William (Bill) Lee Whalley (76), of Tofield, Alberta, passed away on October 25, 2023, surrounded by family.
Bill was born to Leo and Margaret Whalley on December 23, 1946, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was a passionate reader, fisherman, hunter, and painter, and he enjoyed spending time with his friends, family, and Springer Spaniels on a stream, in a campground, or on his acreage. He taught for thirty-one years, and thoroughly loved helping students understand and develop a love of literature.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki; two children, Andrea (Christian) and Liam (Leah); four grandchildren, Hunter, Arwyn, Gabriel, and Bill Jr.; his brother, Peter (Linda); his three sisters, Maureen (Ken), Elaine (Roger), and Joanne; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Margaret; his sister, Patricia; his brother-in-law, Larry; and his niece, Carol.
Bill’s Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Camrose, Alberta, on November 1, 2023, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in his name.
Bonnie Barnes says
Vicky I was so saddened to hear of Bills passing. I remember our chats when he came to pick you up at Jean Vanier. May you Rest In Peace Bill. Condolences to you and your families Vicky❤️🙏🙏
Lorna Lang says
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father-in law Bill Whalley. Big hugs to you and your family – Lorna Lang
Antoinette Fournel says
My deepest sympathies to Vicki & all family members. May Bill Rest In Peace. Sending love and prayers. 🙏🤗❤️🌹
Antoinette Fournel says
My deepest sympathies to you Vicki and all family members. May Bill Rest In Peace. Sending my love and prayers to all of you. 🙏🤗🌹❤️💋
Bob Kadylo says
My most heartfelt condolences to all of Bill’s family. We met in 1973 and his impact on my life was profound. It has become very clear to me how much his colleagues and students from Archbishop Jordan High School are going to miss him. Spending any time with Bill, teaching or fishing, was always a special treat. I will forever remember that smile from under his
‘Crocodile Dundee hat’
Rest in Peace, my friend 🙏
Jennifer Bird (Wispinski) says
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Whalley’s passing. I was fortunate enough to be in his Grade 12 English class at Archbishop Jordan High School 37 (but how can that be possible) years ago. Although I was always an avid reader, he made English literature come alive for me in a way few teachers have before or since, and I still recall the zest, challenge, nuance, and fun he brought to the subject matter. I consider him a mentor – one of the best teachers I have encountered in a long life of schooling. My condolences to his family.
Henry and Lana Madsen says
Hi Vicki, Liam, Andrea,
I am so sorry for the loss of your remarkable husband and father. We first met Bill when he brought a bus load of students to HeLa near Rocky Mountain house in the late 80s. He was animated, adventurous, formed amazing relationships with kids, and quickly became a friend. Over the next decades, Bill brought many more groups to Rocky Mountain House for outdoor adventures. These student adventures morphed into personal visits and trips. I remember with fondness the fly fishing expeditions of many summers, canoeing on lakes and rivers, camping with students and colleagues, and sharing the occasional sip of single malt. I also remember discussions about literature, education, politics and of course, fishing. The influence of this remarkable educator will live on forever. Bill’s life and memory are a blessing. I hope you find comfort in the remarkable legacy of a remarkable husband and father.
Henry and Lana