Obituary of William Walsh DeLay

DeLay, William Walsh

January 22, 1929 - Saint John, New Brunswick

November 19, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

William (Bill) DeLay, beloved husband of Valerie DeLay (nee Wedge), of Calgary, AB, died peacefully at home on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 92 years.

Bill was born in Haymarket Square, Saint John New Brunswick at the tail end of the roaring 20s. He was welcomed into the world by his parents, James Leo DeLay, and Annie Loretta Walsh; he was one of five children born to the couple. Bill was educated at St. Vincent’s Boy’s School before going away to the former St. Joseph’s College in Memramcook, NB (now the University of Moncton). After setting aside his education, Bill ventured to Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton before returning to Saint John to work with his uncles in their family store. His return to Saint John led to his courtship and marriage in 1955 to Valerie Wedge. They shared an incredible sixty-six years together! Along with their children, they lived in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, & Manitoba. Bill pursued a career beginning in auto financing, advancing to life insurance, including some early entrepreneurialism until discovering his passion as a hotelier. His career as a hotelier afforded the family the opportunity of living in many places yet, Bill and Valerie formed a fondness for Alberta and chose Calgary as the city for their retirement.

Besides his loving wife Valerie, Bill is survived by their children, Bill (Susan), Patrick (Tracey), Maryann (Pierre), David (Jeannie), Stephen (Kathleen) and Diane (Dave); grandchildren, Aishling, Jackson, Zoe, Devin, Katherine, Hunter, Connor, Matthew, Hannah, Liam, Camille, and Bryce; great-grandchildren, Theo, Lexy, Jason, and Darius; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, James, and Annie; siblings, Mary Audrey, Fr. James Leo, Edward Michael & Lawrence; his sisters-in-law, Barbara (Dick) DeLay and Norma Wedge.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, November 26, 2021, at 11 am. A viewing will be held on the same day at the church, prior to the service, starting at 9:30am. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. DeLay's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Bill offered a welcome to many across a life of hospitality. Those interested in honouring Bill may donate to Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, or a charity of their choice.

The family offers their gratitude to his many friends in the congregation of St. Thomas More for their fellowship, love, and support. The parish has been Bill and Valerie’s spiritual home for over 30 years. Bill shared with the parish his time, treasure, and talent as a reader, as a Knight of Columbus, and in dedicated devotion to the après-Mass cake and coffee gatherings. The family extends their thanks, appreciation, and praise for the nurses of Alberta Health’s Palliative Home Care in Calgary and Dr. Simon Hudy, his family physician.

In living memory of William DeLay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

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