William KEHLER

KEHLER _ William (Bill) 1942 - 2003 The equestrian world, the rodeo community and a legion of friends, fans and listeners are mourning the sudden passing of William Kehler, who died on June 16 at the age of 60. The name on his mail most often read William Kehler, but to many who knew him, he was just Billy. Known as the Voice of Spruce Meadows and the Voice of the Calgary Stampede, he had a tremendous knowledge and background, not only of the sports he announced and loved, but also those - such as baseball - that he enjoyed and attended as a young man and followed closely on television in later life. Bill was born in Altona, Man., on August 24, 1942, and is survived by an older sister Tina of Altona; and three daughters, Roberta (Bobbie) and Theresa (Terry), both of Calgary, Brenda of Leduc; and two grandchildren, Brennan and Brianne, also of Leduc. Bill grew up in Altona, but left in his teens to become a radio announcer, first in Dauphin, Man., and then Regina before moving to Calgary in 1967 to work at CBC Radio. He moved on from there to join the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Association's media department and, in his own unique and friendly style, carried the message of the Stampede to many areas throughout Canada and the U.S. Bill returned to radio in the mid-1970s, first with CHQR and then 960 CFAC, where he did the early afternoon show for eight years as well as performing announcer's duties at rodeos, horse shows, chuckwagon races and on special occasions, the RCMP Musical Ride. Marg and Ron Southern recruited Bill to do their first Spruce Meadows tournament in 1975 and a year later he joined the announcers' team at the Calgary Stampede. He was proud of the fact he had worked at both venues every year since. In the 1990s, Bill left the radio business and concentrated his energies toward announcing equestrian tournaments, horse show events, rodeos and calling chuckwagon broadcasts spanning western Canada from Manitoba to Vancouver Island. He was also a co-announcer for sixteen years at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. His smooth and distinctive voice - constantly in demand commercially - reached out to spectators and listeners with a pleasing tone that made them feel comfortable with the information he was delivering and brought them right into the arena of action with the contestants themselves. It was Bill's depth of knowledge, voice and friendly demeanor that won him acclaim and carried him to the Spruce Meadows, Calgary Stampede and Canadian Pro Rodeo Halls of Fame. In his later years Bill waged a difficult struggle with multiple sclerosis, but was determined to continue pursuing his first loves - show jumping and professional rodeo. A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, June 20, 2003 at 11:00 a.m., in the Palomino Room at Calgary Stampede Park. Jim Hughes, a long-time associate of Bill's in the radio business, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. In lieu of flowers, Bill's daughters have asked that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Calgary Chapter, 238, 2116 - 27 Avenue N.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7A6) or the Canadian Mental Health Association (103, 723 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2A4). Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, Calgary. Telephone: 403-228-4422. 200841