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William Kilbourne II
William Kilbourne II
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William Kilbourne Obituary
June 24, 1934, Washington, D.C.
June 15, 2013, Calgary, AB
My darling Willy passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at the Foothills Hospital, with Toony, Neil and myself, Judy, loving him until the end.
Before I tell you his history I need to say this man was everything to me, to his family, to his friends everywhere and to his community. He was brave, heroic, articulate, funny, sincere, had enormous integrity, passion and commitment of love and peace to all he knew. He listened; he responded; he understood; he was thoughtful and perceptive; he laughed. He advised, he shared, he loved everyone and they all knew it.
Above all, his family was most precious. His children Will, Thomas and Laura and their children were always present in his loving mind. As were Elizabeth (Toony) and Neil, Geoffrey and Marie-Jose and their fantastic beautiful children.
I experienced and knew a love beyond anything earthly. We shared a twenty- second hug every day that brought us comfort, peace and a deep penetrating love. We were truly blessed by God and his angels.
Born in Washington, D.C. on June 24, 1934, Bill's family moved frequently but always provided him with an excellent education. He won a scholarship to Yale University (BA Economics '56) from the US Navy and for 10 years he loved his days travelling and flying helicopters off aircraft carriers. Then another scholarship to University of Michigan Law School (LLB & J.D.) followed by an early career with Washington's F.C.C., Superior Oil Company, McIntyre Porcupine Mines Ltd., Coleman Colliers (President) and finally Norcen Energy Resources Ltd. as VP, Legal, Secretary, Administration.
Numerous directorships ensued but his latter years were dedicated to the volunteer sector - as founding Chairman (1992) of the Esther Honens International Piano Competition, director of the Banff Centre, Calgary Homeless Foundation and most recently the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation as Vice Chairman. As a "Friend of the CPO" he, with others, have created an endowment of over $25 million for its future stability.
Beyond his love of community and family and loving network of friends from his years of constant caring, he was a treasure among men.
I will miss my Willy forever but his spirit will always be in my heart and my soul.
Love you my darling Willy, Judy.
Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church (3602 - 8 Street S.W.) on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's memory may be made directly to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation, St. Martins Anglican Church, Calgary Homeless Foundation or Esther Honens International Piano Competition.
In living memory of William T. Kilbourne, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
24 Entries
Elizabeth Bauer
June 15, 2019
Thinking of Bill today and what a wonderful man he was. And of course Judy, the love of his life.
Susan Turner
May 5, 2014
Thinking of you Judy after reading all the wonderful tributes to this very special man. Take good care as you are just as special. Susan
May 4, 2014
Dear Judy and Family,
I read the wonderful story in LCS's Grove News on Bill's enduring gift to the endowment fund. We have a son graduating this year and a another that will be beginning in the fall. Without generous people like yourselves we would be unable to consider such an option for our boys. We are inspired to be able some day to also leave such a positive legacy for our youth. Thank you. My deepest sympathies.
Phil
November 25, 2013
To Bill Kilbourne's family: I accidentally ran across Bill's obituary today. I was a lawyer with Superior Oil in Houston when Bill was with them in Washington. We became close friends, but because of the requirements of our respective careers, failed to keep in touch. However, I thought of him often. The obituary described him perfectly. He was one of the greatest!! Anthony G. Riddlesperger (Tony), [email protected].
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Carol Wagner
October 23, 2013
I could be a long lost cousin of Bills and I am very very curious. Was his mothers name Lillian Robinson? Did he have sister named Jackie and brother Walter? Pls rereply and thanks.
June 24, 2013
Dear Judy and family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Bill and my Father worked for many years together and they became good friends. I have many fond memories of Bill visiting our home in Vancouver, and sharing many of his colorful stories. As a young boy, I especially enjoyed and absorbed his detailed descriptions of flying helicopters, and thanks to his inspiration, have enjoyed a great career as a helicopter pilot. He was a very special man, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Grant Hislop
Jim and Doris Garner
June 22, 2013
Dear Judy:
Please accept our sincere sympathies in the loss of your wonderful husband.
