July 14, 1929 – Altona, ManitobaNovember 29, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
Bill Unrau passed away at Rockyview General Hospital on November 29, 2017 after a 5-month battle with cancer. An active man with a wide circle of friends and family, Bill enjoyed starting the day with a soak in the hot tub and finishing the day with a beer or two.
Bill was born 88 years ago in Altona, Manitoba to Russian Mennonite immigrant parents. The youngest of 11 children, Bill struck out on his own at the age of 14 and, after working in British Columbia doing various jobs, he joined the Canadian Army in 1948 and served until 1951, achieving the rank of Corporal. He then went on to work for the Energy Resources Conservation Board as a computer programmer for thirty-two years. In his spare time, Bill loved golfing, skiing, gardening, fishing, camping, bowling, and curling. He was an active member of the Ingelwood Golf & Curling Club and of the Seniors’ Alpine Ski Club.
Bill is survived by his loving friend Gail Ennis of Calgary; daughter and son-in-law Caren and Ron Fior of Redwood City, California; his grandson Michael Fior and granddaughter Lauren Fior, both of Redwood City, California; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. He will be missed and loved by all. Bill was predeceased by his parents; ten brothers and sisters; wife Lydia (nee Pavka); and former wife Bernice Elaine Parker (nee Sharp).
Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.