Obituary of William (Bill) John McCartney

December 9, 1932 – Brantford, Ontario

December 18, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

William (Bill) McCartney of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 90 years, after a short illness.

Bill was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. Upon graduating high school, Bill joined the Royal Bank, where he worked for more than forty years. Beginning as a teller, Bill moved through the hierarchy in the bank and retired as one of the most senior executives in the Royal Bank (RBC). During his years as an executive with RBC, it was Bill's dedication and commitment that was often credited with maintaining RBC as a leading employer in Canada.

He was a natural athlete and played several sports, as well as being a lifelong golfer.   As a young man, Bill was asked to try out for the Hamilton Tiger Cats, which he graciously declined in order to meet his family commitments at the time. Bill was also an avid outdoorsman, who hunted and fished for most of his life.  For over 40 years Bill fished with his high school buddies at various fishing camps in Ontario and Quebec. Some of Bill's fondest fishing memories were the salmon fishing trips he took with sons Greg and Ed, and which later included grandson Will.

Sally was the love of Bill’s life, and they were married for more than sixty years. She frequently went with him when he traveled abroad for the bank, and following his retirement he and Sally traveled extensively, becoming keen cruisers. Bill was a devoted family man, and there was nothing more important to him than the well-being of Sally and his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Sally, and survived by his children, Kathy, Greg (Laurel), and Ed (Lorna); five grandchildren, Jessica (Jeff), Larissa, Maggie, Will (Brianna), and Becky; and three great-grandchildren, Maria, Jackson, and Lincoln. He is also survived by as his sister, Judith Race and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.   If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca .

In living memory of Bill McCartney, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.