Obituary of PITMAN – Richard William

February 20, 1925 – September 06, 2009 Richard William (Bill), born February 20, 1925 in Regina, Saskatchewan, passed away at his home on September 06, 2009 at the age of 84 years. He is survived by Elizabeth, his beloved wife of 63 years, his son Richard (Debbie), daughter Susan MacKenzie (Bill), grandchildren Dayle (Josh), Melissa, Diana, Bill Jr., and two great-grandchildren Madison and Cadence. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, as well as his brother Hank (Mary) from British Columbia. Bill was predeceased by his sister Doris Pitman in 1999. This warm, gentle, and generous man will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to be part of his life’s path. Through his life’s journey Bill had enjoyed a particularly active and varied life. He first met the love of his life, Bette Zaran, at the tender age of 10 years old, and they were married February 20, 1946. As the years progressed he undertook many roles, all with a keen focus, an attention to detail, and seemingly inexhaustible energy. At age 17 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a Pilot Officer in the Second World War, stationed both in Canada and overseas. He was also a trainer with junior football in Saskatchewan; played for a short while with the Saskatchewan Roughriders; was an oil scout during the heady days of 1960’s Alberta oil & gas exploration, following which he then became a successful entrepreneur founding both Petro-Tech Printing and Draftech Services. He was also an active member through this period of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Hillhurst Lodge No. 46. Retiring at age 51, Bill increasingly devoted his time, talents and energy to charitable activities, becoming very active in the Shrine organizations of both Spokane and Calgary. During this period Bill became the Potentate of the Al Azhar Shrine Calgary organization in 1993, and was continuously involved for many years in the Shrine’s international activities. Bill was also an active member of the Calgary Air Crew Association, and through that organization helped develop the memorial to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan at the Calgary Aero Space Museum. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at the Al Azhar Shrine Temple (5225 – 101 Street N.W.) on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of their choice or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Bill Pitman, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.