Mr. William “Bill” Statham of Lethbridge, formerly of Invermere, BC and beloved husband of Mrs. Milena Statham, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the age of 67 years. Bill had a personal faith in Jesus Christ since his mid thirties and it was the foundation of his life. He fought a four year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). Although this disease took his life, we are comforted knowing that he is free of pain and suffering and that he is now rejoicing with the angels.

Bill was born in Invermere B.C. to James & Margaret Statham on Apr.22, 1954. He was the third of 7 children. Gary, Glen, Bill, Shirley, Tom, Marjorie & Bruce. He had a happy upbringing at the Upper Ranch in Radium. He enjoyed horseback riding, so range riding one summer for the forestry was a highlight of his early years. He loved the outdoors and all the activities it offered. Fishing, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, skidooing, motorcycle riding and much more.

Bill and Milena were married in 1979 and made their home in Elkford.B.C. At his passing, they were married just shy of 42 years. In 1981 they welcomed their wonderful daughter Sonya who married Keith Hamming in 2006. The family expanded with the addition of two grandsons, Joshua in 2009 and Jesse in 2013. They were the joy of his life.

Bill began his gas fitting career with Fording Coal in Elkford, B.C in 1975 and retired in 2011 after 36 years.

After retiring, Bill spent several years developing his Wilmer B.C. acreage into a comfortable home away from home. He planted gardens with potatoes, fruit trees and other vegetables. He restored an old barn on the property and even built an excellent root cellar to store all those potatoes.

Although Bill did not have a long life, he lived a full life. While living in Elkford B.C. he enjoyed skidooing in the winter and making yearly hiking/fishing trips to remote lakes in the area with a group of friends. Starting in 2009, Bill and his friends Wayne & Don took a yearly motorcycle tour in the fall. These trips took them from Alaska to the southern U.S. Sometimes the weather determined their destination, but they always had fun together. Even when Bill was no longer able to enjoy these great adventures, he and his friend Wayne would take a drive to a lake and enjoy the views and a cup of tea or an ice cream cone. They shared a special friendship to the very end.

We miss you greatly Bill, dad, papa, till we see you again!

Bill was predeceased by his parents James & Margaret Statham

A small private celebration of Bill’s life was held in Invermere on Nov.27th. The family plans to have a larger outside gathering in Bill’s honour later next summer.

Bill’s family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and support staff that contributed to his care A very special-thank you to Dr. Shikkoor, Dr. Gibb and the amazing staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care in Lethbridge. Bill felt very blessed to be in your care. Your kindness and compassion are greatly appreciated, thank you for all that you do.

If desired, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Michaels’s Palliative care Lethbridge, The Pulmonary Fibrosis Society Canada, or the Salvation Army.