William PALMER

PALMER, Bill Bill passed away peacefully October 17, 2008, his brave acceptance of the end of life an example and a comfort to all around him. After sixty-one years of marriage, Ollie describes Bill as the best husband ever. Daughter Pat Cooper (Bob) and son Doug Palmer (Janice) will remember him for his dedication to family and to duty, a father who loved his wife and children above all but who found plenty of affection in his heart for his extended family and many close friends. Born Ukrainian on January 8, 1925 in Romania, young William lived with aunts and uncles after his father, Peter Palmarchuk, came to Canada in 1927 and sent for mother Maria in 1930. By 1932, they had saved enough to send for William, who travelled alone in 1932 all the way from Ukraine to Alberta. Bill started work with the T. Eaton Company in Lethbridge as a timekeeper in 1943 and retired from Eaton's as Store Manager after forty-two years of dedicated service. There was a short sojourn when he joined the Navy in 1944. Upon his discharge in 1946, he returned to Lethbridge and, cutting a handsome figure in his navy whites, captured the heart of a beautiful young Kresge's counter girl, Olaug Hobberstad. They were married June 7, 1947. They lived in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat before moving to Calgary in 1998, where they continued to enjoy travel and many social activities. Bill was always actively involved in community service, in Kiwanis, Elks, the Legion, their condominium corporation and other causes. He was predeceased by his parents and only sister, Gladys Carnine. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring people at the Carewest Sarcee Hospice and Foothills Hospital Unit 62. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at LEYDEN'S Chapel of Remembrance (corner of 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W., Calgary). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5).Condolences may be forwarded by visiting www.leydens.com . Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, RECEPTION and CREMATION CENTRE, 304 - 18 Avenue S.W., Calgary. Telephone: 403-228-4422. Published in the Calgary Herald from 10/19/2008- 10/21/2008