March 18, 1942 - December 26, 2021
On December 26, 2021, Bill passed away peacefully at home with family by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Born in Blairmore, Alberta on March 18, 1942, he spent an idyllic childhood in the Crowsnest Pass enjoying anything outdoorsy. He graduated from Blairmore High School and attended Cal Tech, living in Calgary for 4 years studying and then working. In 1967, he married Michele (Mikki) Kilgannon and they moved to Carmacks, Yukon where he worked for Poole Engineering. In 1969, he was hired by YTG and worked for 30 years in Carmacks and Whitehorse as a heavy equipment operator, itinerant foreman and surface crew foreman. In 1999, he moved to his retirement acreage in Shirley on Vancouver Island. In 2018, medical needs made a move to Victoria necessary. Bill was a very active community member including sports, volunteer work, the first mayor of Carmacks, Fire Chief, first responder roles or basically anything needing done. Bill's love for his family drove his life. He loved road trips and drove thousands of miles across Canada to visit family and friends. He loved his animals (horses and dogs) and all outdoor activities including skiing, hockey, skidooing, hiking, fishing, baseball, golf and gardening. He was an accomplished woodworker leaving a legacy of beautiful furniture and unique wood turnings. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mikki; son Mark (Tara); daughter Laurel Betts (Clive); grandchildren Jenna, Shayla and Lauren Brown: Madison and Michael Betts: brother Butch (Rosalie); many beloved cousins , nephews and nieces. There are so many people to thank as they supported Bill on the journey through kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis after a reaction to a prescription drug in 1999; but some need special mention for their outstanding dedication and support. - Dr. Greg Ganz, Dr. Hagen Kluge, the entire PD unit at the Royal Jubilee, his "favourite vampire" Rima, and all the wonderful home care nurses - you were there is every way possible to ease the way as Bill negotiated the final years of his life with strength and dignity. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you.
A farewell service for Bill will take place at the Sands Funeral Chapel 317 Goldstream Avenue on Thursday, January 13th at 10:30 in the morning. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Kidney Foundation in Bill's name.