Obituary of William "Bill" Richard SALYHA

SALYHA, William “Bill” Richard June 11, 1940 – Banff Alberta April 27, 2021 - Calgary Alberta Bill passed away peacefully, in Calgary, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the age of 80. Bill was born in Banff, Alberta and in his early years lived in various places throughout the Bow Valley, including Wapta Lake, Canmore and Exshaw. He graduated from Canmore High School and attended U of A where he completed his Bachelor of Education Degree. After teaching for several years, Bill completed a Masters Degree in Education at U of C. Bill's teaching career spanned 35 years with the CBE as a teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal. His final position was at Dr. Gordon Townsend School where he established a year round time table, the first in Canada. It is used today in many CBE schools. Upon retiring in 1995, Bill enjoyed gardening, travelling (Panama Canal Cruise, Mediterranean Cruise, Eastern Canada, Okanagan and Palm Springs). He also enjoyed golfing, cycling, downhill skiing and babysitting. He was a huge Stampeder fan and attended almost every Stampeder home game since 1961. Tailgating with his buddies and watching the games was a summer highlight. Dad was also a voracious reader whose quest for knowledge and information never left him. Dad instilled the love and beauty of the Canadian Rockies in his daughters and grand children. His favourite places to go with family were Grassi Lakes and Cataract Creek. Bill is survived by his brother, Ken, daughters, Sherry, Donna (David) and Michelle (Tyler), as well as, his four grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Lapinskie and Peyton and Mikaela Armstrong. Bill was quietly proud that all four are attending, MRU, U of C and two grand daughters at UWO in London, Ontario. Bill was predeceased by his father Nick in 1992, his mother Rose and brother Bob in 2007 and his wife Sharon in 2015. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com. A memorial bench will be dedicated in the memory of Bill at Bow Falls in Banff. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. Thank you dad for being the very best dad and grandpa! We will miss you dearly. A life well lived. "That man is a success - who has lived well, laughed often and loved much: who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who leaves the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had". B.A. Stanley