Charles KEARNS

KEARNS, Charles William
September 22, 1941 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
September 27, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with sadness that we announce the death of our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Bill passed away on September 27, 2017, a beautiful autumn afternoon just five days after his 76th birthday. His wife of 52 years, Lynne, and his three children Tim, Jane and Andrew, all of whom adored him, were with him as he left his earthly chains behind.
Bill was a one of a kind gem of a man whose kindness and generosity defined him. He was an eternal optimist who encouraged us all to dream big. He was an enthusiastic supporter and cheerleader for all his wife's, children's and grandsons' endeavours. His love for his family and his delight in his friends was only exceeded by the love we had for him.
Over the years Bill was involved in numerous community and volunteer activities. Bill also enjoyed participating in a variety of sports. He was a good tennis player in his youth, and curled and golfed all his life, including membership at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club for forty-two years. He loved all the mountains had to offer – hiking with family and friends in summer, and skiing in winter. He was also a loyal Flames and Stampeders season ticket holder.
Bill was born and grew up in Saskatoon, the son of Etta (Alles) and Charlie Kearns, and younger brother of Maureen Kearns Heron (all deceased). He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc and went on to dental school at the University of Manitoba, where he was president of his class for three years and senior stick in his graduating year, 1967. Upon graduation Bill served five years in the Canadian military's Dental Corps, retiring as a Captain. While in the military Bill met his future partners, Nick Misura and Bob Depledge. Bill, Nick and Bob practiced dentistry together in Calgary for over 40 years. Bill was thrilled when his son Tim joined the practice in 1993. Bill loved dentistry, and especially interacting with his patients. He was such a people person.
Bill and Lynne were fortunate to have travelled extensively together. Some highlights included visits to Myanmar, Nepal, Silk Road destinations in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and northwestern China, and several trips to Sri Lanka, along with many more usual travel destinations. Bill also enjoyed many couples' golf excursions as well as numerous golf trips and curling bonspiels with his good friends from the Calgary dental community. No matter where he went Bill cherished the people he met and the friends he made.
Bill leaves behind his wife Lynne, children Tim and his wife Michele Durling, Jane and her husband Andy Kurelek and Andrew and his wife Melanie McMaster, as well as grandsons Ross, Scott, William, Reid, Sawyer, Hudson and Wyatt. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law David Heron and nieces Wendy Michaluk, Alison McCluskey and Tracey Dickie and their families, all of whom reside in B.C.
The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Patrick Wong and Dr. Gerald Mills for their exemplary, compassionate care throughout Bill's long illness. They were superb, as was the amazing staff of Unit 47 at Rockyview General Hospital. A special thank you to Jeanette Bermeajo, Bill's wonderful caregiver.
A memorial service for Bill will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) tomorrow, Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Bill's honour directly to Dementia Connections, #100, 1900-11th Street S.E, Calgary, AB T2G 3G2, (403)240-9055, info@dementiaconnections.ca., or to UNICEF Canada, B001, 1716-16th Avenue NW., Calgary, AB T2M 0L7, (403)270-2857, www.unicef.ca.
In living memory of Bill, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.