Obituary for William Elliott

WILLIAM ELLIOTT
MAY 2, 1917 TO AUGUST 17, 2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. “Bill” was a hardworking man of great integrity, an excellent manager with a lust for knowledge and was clearly dedicated to his family, community, church and Legion. More than anything, he was filled with love and pride for his family, and never failed to say “Thank you” and “I love you” to anyone who visited or called.
Bill proudly served his country overseas for four years in World War Two, while his bride- to-be waited back home. Once he returned, he and Esther were married in 1944 and began their farming life together in 1946. Bill remained a farmer in the Ennerdale district for 27 years, until 1973, when he and Esther retired into Olds, AB. While there, he was an invaluable member of the Olds Legion Branch #105, serving in the capacity of numerous positions over the years, as well as volunteering extra time for a multitude of functions, and recently earning his 60 year award and lifetime membership.
Bill was an avid curler at Eagle Hill Co-op and in Olds, AB. and took part in many bonspiels over the years, curling his last game at the age of 82. Serving as president of the Board for the Co-op in Olds, Treasurer for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, being instrumental in the initiation of “The Sunshine Bus”, as well as acting as a driver for it, and a variety of other committees and functions, were among his many displays of commitment to his community. Bill attended Olds College and became a driver instructor in Olds and even after his retirement, continued to be involved with the farming community by helping with spring seeding, fall harvest, or whatever tasks needed to be done. In his free time, he and Esther enjoyed many years of camping and travelling, with one of the most memorable trips being a flight on the Concorde.
Bill is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 69 years, Esther (nee Christensen), daughters Karen Kristine McCulloch (Innisfail, AB.), Margaret Anne Elliott (Red Deer, AB.) and Marilyn Lee Elliott (Saskatoon, SK.) and son James William Elliott (Toronto, ON.), 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, as well as a large family of nieces, nephews and extended family, who he classified as “great people”. Bill was predeceased by his four brothers – John, Matt, Robert and Charles and his four sisters – Margaret (Peggy), Ruby, Betty and Grace.