"The opportunity to serve" is the highest compliment McInnis & Holloway could receive.
Phone: 403-243-8200
Text: 403-256-9575
Obituary of Bill Lerner
March 23, 1928 - Fox Valley, Saskatchewan
December 2, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta
Bill Lerner of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 96 years.
Bill was born on a farm in Fox Valley, SK. He was the second youngest of six, including two sisters and three brothers.
He attended high school and earned a BA at the now Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, SK. Bill also graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, with a degree in Education and later earned a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Victoria, BC. Bill grew up speaking Russian, German and English. He later became proficient in French, assisting in the translation of Monsignor Athol Murray’s writings and learned Latin for fun.
Bill met Gladys Elizabeth Daniels in Moncton, NB, while he was attending St. FX, and they married April 7, 1953, in Summerland, BC. Bill and Gladys lived in Westlock, Bentley, Camrose, and lastly Calgary, AB. Bill was a teacher at Westlock, where their three daughters were born. He was Principal at St. Patrick’s School in Camrose where their five sons were born. In 1964, Bill was Principal at Holy Cross School in Forest Lawn, Calgary, and then Vice-Principal at Bishop Grandin High School from its beginning in 1967. In the mid-80’s he spent his final two years working as Vice-Principal at St. Francis High School. Bill enjoyed a long and healthy retirement.
Bill was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, President of Kingsland Community Association and volunteered with numerous organizations, most specifically the Catholic Immigration Society of Calgary. Bill accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of the support and hope he was able to share with the many groups of people in his life, including his family members, his colleagues, his students and the many new Canadians and refugees.
Bill loved sports and participated in softball and curling into his 90’s. Bill loved to play card games with Gladys, mainly cribbage (one-time provincial champion) and they enjoyed scrabble almost weekly. Bill still played crib and scrabble with his son Paul until just two months ago. Bill loved travel and often took tours of pilgrims to Medjugorje. Bill’s most memorable vacations were when he took Gladys and each of his grandchildren on individual cruises, trips and a tour of Ireland.
He will be most remembered for his kindness, generous heart and charity, his growing family, and his Bob Newhart like humor. Bill lived the gospels, especially the reference, “Don’t let your right hand know what your left is doing.” Bill’s devotion to Gladys and his marriage was so evident, as he cared for her and visited her every day for eleven years throughout her time with Alzheimer’s.
Bill is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Theresa (Jack) Knight of Red Deer, AB, and Mary Terek of Airdrie, AB; five sons and five daughters-in-law, Thomas (Carrie), Paul (Laurie), Michael (Cheryl), Brian (Brenda) of Calgary, AB, and Richard (Mary Jo) of Spruce Grove, AB. Bill had eighteen grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law Blanche Hudec of Fox Valley, SK, and his sister, Rosemarie, of Calgary, AB, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bill was predeceased by his infant son Robert James (1972), his spouse, Gladys Elizabeth (2009), his daughter Ann (2021), his granddaughter Julia, his brothers Paul, Leo, and Marcus, his sister Victoria, and his brothers-in-law Walter and Stephen.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church (5504 – 20th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Dying to Meet You Project – PO Box 17011, Portobello RO, Ottawa, ON K4A 4W8, Telephone (613) 728-5433, www.dyingtomeetyou.com or 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 William’s family here.
In living memory of Bill Lerner, 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.
