Obituary of William Frederick Jensen

August 25, 1957 – Kimberley, British Columbia

September 3, 2023 – Paris, France

Bill passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest, surrounded by his family, while on vacation in Paris with his wife Katherine. Bill was born on August 25^th, 1957, in Kimberley, British Columbia, and grew up in Marysville.

Surrounded by nature’s beauty, he developed a deep love of the outdoors from a young age. An avid traveler, Bill explored the world. As a young man, he adventured through Central America, the Middle East, and Europe.

His greatest adventure began in 1986 when he met his beloved wife, Katherine, at Mount Royal College. They were married in 1989 and went on to raise three incredible sons; Alexander, Christopher and Mitchell. Bill was a proud father, coaching his boys in soccer and leading them in cubs and scouts.   A natural athlete and outdoorsman, he taught them to camp, fish, hike, ski, kayak, skate, and bike. He shared his love for the world with his family. They ate gelato in Italy, volunteered on coffee farms in Guatemala, spent summers at the cabin, learned to surf together in Hawaii and watched their favorite football, basketball, and hockey teams play in Boston. Sports have always been a focal point for the family, and Bill was an avid fan while his boys played football, basketball, and soccer.

His family was his greatest joy, he was proud to call his sons his friends. His world was made even brighter by the arrival of his granddaughter, Molly, who he treasured his time with. 

A gifted craftsman, Bill owned his own tile contracting company for over three decades. He was known for his skillful work and garnered the respect of many clients over the years. Bill created beauty through his work. A constant putterer, he used his gifts to serve others, quietly and happily completing home repairs for his family and friends, fixing cars, and somehow always having the right part in his garage.

Helping other people was one of the highest callings of Bill’s life. The ultimate testament to his enduring generosity was realized as he became an organ donor, a cause that was extremely important to him. A lifetime of taking thoughtful care of his body allowed him to save and improve the lives of many others in his passing. His impact lives on, which has brought solace to those who loved him. 

Bill was predeceased by his mother Jessie Jensen. He will be dearly missed by his father Fred, his sister Louise and her family in Creston, his brother Rob and his family in Boston, his wife Katherine, his sons and daughters in law Alexander and Mallory, Christopher and Marisa (granddaughter Molly and new granddaughter Hannah), Mitchell and Kelsi, and many other cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday October 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bill’s family here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor. 

The family is grateful for the staff at the Necker Hospital Reanimation Unit in Paris for their excellent care and compassion.

In living memory of Bill Jensen, 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.