William (Bill) Alexander Laton

Bill Laton, after a long illness, passed away quietly in his sleep on March 14, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on June 14, 1951, in Newcastle, New Brunswick, to Joe and Dorothy Laton, Bill's journey through life was marked by his adventurous spirit, his analytical mind, and his ever-present sense of humor.

Bill's passion for the skies became evident at the tender age of 16 when he received his pilot's license, an achievement that paved the way for a lifetime of aerial adventures. He went on to obtain a commercial pilot's license and took great joy in owning various planes throughout his life. His voice became a familiar presence as the announcer at the Annual Hinton Fly-In, where his love for aviation and his community spirit shone brightly.

A graduate of NAIT, where he studied Business Administration, Bill's career was as dynamic as his hobbies. He worked as a Sales and Marketing Representative, owner-operator of a variety of businesses, some with his wife Sharon, and some with his brother Joe, before he found his true calling as a Business Coach helping others navigate the complexities of the business world with his sharp wit and keen insight.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill's love for nature was profound. He cherished the times spent hunting, fishing in the summer or through the ice in winter and exploring the vastness of the forest and wilderness on ATVs with friends and family. His happiest moments were often found in the simplicity of camping, surrounded by the camaraderie of friends and family around a campfire, under the canopy of stars at Marie Lake.

Bill's legacy is carried on by his loving children, Danielle and Greg; his daughter-in-law Ashleigh; his grandchildren, Bella, Braxton, and Oaklyn; his brother Stephen; and his former wife Sharon. As Bill goes to join his brother Joe and his parents, his family will remember Bill as a man who lived life on his own terms, no matter what was thrown his way, and instilled in them the courage to reach for the skies.

As we bid farewell to Bill, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a journey marked by love, laughter, challenges, and the pursuit of dreams. Bill's story is not one of an ending, but a continuous flight, soaring ever upward, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories and a legacy of inspiration. To those who knew him best, Bill was the embodiment of adventure, always ready with a laugh, a story, or sage advice. His absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with this remarkable man.

Funeral services for Bill will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St Albert Catholic Parish, 7 St Vital Avenue, St. Albert, Alberta. T8N 1K1 with Father Gordon Cook OMI presiding.

The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Youville Home Continuing Care who were with Bill throughout his final years. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Youville Home at: https://covenanthealth.ca/donate#youville-home