Obituary of William Joseph Buteau

September 7, 1931 – Crichton, Saskatchewan

May 2, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

William “Bill” Joseph Buteau of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the age of 92 years.

Bill was born in Crichton, SK, on September 7, 1931. He was the second oldest child born to George and Marie (Mary Deschamps) Buteau. He went to school in Crichton, SK, in his early years, and then when the family moved to Cassils, AB, he continued his education until the age of fourteen.

His working career started at the Circle Ranch near Patricia, AB. Bill then moved to Calgary to continue doing similar work at the Bow Valley Ranch. From there, he got a job working on the railroad. During that period, he met his wife Ann. They were married on February 3, 1954, and started their family. After his railroad job, Bill worked at Alpha Ice Cream, Domtar, and the Rockyview Hospital as a maintenance man. While working at the Rockyview Hospital, a job came up for a building manager at Manulife. This job would require a third-class steam ticket, which Bill got, studying for it in his spare time. His career at Manulife started and he would remain there until he retired.

Some of Bill’s greatest memories would come from his adventures in the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping with the family, golfing, skiing, and much more. His dogs were a big part of his life. He always had one. Bill had hunting dogs in his younger years but as the years went by, his dogs would become very important to him; walking them faithfully every day without fail. His last dog, Katie, became his best friend.

Bill could fix almost anything and even if he couldn’t, he would still try. He had no fear that way. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, and everything in between. He was quite the handyman and a very good teacher. He helped family and friends combined.

Family and friends were very important to Bill. He would do anything for his kids and made an extra effort toward his grandchildren. Many hours were spent at rinks, football fields, and many other activities. While Bill worked at Alpha Dairy, ice cream would become his favourite. Every time we would visit him at AgeCare, he would sit up and devour any and all ice cream brought his way, even if he was full from eating his meal.

He leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Ann (Kathleen Irwin), and four children, Carol Buteau, Gary (Val) Buteau, Peggy Buteau, and Wade (Tannis) Buteau; six grandchildren, Mike (Claire), Jennifer (Zach), Lindsay, Jason (Elisabeth), Matthew (Priscilla), and Misha (Ethan); seven great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Wilder, William, Wolf, Finn, Ridley, and August. Bill is survived by his sisters, Margaret Parks, Cecile Duncan, and Yvonne Freundl.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, George and Marie; and siblings, Rene, Victor, Oliver, Ed, George, and Alice.

The family wishes to send a special and heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at AgeCare Glenmore for their care and compassion.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

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

In living memory of William Buteau, 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.