BILL VAN BUSKIRK

1930 – 2017
It is with great sadness that the family of William (Bill) Lee Van Buskirk, announces his passing after a brief illness and while surrounded by his family at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, January 16, 2017, at the age of 87 years. Bill leaves to cherish his memory four children, Lee (Susan) Van Buskirk, Bill (Venyce) Van Buskirk, Dick (Debbie) Van Buskirk and Pat (Shelly) Van Buskirk; 14 grandchildren, Jessica Van Buskirk, Shannon Van Buskirk, Josh (Bethanie) Van Buskirk, Laura (Josh) Sifuentes, Aaron Van Buskirk, Anna Van Buskirk, Brooke (Andrew) Moss, Derk (Sheryden) Anderson, Jason Van Buskirk, Jennifer (Dale) Howe, Shontel (Nick) Lessard, Jason (Aleesha) Smith, Christine (Mike) Westland and Cassidy Van Buskirk; 16 great-grandchildren, Taytum, Preston and Daphnie Van Buskirk, Micah and Kyra Sifuentes, Brianna Buk, Addyson, Quinn and Hallie Swasey, Ryder and Brekkyn Van Buskirk, Kenzie Howe, Shelby Lessard, Haven and Nova Smith and Burtyn Westland. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Lee Edward and Dorothy Alice Van Buskirk; granddaughter, Emalee Jane Van Buskirk and great-grandchildren, Zoey Swasey and Parker Moss. Bill Van Buskirk was born January 7, 1930 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where he spent his younger years. Bill attended Riverside School and Alexandra High School. Following high school, he enlisted and attended military training at the Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario. Following his military training he returned to Medicine Hat to work for Lake of the Woods Milling Company. After several years working in Medicine Hat, Bill moved to Lethbridge, Alberta and worked up to his retirement for Diversey/Molson Corp. in 1993. Bill was baptized and confirmed at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Medicine Hat. He later attended St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in Lethbridge. Bill had a passion for baseball, hockey and golf for many years. He started playing as a pitcher for the Southern Alberta Regiment Flyers in the Southern Alberta Baseball leagues from 1945 through to the early 1950’s. He also played hockey for several leagues in Lethbridge. Bill was a member of the Lethbridge Country Club for many years. He continued to golf following his retirement and volunteered in preparation of the Lethbridge Country Club History book. He was also a longtime member and Past President of the Lethbridge Kinsmen Club. Bill was a kind, gentle and thoughtful father, grandfather and friend. He loved being with his family and being involved in their interests. He will be greatly missed. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 635 – 4th Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Canon Gene Packwood officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a luncheon thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 – 6th Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cook southland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455