WILLIAM “BILL” KING

1944 ~ 2015

It is with great sadness, and many fond and funny memories, that we announce the passing of a great man, William (Bill) King, born in Lethbridge on November 21, 1944. He was a devoted family man; his greatest pleasures in life were the people around him. He was married, for 49 years, to the love of his life and best friend Carol (Meheden) in 1966 and had two children, Billy (Carolyn Stacey) King and Brenda (Brian) Hancock. He actively participated in his kids’ lives including coaching hockey and baseball teams, and attending every important life event. His greatest joy came from watching his precious grandchildren, Andrea “My little sweetheart” Bertschi and Darin “My little buddy” Bertschi growing up. He was so excited to welcome Brad Melchin to the family in the upcoming marriage to Andrea, he loved the way this young man treated his “sweetie”. Grandpa will be greatly missed at the wedding.

Bill was an extremely hard worker; his loyalty and dedication were second to none. His career crossed many paths until his love of people, and his passion for cars, came together in his dream job at Murray Chevrolet. Even after his arthritis forced him into early retirement he continued to drive vehicles all over Western Canada. Some of his fondest memories and funniest stories involved his driving buddies. His sense of humor lit up the room wherever he went. His quick wit caught even the best of us off guard. He was the kind of man you met once and called a friend for life.

30 plus years ago Bill was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, throughout it all he never complained about the pain, he always pushed through where most people couldn’t; he was nothing short of our hero who never let the disease stop him from attending his grandsons’ hockey game or golf tournament and watching his granddaughter dance or perform in school productions. He loved attending Hurricanes hockey games (hated when they lost) and he and Carol were season ticket holders for many years, he took great pride in watching his team and was extremely excited to see the team play so well this year.

He is fondly remembered by his wife Carol (Meheden), his children Billy (Carolyn Stacey) King, Brenda (Brian) Hancock; grandchildren Andrea (Brad Melchin) Bertschi and Darin Bertschi; sisters Barbara Credico and Marjorie (Hubert) Overes; brother Ron (Audrey) King; brother in law Tony Virginillo; mother in law Stena Meheden; sister in law Joyce (Don) Ober; brother in law Rob (Cheryl) Meheden, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Bill was predeceased by his Father and Mother, William and Elizabeth King; sister Jean Virginillo; brother in law Mike Credico, and father in law Michael Meheden.

Bill will be sadly missed by his family, Friday coffee group, his coffee buddies all over town, his friends at the Casino and the Flamingo, the Hurricanes fans, his driving buddies and anyone who was lucky enough to call him a friend.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00am at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Glenda Wert, officiating.

For those who wish, Memorial Donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Arthritis Society, 300, 1301-8 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1B7.