The family of William Donald “Bill” Elms is saddened to announce his passing within the early morning of July 28, 2026. After a series of illnesses that he could not overcome, Bill passed away peacefully at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital, surrounded in his final days by his three children. His family would like to thank the Dr’s and nurses for the compassionate care he received while in their care.
Predeceased by his parents, Norma and Bill, he will be lovingly remembered by his children, Trevor (Kirsten) Elms, Lindsay Elms, and Megan (Jared) Kelloway; his grandchildren, Easton Elms, Carter and Lennon Kelloway; and his brother, Geordie (Shirley) Elms.
Originally from Ontario, Bill came to Edmonton in 1973 while serving with the Canadian Airborne Regiment. In August 1974, he deployed with the Regiment to Cyprus following the Turkish invasion of the island. After returning to Canada in 1975, he completed his military service and made Edmonton home.
Bill was larger than life and a salesman at heart. He never met a stranger and had a gift for conversation, humour, and making lasting friendships. He had various careers in the car, oilfield, and construction industries. Although he was proud of the businesses he built, he knew that his greatest achievement was always his family. In the end, his children and grandchildren brought him his greatest joy.
Cremation will take place. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.
Bill always had a special place in his heart for kids’ sports and charities, so in lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation by using this link: https://stollery.crowdchange.ca/147535
Wally Corse says
Very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a treasured friend of our family for many years. He was a wonderful, thoughtful and caring man.
We have so many great memories.
We will miss him dearly.
Wally Corse and family.
Ryan C says
Bill was one of a kind. Had a huge heart and always did what he could to help anyone. sorry for your loss guys.
Dee says
My deepest condolences to all of you during this very sad time.
Billy was truly an amazing man and one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a childhood friend of my family, and my mom always thought so highly of him and considered him a hero. I know my brother Mike would have so many kind words to say about Billy if he were here, as they were such close friends.
I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to spend time with Billy over the years and to share some very special memories with him. I will always remember travelling with him to Toronto, meeting Geordie and Shirley, and getting to see the city through Billy’s eyes as he showed me the places he loved and called home. It was such a great experience and one that I will always treasure. We also shared time together in Kelowna and Vancouver, and those are memories that will stay with me forever.
Billy, I will miss our conversations, our chats, and your kind spirit more than I can say. I feel blessed to have known you and to have shared some wonderful moments and memories with you. You touched the lives of so many people, and you will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Billy. You were truly one of the good ones, and I will miss you dearly.
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with all of you. ❤️
John Van Buskirk says
For thirty-five years, Bill was one of the constants in my life — the kind of friend whose presence you never question because his loyalty, his heart, and his character made him impossible not to like. Bill had a way of showing up for the people he cared about, and he did it with a sincerity that never wavered. Friends and family weren’t just important to him; they were the center of his world, and he treated those relationships like the greatest investment he ever made.
What always struck me was his ability to stay connected. Bill didn’t let time, distance, or life’s complications dull a friendship. He reached out, checked in, remembered details, and made sure you knew you mattered. It wasn’t effort for him — it was instinct. That gift for maintaining relationships is something rare, and it’s one of the reasons so many people felt close to him.
Bill carried a positive attitude that could shift the tone of a room. Even in difficult moments, he found humor, perspective, or a story that made things feel lighter. He had that “larger than life” presence — not because he demanded attention, but because he brought energy, warmth, and conversation wherever he went. He never met a stranger, and he never let a friend feel alone.
Over the years, I saw how deeply proud he was of his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he spoke about them with a kind of love that made you smile just listening. No matter what else was happening, they were the part of his life that grounded him and gave him purpose.
Bill lived fully, cared deeply, and gave generously. He built friendships that lasted decades, and I’m grateful that mine was one of them. I will remember his loyalty, his humor, his optimism, and the way he made every person feel like they belonged in his circle. Thirty-five years is a long time — long enough to know that people like Bill don’t come around often, and when they do, you hold onto those memories for the rest of your life.
It is with great sadness that I say farewell to my dear friend. JVB
Daniela Bonetto says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill was one of a kind with a big heart. He will be missed .