Obituary of William Alvin Ripley

February 24, 1931 – Edmonton, Alberta

January 18, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, William (Bill) Alvin Ripley, entered fully into the presence of our Lord on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the age of 90.

Bill was born on February 24, 1931, in Edmonton, AB, to Jeanette and Alvin Ripley, the oldest of three sons. He grew up on his parent’s farm in the district of Ripley, near Alix and Buffalo Lake, AB.

Bill moved to Calgary in the early 1950s where he was a member of the Air Force Reserves and attended SAIT. There he completed his carpentry apprenticeship and went on to become a successful builder. Bill was a master carpenter and worked for Poole Construction, later he worked on various projects, covering Southern Alberta, for the Alberta Government. After retirement, Bill had a second career operating Ripley Ridge, a retreat on Bill and Shirley’s beloved acreage before relocating to Coldstream, BC. Bill and Shirley recently settled back in Alberta, in the town of High River.

Bill met Shirley, the love of his life, and they were married in Calgary, in 1956. They were married for 65 years. They took on the adventure of building a home from the ground up for their family, on their homestead in Springbank, AB, as well as fostering children for thirty-five years. Bill was very involved in the Church of the Nazarene, including faithfully driving the Sunday School bus for fifteen years. He also took on many roles in his community. He knew how to build and fix anything and was always willing to help anyone who needed assistance. Bill generously helped with many projects for family and friends. He was particularly proud of all his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Shirley (nee Snider), his six children and their partners, David and Dianne, Laine and Pat, Karen and Rick Pease, Shawn and Cindy, Vanessa and Colin Pullishy, and Michael and Stacey; his sixteen grandchildren, Tamara, Katie and Mark; Amber, April and Cheyanne; Logan, Kade and Ayden; Nathan and Emily; Nick, Crystal and Kaitlyn; Thomas; and Jerreth; as well as many beautiful great-grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his son Brian, daughter Pauline, and two brothers, George, and Carl.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Ripley’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.

In lieu of flowers donations are gratefully accepted at the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Canada at www.ncmcanada.ca

In living memory of Bill Ripley, 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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