Obituary of William Gordon Fofonove

March 16, 1934 - December 21, 2023 

William (Bill) Fofonove, 89, passed away in Calgary, AB on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

Born in a farmhouse in Mossleigh, AB to the parents of hardworking Doubkhobors (Bill and Ruth Fofonove), Bill’s engaging personality, big heart, intelligence and positive, happy fun-loving nature earned him a reputation as “the Foff” among a wide swath of friends in Canada and the USA. Graduating from Calgary’s Western Canada High in 1954 where he played numerous team sports, he went on to earn a football scholarship in the USA where he played linebacker at Fullerton College in California and later earned a business degree from Arizona State University. Upon graduating, Bill returned to Calgary where he launched a prosperous commercial real estate career with successful roles at NuWest Homes, Knowlton Realty & Avison Young where he made many friends and built numerous lifelong relationships. His love of sports continued throughout his life where he became and avid golfer, fisherman and downhill skier. He truly loved life and was happiest when spending time with family at his cabin in Invermere, golfing, skiing, fishing, driving or simply enjoying a meal out with friends.

Always wanting to be ‘in the game’, of the many sports he excelled at, Bill’s favorite was the game of life which he embraced with aplomb and joy. He simply loved life and looked forward to every day as if it was his first. Never one to give up or complain, he faced his accomplishments and adversities with the same positive attitude which became his hallmark. “Just figure out what you want and go for it!”. It was this philosophy that guided and inspired countless colleagues, co-workers and friends to live life to the fullest. It was also this remarkably positive mindset that helped him overcome many personal adversities including several health issues where he was dubbed ‘the cat with 9 lives’. 
 
Despite his many accomplishments, Bill proudest legacy was his family where he is survived by his devoted daughter Jill Mitchell; grandchildren, Gordon & Alex Mitchell and Amanda & Connor Fofonove; daughter-in-law Tanya Fofonove; sister Doreen Rafter; and many nieces and nephews in Calgary and Ontario. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia Fofonove, son Paul Fofonove of Calgary and sister Marion Taylor of California.

In lieu of a funeral, Bill’s family would like to invite his wide network of friends, near or far, to a celebration of life to be held on what would have been his 90th birthday at the Glencoe Club in Calgary on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Bill would be honored to have his friends -new and old – gather in his honor to raise a glass. For details, please contact Jill at jags4@shaw.ca.

“Never say whoa in a mudhole!”  Bill Fofonove

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bill’s family at here.

In living memory of William “Bill” Fonove, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.