William Oric Elder

William Oric Elder (“Bill” or affectionately “WOE”, “Papa” or “Papa WOE”) passed away peacefully on May 17, 2019 at the Rockyview Hospital, one month shy of his 93rd birthday.  WOE led an exemplary life of caring and compassion, determination and optimism, youthful exuberance, humility and love for family and friends, and always smiles and laughter.

Bill was born in Saskatoon, fifth of six children and last surviving child of Oric John Elder and Adola Maude Brunker.  In grade 1 he met the love of his life, Margaret June Conn.  He came home from school and announced to his mother “I met the girl I’m going to marry”.   They were married 17 years later, on August 19, 1949.  Life and work opportunities took them to Vermilion, Alberta, Vancouver, BC and ultimately to Calgary in 1954, where they settled, raising their family while Bill worked in the oil patch as an accountant for a career stretching over 40 years.  They made many lifelong friends, through their time in Vermilion, work, travel and their involvement in the Thorncliffe community and the Calgary Winter Club.

Our hearts were broken in November, 2001 when June, our beloved Mom and Grandma, passed away quickly with cancer. She told us all, particularly Bill, to go on, to remain close to and active with family and friends, and to live life to the fullest. He heeded those words. Bill’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could not be more proud of him and inspired by his unwavering interest and support of their pursuits and accomplishments, his positive attitude, his zest for life, and his continuing connection with extended family and friends, near and far.

WOE happily resided in the family home in Thorncliffe until June 2018, where he was a 60 year fixture in his yard and community, in his faded jeans, disheveled shirt and ball cap, undertaking yet another project, be it hedge trimming, tomato planting and nurturing, or lawn mowing in his golf shoes on the back slope. All the neighbors stopped to chat or got a wave, extending a project’s duration… often by weeks. Summers at the cabin at Pigeon Lake and vacations in Hawaii with family and friends were his favorite retreats. Most recently, WOE resided at the Manor Huntington Hills.  Regrettably, he got sick last December and after a prolonged stay, firstly at the Foothills Hospital and then the Rockyview, he only returned to the Manor for a short time when, as a testament to WOE’s good nature and awesome sense of humour, he informed the other residents that he had “gone South for the winter”.

WOE loved life, yard work, all things curling, inexplicably only Edmonton sports teams and most of all, his family.  He is survived by daughter Cathy Spackman (Dale), son David (Martina) and daughter Debra Klassen (Steve).  He was the proud Papa to grandchildren Bill (Jen) and Jacquie (Phil Gardner) Spackman, Michael (Jill Tymko), Brett and Jennifer Elder and Papa WOE to great grandchildren Abigail and Ellie Spackman, who will miss him immensely.  In addition, he is survived by Lillian Elder, our wonderful aunt, for who’s love of and companionship with Dad we are truly grateful, and Debra’s stepdaughters Kayla Zeck (Brent Rosteski) and Brittany Craig (Brad) and their children Noah Rosteski, Nolan Zeck and Avery Craig.

Thank you to the wonderful health care professionals at both the Rockyview and Foothills Hospitals, who got to know WOE, laughed along with him and made him comfortable in trying times.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, which we will announce.   In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be interred, beside his beloved June at Pigeon Lake.   While we are sad to say goodbye, we feel blessed that our Dad and Papa was such a big part of all our lives for so many years.  We love you WOE, we will think of you always and miss you forever.  We would ask that those wishing to make a donation do so to a charity of their choice that makes a meaningful difference in our community. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with the family through www.evanjstrong.com.  Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES.  (403) 265-1199

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