta on December 8th, 1924 he spent most of his young years in Stettler. Leaving home at an early age, he headed to the west coast where he found work and eventually joined the navy. He served on the Huron and then was transferred to Halifax where he joined the HMCS Oakville and from there eventually HMCS Bayfield. It was on this ship that he and his crew members swept for mines going into Juno Beach on D Day. He was very proud of the veterans that served along with him and in years to come attended many of the anniversary events worldwide. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Marjorie–semicolon– children: Sharen, Dianne (Phil), John (Darlene), and Linda–semicolon– grandchildren: Rodney (Charmayne), Corrina (Doug), Janis (Norm), Jodie (Chris), Will, Dara, Lynx, Corrie (Gary), and Kurt–semicolon– great grandchildren: Bella, Justy, Sydney, Jadyn, Ben, Andrew (Lisa), Vanessa (Steven), Anthony, Braydon, Dustin, Layton, and Kennedy–semicolon– and one great great grandchild, Aspen-Hope. Bill is also survived by his sister, Pauline Spiece–semicolon– and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his parents–semicolon– brother, Arthur–semicolon– sisters: Jackie, Madeline, Francis, and Helen. Also predeceased by his son-in-law, Jim.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Foyer Lacombe Hospice Care in St. Albert for their warmth and kindness extended to both Bill and Marj during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, Alberta.
Anyone wishing to make a donation on Bill’s behalf may do so to Valour Place. No flowers please.
Steven and Carleen Arthurs says
May 26, 2016 at 12:00 amBill – you will be truly missed by Steve, Carleen, Stefanie and Alex. We cherish fond memories of the family reunion in New Brunswick with your bold laughter and great stories around the picnic table at the cottage. You have served your country with great pride and honour, so rest now and know that you will not be forgotten.
Ready Aye Ready
Love Steve & Carleen Arthurs and Family
Norm Bohl says
May 27, 2016 at 12:00 amI was very fortunate to be selected by Bill to come his partner at Brandon Petreum Sales in 1970.
I was a young man of 27 who had a lot to learn. Bill was a great mentor showing that suppliers bills were sacred. If there was profit to be taken it came after other obligations. Always get your daily orders out that day even if overtime. He had a warm spot and adopted a big black derilect dog that visited our business. This dog was instrumental into Bill getting into raising of purebred Newfoudlander that might have been overwhelming for most.
Marjorie,Sharon,Dianne john and Linda your dad was a good man and I learned a lot from him. May he rest in peace
Brenda Letendre says
May 26, 2016 at 12:00 amIt is with great sorrow that Uncle Bill has passed. We are sending our sympathies to you and your family. Time heals all. Thanks for the memories of Uncle Bill as I was growing up. May only happy memories come often to you.
Sincerely,
Brenda
cindy arthurs says
May 25, 2016 at 12:00 amMy thoughts are with you…I have so many great memories of Uncle Bill…so many fun times in New Brunswick and when you visited London…it brings a smile to my face when I think of the laughter we all shared…I hope these memories will get you through any tough times…lots of love from Cindy Arthurs and family (Nick and Jackie, Frankie, Domenic and Gabriel)
Murray & Georgia Provost says
May 27, 2016 at 12:00 amThinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Bill was one of a kind and we always enjoyed spending time with Marj and him. We especially remember Bill relating stories of their travel adventures over the years. His was a life well lived, and he will surely be missed by all who knew him. Kindest regards, Murray & Georgia