BINNING William
Posted: March 16th, 2016
BINNING
WILLIAM FREDERICK BINNING, beloved husband of the late Rita Binning, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 10th, 2016, at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 89.
Bill is survived by his children: Beverly Barnett of Springfield, Missouri; Greg Binning (partner Diane) of Vancouver and his children Nicole (Robert Ratcliffe) and Robert; Jackie (Don) Mehalko of Lethbridge and their children Jason, Brad (Jennifer) and Jaime (Chris) Clawson; Kent (Lesia) Binning of Draper, Utah and their children Brittney, Jordan (Kassy), Scott and Natalee; Leonard (Debra) Binning of Lethbridge and their children Brooke, Macaul (Travis) Johnson and Clarke.
He is survived by his sister Dorothy Masson, along with sisters-in-law Arlene Litchfield and Ona Dunbrack, and brother-in-law Lauchie (Esther) Champney. He also leaves behind his special friend Ilene Rempel, whom the family is deeply grateful for all the care and friendship offered to Bill.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and May Binning.
Bill was born and raised in Lethbridge. He excelled at sports, and was a particularly talented baseball player. He was employed by the City of Lethbridge as a surveyor for many years. In his spare time, he was in demand as a painter, and at Christmas time he played a GREAT Santa Claus! Bill loved, and was deeply committed to, his family and ALWAYS supported any activity they were involved in. He was happiest when helping others, and loved to volunteer -spending many hours working with the Handicap Riding Association and helping individuals with addictions recovery. He was an active member of the LDS church and served faithfully in many capacities, including a mission with his wife to Salt Lake City in 1989. One of his crowning accomplishments was the many years of successful Father and Son banquets that saw many famous athletes come to town to inspire. In 2002 Bill received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for his years of service.
Funeral service will be held on Friday March 18th at 11am at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, 2410 – 28th Street South, Lethbridge. Friends may meet the family on Thursday March 17th, from 7–8pm at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS funeral home 703 – 13th Street North, Lethbridge, or prior to the service Friday at the church from 10 –10:45am. Interment to follow the service at the Orton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or any deserving charity.
Jackie,
We were so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. It is hard to lose a parent – May happy memories fill your thoughts and may you feel peace and comfort.
Love always,
Al & Elaine Fletcher
Dear Jackie, Leonard, and Kent, and families,
I heard the sad news of your dad’s sudden and unexpected death from my son Robert. Bill was very kind to me and I have many great memories of him. He was such a character–a genuine force of nature. And an important part of the kid’s lives. They cherish the many memories of their grandpa; the way he lived his life to the fullest, and his generous volunteer work will certainly continue to influence and inspire them. Robert spoke about your Bill’s volunteer work. Nicole spoke about the funeral and traditions. He meant so much to them and to a lot of people. His memory will be with me always, and I send my deepest condolences to you and your families for your sudden and sad loss.
God rest his soul.
Angela Wells