Obituary of William Patrick Marika

March 17, 1937 - Daysland, Alberta

April 24, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William (Bill) Marika on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the age of 87 at the Bethany Riverview, with his son by his side, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Bill was predeceased by the love of his life Carol, and we take comfort in knowing they are reunited after twelve long years apart.

He will lovingly be missed by his two children, Pam (Brent) and Jim (Emi); and his five grandchildren, Evan, Aimee, Moe, Noah, and Sophia. Bill was predeceased by his wife Carol, parents, Eva and Paul; his sister Marge, and brother David.

Bill was born in Daysland, AB, and spent his childhood moving from small town to small town in central Alberta due to his father’s employment with the CPR as a Lineman. The family eventually ended up in Edmonton and Bill attended the University of Alberta receiving a BSc in Chemical Engineering. Bill started his career at Chemcell where he met Carol and started his lifelong friendship with colleague John Kuziak and his wife Rose.

In 1971 a big move was made to Calgary to start his Oil and Gas career at Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas. He continued on with Dome Petroleum and finally ended his career at PanCanadian.

Bill and Carol took full advantage of retirement and bought a vacation home in Parksville, BC. They travelled to Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe and met many friends along the way. When Carol passed, Bill said he had no regrets, they did it all. 

Bill had many interests and pursued all of them with gusto! Many times, we were instructed on how to achieve the perfect golf swing with demonstrations in the middle of the living room. He was an excellent hockey player and was pursued to play Junior Hockey in Medicine Hat, but his mom wanted him to focus on his education. His love of hockey never went away. Playing with the Bonavista Oldtimers, season tickets to the Flames, coaching his son, and watching his grandson play. His latest activity was joining a Seniors Biking club after Carol passed and he pedaled around the city for years and made many new friendships.

Six years ago, Bill was diagnosed with dementia and a new journey began. They call it the long goodbye and it really was.  We would not have made it through this difficult time without the help of Nicole Borriello his very special Caregiver who he loved. And also, the absolutely amazing and loving staff at Bethany Riverview. They ensured that during Bill’s last sixteen months, he was comfortable, and they treated him with dignity. I cannot say enough about how much they eased our minds to have him in their care.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E., Calgary, AB, T2J 3B3) on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bethany Care Foundation, 100, 2915 – 26th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2B 2W6, telephone: 403-210-4600, www.bethanyseniors.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bill’s family here.

In living memory of William Marika, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.