Obituary of OUTHWAITE – William George

July 12, 1920 – August 12, 2010 William (Bill) George Outhwaite of Calgary, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at the age of 90 years. Bill was born July 12, 1920 in Oxbow, SK; where he lived, went to school and worked on the family farm until he enlisted with the South Saskatchewan Regiment on October 11, 1939. In June of 1940 he was shipped overseas to begin training which took place in England and Scotland. Bill excelled in the army soon achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. Bill saw action through Europe including, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. A brave and decorated soldier he was awarded a Certificate of Merit for outstanding service by Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery. Bill was honourably discharged from the service in September 1945. Bill’s greatest wartime achievement was meeting and marrying the love of his life and bride for sixty nine years, Winifred (Peggy) Alice Baker. The two met at a dance, winning the “spot dance” the first night, and following their courtship they were married by the South Saskatchewan Regimental Padre in St. Mary’s Anglican Church, London,England on August 17, 1941. Peggy returned to Canada first, as most war brides did, arriving in Oxbow to be greeted by Bill’s parents Robert and Beatrice in the horse and buggy. Peggy eventually overcame her “culture” shock, fitting in with the small community. When Bill returned to Oxbow they jointly owned and operated a café. In 1947 they ventured to the bright lights of Estevan purchasing a bowling alley and pool Hall. As budding entrepreneurs they added a variety store plus a furniture and appliance store to their holdings. As the family started to grow Bill sold off his businesses which led to him becoming the manager for the local Simpson Sears store – newly opened in what was once the furniture and appliance store. Bill was very active in Estevan, Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, Past First Principal of the Royal Arch Chapter, active member of the United Church, Past President of the Oxbow Legion, Charter President of the Estevan Lions, Past President of the Chamber of Commerce plus member of both the city council and school boards for Estevan. He partnered in other business ventures and was an avid fan and supporter of the Estevan Bruins Hockey Club. Sears transferred Bill to Regina in 1968 then to Calgary in 1970 – he retired from Sears in 1981. Bill and Peggy enjoyed many years of travel together visiting Asia (twice) England (several times) plus Greece and a few other “side trips”. Palm Desert was their winter home for many years where they enjoyed the company of good friends while basking in the sun. Bill was predeceased by his parents Robert and Beatrice; his three brothers Jim, Jack and Don; plus his niece Dawn Adele Outhwaite and nephew Don Outhwaite. Bill is survived by his children Sharron (Outhwaite) and Wilf Cartier- Ocean Falls, BC, Linda (Outhwaite) and Jeff Francottie- Calgary, AB, Bob and Debbie – Calgary, AB, Bill and Anne – White Rock, BC, Susan (Outhwaite) and Ron Dahl – Calgary, AB; two sisters; Marion Drackett of Sorrento, BC and Doreen (Ron) Pierce of Calgary, AB. Grandchildren Rodd and (Elizabeth Lujan) Cruikshank, Craig and (Thao Buyia) Cruikshank, Brad and Jami Cruikshank, Amy (Outhwaite) and Troy Taddeo, Rebecca Miller, Jessica Outhwaite, Melissa (Outhwaite)and Trevor Krauss, Michelle Dahl, Brody Outhwaite, Sarah Miller, Kristy Dahl and Brett Dahl plus three great grandchildren Coeden, Aiker and Jacqueline; as well as several nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and Europe. A father and friend Bill will be missed by many. In honour of Peggy, who suffers with advanced Alzheimer’s, if friends so desire memorial tributes may be made to the The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, . Dad liked to end his day with a little prayer. Prayer for Protection The light of God surrounds me: The love of God enfolds me; The power of God protects me; The presence of God watches over me; Wherever I am, God is! And ALL IS WELL A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (4612 Varsity Drive N.W. Calgary, AB T3A 1V7). You may forward condolences through . In living memory of Bill Outhwaite, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.