Lester – William Gordon Lester of Rolling Hills, Alberta, beloved husband of Irene Lester, passed away on Friday, September 10th, 2021 at the age of 89 years. Bill was born in Bracken, Saskatchewan to Dave and Mabel Lester. He was the youngest of 3 sons. The family moved from Bracken to Rolling Hills in 1940 to be part of the new irrigation project. Bill received most of his schooling in Rolling Hills. His love for hockey took led him to Brooks in Grade to and then Medicine Hat for Grade 11, where he went to school and played hockey. Bill married Irene Stonehouse in 1956 and together they raised two children, Leroy and Debbie. They lived in Calgary for two winters while Bill worked as a long haul truck driver with Lionel MacKinnon and then settled on the family farm in Rolling Hills with Bill’s parents, two brothers and later Leroy. Throughout the years Bill was very active in sports, playing hockey, baseball, curling and golf. He was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan and in later years cheered for the Calgary Flames and Stampeders. Bill and Irene loved to travel, enjoying many trips to Hawaii, first with friends and later with family. They spent several winters as snowbirds, travelling to Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona. Visiting family in Ireland was a treasured experience and Bill fulfilled a lifelong goal with a day spent touring Juno Beach. They enjoyed a timeshare in Fairmont, British Columbia for many year, where their 6 grandchildren learned to ski. Bill’s passion was his family and community. He was always up for a good visit with “Old” and “New” friends. He adored his grandchildren and share a special bond with each of them. Bill was predeceased by his parents Dave and Mabel Lester, brother Jack Lester, sister-in-law Joan Lester, father-in-law and mother-in-law Eddie and Hazel Stonehouse and brother-in-law Larry Stonehouse. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 65 years Irene; children, Leroy (Bonny) Lester and Debbie Lavender; grandchildren, Tar, Matt (Annie), Brett (Michelle), Ryan (Olivia), Katy (Chris) and Carly; great grandchildren, Anna, William, James and Tayo and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear, lifelong friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In memory of Bill, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either Rolling Hills Golf Club, 100 – 3rd Avenue, Rolling Hills, Alberta T0J 2S0 or Rolling Hills Community Centre, General Delivery, Rolling Hills, Alberta T0J 2S0.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM BROOKS, ALBERTA
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