Obituaries

William "Bill" Arthur Case

October 27, 1927 - August 04, 2022

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Obituary For William "Bill" Arthur Case

William “Bill” Arthur Case, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, former long-time resident of Yellowknife, NT, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the age of 94 years.

Bill was born and raised in Edmonton, AB, but always had a love for the north. His first trip north was at 15 years old in 1943, working for the summer on boats and barges, from Water Ways to Great Bear Lake. He graduated from the U of A in 1949, with a degree in Mining Engineering and again headed north to work on Great Bear Lake.

Bill met his wife, Joan, in Kimberley, BC, while working at the Sullivan Mine. Bill and Joan headed north to the Calumet Mine in the Yukon in 1957. Their four children: Norman, Raymond, Lorna, and Sam were all born in nearby Mayo, NT. His career in mining took his family to Calumet, Giant, Manibridge, Elsa and Yellowknife. He also worked at many other northern mines including Camlaren, Pine Point, Polaris, and Red Dog. He met many lifelong friends along the way.

These years in the north nurtured his love of nature. Many hours were spent hunting, flying, walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Bill knew all the birds that lived in the areas he lived in. He got his first cross country skis in 1967, sent from Finland as they were hard to come by in Canada at that time. He skied well into his seventies and rode his bike around 1,200 km per summer until his late eighties. Bill’s love of aviation had him acquire his private pilot’s license in 1967, as well as aircraft CF-NOV, a Stinson 108-3 which he kept until 1972. Bill and Joan retired south to Grande Prairie in 1988. They took advantage of this new free time, making several trips to Europe and one to Australia. He also loved Western Canadian and Northern history, spending hours every day reading, and filling many bookshelves.

Bill was a loving husband and a devoted father. He was a hard-working, disciplined man, who taught his children fairness, tolerance, and a good work ethic.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years Joan; his children: Norman (Anna), Raymond (Cheryl), Lorna (Dwain), and Sam; 10 grandchildren; as well as 5 great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his son of his first marriage, Jim Case.

As per Bill’s wishes, no funeral will be held. The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke of Alberta (100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6), The Helen and John Parker Community Fund (www.ykcf.ca), or to a charity of one’s choice.

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Condolences

  • September 01, 2022

    Oh Joan, We were so sad to hear on Facebook of Bill's passing. I'm sure this leaves such a hole and you and your family's lives. I hope you can start filling it with memories . Our hearts ache for you. Love Judy and Marvin

  • August 22, 2022

    Don and I are very saddened by the sudden loss of Uncle Bill. He was a very beautiful kind person and had a wonderful smile! Don says he instilled alot of knowledge in his brain.. I'm thankful for that!❤️❤️❤️

  • August 14, 2022

    Dear Joan & family Dear Joan & family Please accept our heartful condolences . Remember the fun & happy times you have all had over the years & maybe it will help you through the sad ones. He will be missed. Ron & Nancy Kapicki

  • August 09, 2022

    My condolences to all the family. Especially to you Joan. I will always remember Bill. Very thoughtful and knowledgeable. I took a liking to both of you when we met. May your life be filled with great memories of Bill and all the adventures you shared. Joseph Sask

  • August 09, 2022

    I'm not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. Just want you to know that I care about you and the family, and I share in your sadness." My condolences. Deb Pruden

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