Obituary of TYNAN – William John

A Character in our City. Every great city is the result of those who have made it grand – contributing to its spirit – its character. Calgary was blessed to have Bill as one of its proudest citizens. Born in Killygordon, County Donegal, Ireland on February 21st, 1925, he was proud of his Irish roots and his life as a Calgarian, a Canadian, and a snowbird of over 30 years in Palm Springs. He loved being surrounded by friends and family and leaves many behind to celebrate his life – well lived. In addition to Mary, his “Winger” and his wife of 61 years; he is survived by his ‘wee’ sister, Doreen Purves of Winnipeg; and his children, Russ and Jill, Maureen and Neil Sanger, John and Nancy, and Laura and Marcus Burn. He was also loved by his amazing grandchildren, Wendy, Colleen, Karen, Alicia, Jessica, Shamus Burn and Melissa Burn. He will be missed by cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and those who shared his passion for community through Rotary, the Stampede and other fine institutions. Bill was respected by all and valued as a friend. He proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. Following the war, he joined his father in the furniture manufacturing business, John Tynan & Company, expanding and growing the enterprise until his retirement in 1981 after 35 years. He loved his golf at the Calgary Golf & Country Club. Bill was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Calgary and was the recipient of four Paul Harris awards. He was honoured as a Stampede Life Member for his significant contributions. He left the world a better place. But most of all, Bill was full of life. He believed it should be celebrated – as one of Rotary’s “Fat Boys”, as Lord Chesterfield Tynan, or as Uncle Billy with a joke, a prank, and certainly a laugh. For Bill, everything started and ended with his love of people. Our family wants to thank the residents and staff of Manor Village at Garrison for welcoming Mom and Dad to their community and for the angels at Focus on Caring – Isabel, Charina, and Sylvia for their exceptional care and caring. Bill passed away at home on March 23, 2010. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 – 8 Street S.W.) on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Clubs of Calgary Foundation, the Calgary Stampede Foundation, or the United Way of Calgary. In living memory of Bill Tynan, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.