Amulung – Willem (Bill) Amulung was born November 14, 1914 in Middelstum, Gronigen, The Netherlands. He was married to Jeltje Heerema on May 25, 1939 and together they operated a dairy farm at the edge of Middelstum until coming to Canada in 1953. After brief stops in Caroline and Iron Springs, they moved to Rolling Hills in the spring of 1954 and in 1955 purchased the NE1/4-34-14-13- W4 where he resided until his death. This quarter became the heart of a successful dairy farm. Bill knew that success of any farm does not stop at the farm gate and spent many years as an active delegate to the Central Alberta Dairy Pool as well as a local promoter of Unifarm. Bill was very strong willed all his life and while his health permitted was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, Rolling Hills Seniors Center and the Brooks Genealogy Society. His greatest passion however was his music and he played numerous instruments. He played in bands in Middelstum, Rolling Hills and finally for many years in Brooks until well past his 85th birthday. His other hobbies included painting, traveling, photography as well as many trips to operas, dramas and concerts. Trips included numerous returns to Holland, various other European countries, the United States and cruises in the Caribbean, Panama and to Alaska. A last trip was made back to Middelstum in 2006 when his son Clarence, grandson Jeff and his wife Sandra accompanied him. He was predeceased by his wife Jeltje on January 23, 1999, two infant sons in 1940 and 1943, baby son Klaas Frederik in 1947, daughter Mary Dewalt in 1993, mother Mina in 1972 and father Frederik in 1946. Bill will be missed and remembered by his son Clarence and his wife Johnene, son-in-law Reuben Dewalt and his wife Ethel, grandchildren Ron, Darryl (Joy-Anne), Cathie (Warren), Heather (Mike), Jeff (Sandra), Gena, Julia and numerous great grandchildren. Bill passed away early in the morning on June 30th, 2008 in Brooks and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 3rd at 2:00 PM from the Rolling Hills Community Centre. Rev. Walter Willford officiated. Active Pallbearers were Ron Dewalt, Darryl Dewalt, Warren Morse, Chris Morse, Mike Kinahan and Jeff Amulung. Interment followed at Rolling Hills Cemetery. In memory of Willem, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Brooks and District Health Foundation, for Palliative Care, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3 or Rolling Hills Community Hall, General Delivery, Rolling Hills, Alberta T0J 2S0. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
