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1923 – 2022
Our beloved dad and grandpa passed away on January 24, 2022, just a few days
before his 99th birthday, with his sons at his side.
Bill grew up near Willowbrook, Saskatchewan with his parents Mike and Elizabeth. He
was the eleventh of twelve children in a busy and happy farm family. There were many
chores to do but even more mischief to get into.
Bill volunteered for the Army when war broke out in Europe. He became an ambulance
driver and a medic serving with the South Alberta Regiment. His proudest achievement
was taking part in the battle to close the Falaise pocket during the Battle of Normandy in
1944. He was recognized by France with the Legion of Honour in 2016. He told us of
the gratitude shown to him and his fellow soldiers by the Dutch after the liberation of
Holland.
In 1953 he married the love of his life, Kay, who he had first spotted across the
schoolyard many years before. They welcomed son Alan in 1954, followed shortly by
Grant in 1955. Bill was a loving husband and fun-loving dad, and he relished time spent
with the family.
After several years living and working in the oilpatch around Drayton Valley, they raised
their boys in Swift Current, before finally moving to St. Albert. Bill was a life-long learner and kept up with science, technology, business, and politics throughout his life. Above all, he loved making new friends and good conversation. He curled and golfed, and cheered on the Edmonton Oilers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Bill was predeceased by Kay in 2020, and he missed her every day they were parted.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children Alan and Grant (Christina); grandsons
Mark (Carlie) and Matthew Chaney; and sister-in-law Rose Hadewich.
A private remembrance will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Chartwell St. Albert, Sturgeon
Community Hospital and Youville Home for their care and compassion.
Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Convenant Foundation to
support Youville Home.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
