Bill Wilk
1941 - 2021
William Peter Wilk, beloved husband and soulmate to Carole for the past fifty four years, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the age of 79 years.
As a result of the current restrictions surrounding COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held later when Bill’s family and friends can be in person together to celebrate this extraordinary man.
Left to mourn his loss is his wife Carole, daughter Bonnie (Terry) Marose of Taber and son Blair (Corrinna) Wilk of Calgary along with his grandchildren Chason Marose, Kendal (Clarke) Marose, Brett Marose, Macenzie (Meegan) Wilk; great grandchildren Carson, Brooklynne, Lincoln and Harper Marose. Bill is also survived by his siblings Ken (Sine) Wilk, Jean (Dale) Merriman, Andrew Wilk and brother-in-law Murray Hanson as well as many special nieces, nephews and their families.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary Wilk; brothers John, Frank (Gwen) and Harry; sister Rose Marie; Carole’s parents Clifford and Marjorie Hanson, brother Curtis Hanson and sister Marilyn Giroux.
Bill was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan and was the youngest son of Peter and Mary Wilk. In 1944, the family moved to Taber, where Bill made his home up until his passing. In 1966, he married Carole Hanson. Bill and Carole soon welcomed the addition of Bonnie and Blair to their family. He spent several years volunteering his time coaching Blair’s hockey and baseball teams where he made many life-long friendships along the way. Bill worked for Alberta Water Resources for many years before his retirement at age fifty five. He and Carole loved to spend time in the mountains and Bill spent countless hours on Kootenay and Koocanusa lakes in his boat not only fishing but also teaching his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and their friends how to water ski. During the winter months, Bill and Carole travelled extensively by car, plane and cruise ship. Bill had a great passion for woodworking and spent numerous hours creating beautiful pieces of art.
Bill’s greatest treasure was his family. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand. Bill would share his biggest smile, a friendly clap on the back and offer words of advice to family and friends alike. He was a most cheerful, patient man who rarely complained. Bill greeted his grandchildren with a big “howdy doody” each time he saw them. He taught us the value of hard work, patience, perseverance and the importance of family and friends.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.
We all would like to thank Dr. Jeff Hughes, Dr. Gerald Beckie, Dr. Eric Wilde, Dr. Elvira Smuts and her Palliative Care team, Trisha Wright and the Taber Home Care team, Taber Clinic, Taber Hospital Lab and Dr. Malcolm Brigden and the team at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre for all the care, attention, time and support spent looking after Bill over the years.