Condolences
We're very sad to hear of Bill's passing last month. I am John Knutson's daughter and the two of them(Bill and John) shared a lot of laughs together over the years working at The Bay. My husband Harry and I enjoyed our visits with Bill and really enjoyed his accordion playing and sing-alongs. I'm sure that the laughs and sing-alongs are continuing with the two of them up in heaven.
Our Best wishes to all of your family.
-Judy Knutson (Lefebre) and Harry Lefebre
On behalf of the DiPaolo Family and our respective significant others I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to you Darlene and your family with respect to the passing of Bill.
You and Bill have always been an integral part of the most important social functions in our lives. We have a fondness and great appreciation for you being a part of that.
I remember all the times that my Dad, Uncle Teddy and Bill would get together and recount their antics as practical jokers. They would laugh so hard that it would bring tears of laughter to their eyes. It was always incredible to seem them interact.
Bill was such a multi-faceted man – singer, musician, provider, husband and father. We always enjoyed seeing you and Bill on the dance floor at all our weddings. So elegant and debonair as a couple.
We know that he will be missed by all who loved him and we echo those sentiments.
God Bless you Darlene and your family. Rest in peace Bill.
Love
Dulcie, David (CeCelia), Randee (Mike), Denise (David), Debbie (Bill) and Janine (Nick) and all of our family members.
I met Bill when I was a teenager and working part-time at the Bay Parkade nearly 50 years ago; I have not seen Bill him since I left the Bay. Yet, I hold vivid and fond memories of the brief interactions we had. Whether it was as he exited the Parkade, or as he picked up a parcel in the Parcel Pick-Up, or as we casually ran into each other while he worked the floor in the Bay, invariably, Bill made time to offer his infectious smile and friendly banter. After he found out I am of Italian background, he started addressing me me with the endearing moniker “pazziariell...”. Difficult to precisely translate into English, the use of the dialect made it that much more special to me.
Nearly 50 years later, Bill’s kindness and humour still resonates with me. What a legacy!
My condolences and sympathies to the family.
Lou De Somma
To my Dear Friend Bill that I've known for many years, golfed with him in Arizona and Palm Springs. Man of character. I will miss him along with my twin brother Ed (deceased). Prayers are sent to the family.
With deepest sympathy,
Louis Saucier
Bill had a long wonderful life. The Executive Board had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of years back when he dropped into the office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Karen and the Executive Board of the Calgary Musicians Association
God Bless Bill in ascent: This wonderful gem of a man was inspirational to so many musically, and by his incredible character. My dad had such admiration for him (as did I); he was always inspiring first and further generations of Italian Canadians coming to Alberta in the work ethic coupled with opportunity in Western Canada. A tribute from my family to this honourable wonderful gentleman. Sincere condolences to the family.
From
Pan Sciore
Calgary Alberta Canada
I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was a very dear friend of our family. I was able to perform with Bill on a number of occasions. My father, Ted played drums in Bills band for a number of years. My mother Eva met Bill while they both worked at the Bay, before meeting my father. Bill was our master of ceremonies at our wedding. He would drop in to see my parents to cheer them up with uplifting stories and jokes. He was the last member of the "Riverside Rats" who grew up with my father along with Ego Todesco, Jeep Santucci, Bob DiPaolo, George Picco, Tony Santopinto and Allan DeBaleau
I had the pleasure of working with Bill on several occasions, and especially with the Louis Trono band at many concerts in Banff.
He was a gentleman and a real pro, always giving his best to each performance.
Thanks for the many fun stories and great memories Bill. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Jon Frolick (and your many musical friends)
My sincere sympathy to Darlene and family. Many fond memories of the times we had together.
So very sorry to here of your loss. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely, Cy Perl
It was with great sadness that I read about the passing of one of life's true gentlemen. I have many fond memories of Bill serenading my infant son while he bounced him on his knee at one of Uncle Ego's Christmas feasts. Bill always had a song, a story or a joke and truly enjoyed life. The world will be a sadder place without him.
Please accept our sincere sympathies.
Jay, Jen and Matt Todesco
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