WILLIAM SANGSTER

1915 - 2003

William (Bill) Sangster Sr., best friend and life partner for 57 years of the late Joan Sangster, passed away at the Taber Hospital while surrounded by his children on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at the age of 87 years.
Bill was born on November 23, 1915 in Walkerburn, Manitoba, the son of Eliza Jane and William Sangster. He was the eldest of six children. Bill was raised on the family farm at Silverwood, Manitoba and received his schooling at Grand Narrows and Silverwood. As a young man he worked the logging camps and at the Cochrow & McBride saw mills. In 1941 he, his brother Art and a friend rode the rails looking for work, ending up in Fort William (Lakehead) where he worked building the grain storage elevators. In July of 1941, Bill enlisted in the R.C.A.F at Winnipeg, Man. While stationed in Lethbridge he met and married Joan Hamilton on June 1, 1942. Until his honorable discharge from the services in 1945, they resided in Calgary. At that time they returned to Lethbridge where they farmed in the McNally District until 1950. At this time he purchased a farm through the Veterans Land Act in the Taber District. In 1951, along with their three children, Bill and Joan moved to Fincastle where they farmed and completed their family with the birth of two more children. In the early 50’s after moving to Taber, Bill worked at the sugar factory along with farming. In 1973 he rented out the family farm and started working for Shipwheel Cattle Feeders. In 1980 the family farm was sold and they retired to Taber. Bill continued to work at Shipwheel until the mid 1980’s. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family. As his children and grandchildren were involved in sports and clubs, Bill became actively involved. He became a 4-H Leader in 1957 and remained involved with 4-H until the time of his passing. He spent a lot of time along with his wife watching and cheering the kids on. Dad had a green thumb - he loved to garden and could grow 4 foot rose bushes while his kids were lucky if their roses even grew. He loved to tease and no one was spared; this was evident even during his illness. He passed this on to his family and this memory we will always cherish. On February 14, 1947 he joined the Lethbridge Lodge # 2 I.O.O.F., a member for 56 years. Bill was also a member of the Taber Legion Branch # 20 for over forty five years. Bill enjoyed family history and loved keeping in touch with family in Scotland. Bill and Joan had two trips to Scotland where they enjoyed the sights and connected with family. They also had a trip to Inuvik, N.W.T. in 1990 while their daughter was employed there. Bill’s memory will be cherished by his children, a son Bill Sangster of Taber and friend Eva Dunn and his family Brian (Enid) and family, Cameron; a daughter Lynn (Jake) Thiessen and their family Carey and Nevada of Vauxhall, Jace (Sandra) Thiessen and Zane of Scandia; a daughter Norma Sangster of Cluny; a son Ian (Sandy) Sangster and their children Kira and Brody of Taber; and a daughter Cathy (Doug) Odland and their children KaLey, Jesse and Brooke of Vauxhall. He is also survived by two brothers, Art (Beth) Sangster and Sandy (Mary) Sangster; a sister Isabel Dixon; sisters-in-law, Hazel Hamilton and Mary Sangster as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife Joan, Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Eliza Jane Sangster; brothers, Ian and Alf Sangster; brother-in-law Tom Hamilton and sister-in-law Beth Hughson and a step-grandson Winston Pongracz.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, July 27, 2003 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Monday, July 28 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Jim Lochhead officiating. Interment followed in the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to S.T.A.R.S., 1441 Aviation Park N.E., P.O. Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7, Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 209, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2H1.