Obituary of William Turnbull Darling

It is with great sadness that the Darling family mourns the passing of Bill Darling on Sunday, November 6, 2005 at the age of 90 years. Born in South Carlise, Scotland on April 19, 1915, Bill came to Canada with his parents and siblings. He spent the majority of his years in the Calgary area working on various ranches as a youth. Bill enlisted to serve overseas in WWII, serving four and a half years in Europe with the 17th Battery, 3rd Regiment, Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft, 2nd Division. Upon his return to Calgary, he met and married his wife Mary, and together they raised two sons, Rick and Billy. Bill found employment with Dench Trucking and Canadian Pacific Railway in 1946 until his retirement. He spent many summers working traffic control for the Calgary Stampede and spent family time fishing with his two sons. After retirement, Bill dedicated much of his time volunteering for the Renfrew Community Association and the Royal Canadian Legion Chaplehow Branch No. 284. Living in the community of Renfrew until the age of 87 he was an active and much loved member of the community, he was often seen on his front step wearing his red Renfrew Community baseball jacket, watching the community go by, or working at the community bingo and playing pool on Friday nights with friends. Bill’s true love was his family, he was hugely proud of his sons’ accomplishments and the man that he became. He loved his grandchildren deeply, helping his granddaughter through two University degrees and helping his grandson acquire his first home. He was a tirelessly giving man who would buy you a beer, give you a place to sleep, and his last dollar if it was needed. The world will miss such a man. Bill is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Rick and Caryl; his grandchildren, Tanya and Bob; and his last surviving sibling, his sister Nettie. Bill was predeceased by his wife Mary in 1999 and his youngest son Billy in 1972. A Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219, 4 Street N.W.) on Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Following the Graveside Service a Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at the Renfrew Community Hall (828, 8 Avenue N.E.) on Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. A special thanks to the staff of the Parkland unit at Southwood Care Facility. In living memory of Bill Darling, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.