Obituary of William John Iking

William John (Pim)Iking, beloved husband of Marilyn Iking of Beiseker, died suddenly on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at the age of 55 years. Pim was born January 18, 1950 in Arnhem, Holland and immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1951. He grew up in Calgary. He was an athlete and excelled in a number of sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming and track and field. Pim worked for the City of Calgary Parks and Recreation as a Lifeguard, Instructor, and Supervisor, while he attended University. This is where he met his best buddy Dean MacAulay. He met and married his life partner Marilyn Cruse in 1971. They immediately moved to Beiseker to start their teaching careers, at the Beiseker Community School. Pim taught Grades 1 to 12 Physical Education and coached most of the school teams. His basketball and track teams were very successful with numerous championships, including Provincial titles. Pim was diagnosed with M.S. in 1997 and was unable to continue his teaching career. However, his passion for music lead to him being an expert musicologist and anyone relating to music would know him. Pim attended many music festivals both locally and internationally. His other love was cinema and he attended hundreds of films. Pim loved and sponsored CKUA Radio and CJSW University Station. Pim will be sorely missed by his wife of thirty-four years, Marilyn of Beiseker; and daughters Kristin (Ryan), Cheryl (Greg) of Airdrie; sister Marlene Iking-Daniel (Garth) of Okotoks; niece and nephew Michael and Stephanie Daniel; cousins, Anita and Marjo; mother-in-law, Jean Cruse; brothers-in-law, Ron and Rob (Darlene); nieces Cassandra (Dustin), Stacey and nephew Greg, and great niece Aurora. He is also survived by his good buddies Dean, Gord, Dave and constant companion “Jimi”,as well as relatives in Holland. Pim chose to be cremated. A Celebration of Pim’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at the Beiseker Community Hall. Pim donated his eyes to the Lion’s Eye Bank for M.S. Research. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, #100, 2421 – 37 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Y7 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca/en/give. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Pim Iking, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Airdrie Funeral Home, 300 TOWERLANE DRIVE, AIRDRIE. Telephone: (403) 948-1100.