Obituary of William Albert Heater

January 9, 1932 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

August 8, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William (Bill) Heater on August 8, 2023, at the age of 91.

Bill was born in Medicine Hat, AB, in 1932, the oldest of four boys, to immigrant parents Pauline and William Heater.  In 1937 they moved briefly to Okotoks where he would ride his pony three miles to attend school. The family eventually settled in De Winton in 1942 where they farmed and raised cattle for many years.  Bill attended the county school in the area, which employed only one teacher, to complete his senior matriculation.  Highly motivated to have a career, he completed Charter Accounting School through Queens University in 1957. 

He enjoyed accounting for companies such as the income tax department, Revelstoke sawmill, Central Del Rio and CPR until he eventually started his own practice. In 1963 he married Sheila, settled in Chinook Park, and raised three daughters: Brenda, Marna, and Jacquie. He had a strong work ethic, and he also valued his family time, especially vacations. He was somewhat of a dog whisperer; all the family dogs loved him. Bill loved to play softball and baseball as a young man, but it was his love for golf that brought him so much pleasure, especially the annual CAL- DEN tournaments, bringing together friends and family from Calgary and Denver for 35 years.  He also loved to travel, including wintering in California, regular excursions to Sandpoint as well as Europe and cruises with Sheila. He was also an active member of the JCs, loved to play bridge and was an excellent gardener. He leaves a hole in the lives of family, friends, former colleagues, and neighbors.

He leaves behind his three daughters: Brenda, Marna and Jacquie, sons in-law Nat and Sean and grandchildren Brett (Carolyn), Staci, Sandra, Brenna, Jonah, and Billy as well as his brother Reuben. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Elmer and Alan and his beloved wife Sheila.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Bill and Sheila at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with William’s family here.

In living memory of William Heater, 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.