Jim and Doris Garner
June 21, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Judy, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Lamya Abougoush
Susan Turner
June 21, 2013
Dear Judy, you and your family are in my heart as you move through these new days without your lovely husband and father. I ache for your loss of this beautiful person. Love and hugs. Susan Turner
Richard Conte
June 20, 2013
I'm sure you don't remember us, but my wife and I met you and Bill at some sort of charity event at least 10 years ago, and we've never seen you since then. But Bill's picture and your wonderful tribute to him jumped off the page of the Globe that was lying on the kitchen table, so we feel compelled to write something. We were both so taken with Bill that we've never forgotten that evening. He had a way of making everyone in his presence feel at ease, and at the same time he seemed able to talk so wisely about every topic that came up. Just being around him for a couple of hours made you feel like a better person. How fortunate you must feel to have shared your life with such a fine man, and we can only imagine how devastated you must be at his passing. Richard Conte and Bonnie Kaplan
June 20, 2013
Judy, my mum and dad fell in love with both of you -the perfect loving, outgoing couple. When you two came to our home, the whole room lit up= and Bill had a captive audience. So charming and engaged he was -made everyone feel that they were the key person that he wanted to talk to- for just that evening. So aware and open minded. Mum and Dad loved him- and he was special to all of us. With much love from Kitty
Curt and Mona Brown
June 20, 2013
Judy,
Your description of Bill is beautiful and truly reflects the man. We have known him for many years and he was always fun to be with. He never had a negative thought or was pessimistic. Our deepest sympathy to you and your families in this time of sorrow.
Dorothy Russell
June 20, 2013
So very, very sorry to hear of your immense loss, Judy. We know your description of Bill is so true - he was a great and kind man. John and I extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies. We will be away for the funeral, but we will make a donation in Bill's memory. We send you our heartfelt condolences. Dorothy & John Russell
June 20, 2013
Dear Judy and family:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of such a wonderful man, loving man. We are thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Bob and Susan Iverach
Bill and Lorraine Thorne
June 20, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. We send our deepest Sympathy to Judy and the family .
margriet and dick huisman
June 20, 2013
We are privileged having known Bill.
He was the kindest man with a great sense of humour.
Always there to talk and listen to you. We will miss him.
Our hearts go out to Judy.
Margriet and Dick from Greece
June 19, 2013
Dear Judy, The Booth family has so many happy memories of Bill. Every time he visited he left us with a smile on our faces and in our hearts. As children, Jacky and I decided that if Dad ever died, we wanted Mum to marry Bill. We couldn't think of a better man to be in our lives. Despite the distance in the last few decades, Dad always counted Bill as one of his best friends. He respected Bill's judgement and abilities and valued his friendship as they negotiated the world of mining together.
We will miss him.
with love,
Gillian, Margaret and Jim Booth
Roland Valentine
June 19, 2013
On behalf of Martine and Rolly Valentine, our deepest condolences go out to Judy and families.
June 19, 2013
It was always a pleasure to see him when he stepped off the elevator at the Performing Arts Centre. A nice man he was!
Annette Kozicki
Bill Emery
June 19, 2013
Bill and I first met in Eagles Mere, PA (a 19th century summer town in the Allegheny mountains) back in 1943 when we were both 9 years old. We became good summer friends, as he lived in Washington, DC and I lived in Philadelphia. We subsequently roomed together at Yale and he was an usher in my wedding to Shelley whom he called "Holmes", her middle name. Shelley and I shall greatly miss his company. He was my closest friend and companion for many year as we both grew up. He leaves a wonderful family legacy and many happy memories for Shelley and me. May God bless his family in the coming years.
Sandy Gibson
June 19, 2013
Dearest Judy and Family,
We are so incredibly sad to read the news of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful man in every way and our hearts and thoughts go out to you all.
I so enjoyed working with him on Honens many years ago and as couples a personal friendship. Unfortunately we will be in LA on Friday but our thoughts will be with you all.
Fondly, Sandy and Terry Gibson
June 19, 2013
Dear Judy and family,
I send my love and sincerest sympathy to all of you. Bill was a treasured and beloved man who touched the hearts of everyone he met. He will always remain with us.
Love always, Bunny Francis
Jeanne Pollock
June 19, 2013
Judy, my condolences, yes, he was a special friend to everyone,my heart and soul is with you I know how special you and Bill were to each other..my sympathies are with you Judy
Love, Pray and Hugs
Jeanne Pollock
David Evans
June 19, 2013
A very touching tribute to a well deserving man.
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