BILL YATES

1929 - 2009

F.W. “Bill” Yates, beloved husband of Delores (Toody) for 59 years and loving father of three sons Bob (Tish) of Calgary, Tom (Dawn) of Calgary, Gary (Shelley) of Bow Island and one daughter Nancy (Nyle) Starner of Bow Island, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2009 after a short but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 79 years.
He also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren Derek (Maria) Yates, Robert (Stephanie) Starner, Jody (Jaime) Starner, Cummins (Melissa) Starner, Morgan Starner, Kelsey Starner, Travis Yates, Jamey Yates, Breanne Yates, Cassandra (Ryan) Kielstra, Larissa Elliott (Deven Collins); great grandchildren Shailyn and Kayla Yates; Jaxson, Parker and Presley Starner; Alexa, Cash and Zane Kielstra; sister Patricia (Mick) Brooks; brothers Tom (Midge) Yates and Richard Yates; brother-in-law Don (Betty) Ostby.
He was predeceased by a son James Yates; grandson Blake Elliott and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Delrose & Charles Bell.
Bill was born on March 14, 1929 at Lethbridge. He started work at a young age driving transport truck for Alberta/Montana Truck Lines, eventually purchasing his own truck, hauling asphalt and gravel. During this time he met and married the love of his life Delores Ostby on July 15, 1949. In the fall of 1952 Bill and Delores started Royal Sand & Gravel Ltd. which became a thriving business for fifty two years. During the early years of the company, his brother Tom and brother-in-law Don helped Bill in many ways doing extras that he greatly appreciated and never forgot. Over the years they employed many people who became lifelong friends as well as his family and especially Gary who later became their partner, working with Bill for over thirty years. Gary says that Bill was not only his bestman but his best friend as well. Bill dealt with numerous companies and local businesses for many years. His hobby was his love for work. As Bill said, “Remember boys, there’s always twenty four hours in a day for work.” In 1990 farmland was purchased and Bill enjoyed getting back to farming as he was raised on a farm at Aden. In the last few years he found this a relaxing way to enjoy his retirement. Bill was greatly loved by his family with whom he spent many hours watching various activities. He always had interesting stories of past days all of which the grandkids loved to hear. Bill and Toody loved to have their family join them at their cabin in Elkwater. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 139 - 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Sheila McLeod officiating. A private family burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Health Centre, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.