MR. WILLIAM ""BILL"" EDWARD HOFFARTH of Lethbridge, faithful husband of the late Charlotte Pearl Hoffarth, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at the age of 82 years.

Bill was born near Gull Lake, SK in 1926 the sixth child out of 14. In 1945 he ventured to Albert to find work in High River and Nanton on threshing crews and for local ranchers breaking horses. In 1953 he met Charlotte Egger and they were married in 1955. Their first homestead was in the foothills of Nanton and in 1958 they moved to Charlotte's parents homestead in the Black Spring Ridge area. Together they built a life working the land. They adopted 2 children Scott in 1959 and Cynthia in 1961. In 1989 Bill and Charlotte semi-retired to Lethbridge where they enjoyed new friendships with their neighbours, church, community and their grandchildren, who were the light of their lives. He was active in community events and for many years he contributed to the Lethbridge Exhibition, local community fairs and thrashing demonstrations. In 2001 their son was taken home to heaven. Those were difficult years, but he persevered. In 2005 Charlotte was taken to her eternal home in heaven. In 2007 Bill became a great-grandpa to Abby; she was the light of his life.

Bill is survived by his daughters Cynthia Marie and Lorelei Hoffarth; grandchildren Dallas, Geneva, Jessica, Courtney and Chance; great-granddaughter Abigail; sisters Edith, Florence, Alice, Gladys, Luetta and Viola; brothers Roy, Stan, Dave and Harvey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Besides his beloved wife Charlotte, Bill was predeceased by his parents Henry and Clara Hoffarth, son Scott James, brother Peter and sisters Edna and Lyla.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, September 26, 2008 at ST. MARTHA'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd West, Lethbridge, with Father Fernando Genogaling celebrant.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2H1.