William Peter Lilge Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver’s Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

William Peter Lilge

August 02, 1950 - February 18, 2023

Obituary For William Peter Lilge

It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce that Wild Bill Lilge, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, left us on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the age of 72 years. Although we would have loved to have had more time with him, we are grateful that he went peacefully after a short battle with cancer.

William Peter Lilge was born on August 2, 1950, in Spirit River, AB, to Wilfred and Frances "Toodles" Lilge, and siblings Bob and Betty-Jean.

Many things that started with Bill at an early age kept with him throughout his life, more notably his love to tease, and his love of golf. The former is most likely what caused Wilf to have Cornie Martens and Gerry Dobko be given the keys to his car to take Bill to Richmond Hill Golf Course. Apparently, they didn't mind, and neither did Bill, because he would fall in love with the game and it became a huge part of his life. At a young age he became the local Golf Pro, he attended golf school in the States and toured to play competitively.

He met Joan Paziuk in 1973, who had moved to Grande Prairie for "just two years", but it was the typical story of falling in love and being stuck there for the rest of your life (she loved Grande Prairie, it was all good). Bill had planned to do a final hurrah tour in Africa at some point but decided instead to buy a clothing store in town. Side note, Joan was very sad about this. He would continue to golf though, making many trips to the States and Radium (he loved this place) with his friends, to more recently getting to golf with his grandchildren (he'd probably say that they were better than some of the guys he golfed with).

Wild Bill's was a staple to Grande Prairie, and wherever you were you'd probably meet someone who knew of it and its famous jingle. With him working the early hours and Joan working the late hours, they ran a successful business until 2012 when they decided to retire. It was sad because it had been a huge part of our lives for so long, but they were looking forward to being able to spend more time at home, especially with their grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as "Ampa".

Between being a Golf Pro at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club in his early years, owning Wild Bill's with Joan for over 30 years, and making the local pubs his home-away-from-home, he made many friends and was always surrounded by someone who loved him. He loved (most likely in this order) his beer, golf, woodworking in his shop, beer, his Red Rock and Crown & Anchor friends (and their beer), and his family. He wasn't the obvious loud guy, but his presence was always known. He wasn't the emotional guy who always spoke his feelings, but we never questioned his love for us. Ever.

He leaves to mourn his wife of almost 49 years Joan; his children: Mike (Nikki) and grandchildren Wells and Franki, Liane (Jason McCorriston) and grandchildren Briar, Luca and Westin, and Shannon (Ian Feser) and grandchildren Olivia and Larissa; his sister Betty-Jean (Ken O'Shea) and her family; as well as brother Bob (Ellen) and his family. On Joan's side the loss is felt just as much, with his 101 year old mother in-law Nellie Paziuk; sister in-law Gail (Ron Saleski); brothers in-law Glen and Richard (Leigh), and their families who have always had a special place in Bill's heart. To his friends who have been such a huge part of our lives and became like family, we appreciate and love you all.

He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Toodles Lilge.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 11:00am, at Clarkson Hall (55051 Township Rd 710, Evergreen Park). Luncheon following the service (and maybe some beer if we're lucky). Bill wasn't the fancy guy, he loved his t-shirts that had sayings on them, so please wear one to honor him. If you would like to say something about Bill during the lunch, we would absolutely love that, we just ask that you keep it to around 5 minutes otherwise we're sure Bill's eyes would be watering.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Bill’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, if you choose to, you can make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society AB/NWT Division (200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5) since our lives have been extremely impacted by this disease in so many ways.

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Condolences

March 21, 2023

Pamela Carleton

Joan my heart goes out to you and your family...I just turned 14 when dad moved our family from grande prairie...but I still cherish those memories....laughter and fun. Bill with his big personality and jokes...he is unforgettable
March 19, 2023

Keith comptom

I'm very sad to have heard the passing of a old Friend Bill. We go back a long time. Bill was by far the Best Junior golfer and I was very proud to have come runner up to Bill in 1961! So sad and my Heart is with you Joan and Family! ♥️♥️ Managed to play and toast losses and fun on many Occasions.
March 18, 2023

Greg Doll

Dear Joan & Family, our deepest condolences on Bill's passing. He was a great friend and, he will be greatly missed by us all, Greg & Colette Doll
March 17, 2023

Darlene Sandboe

Condolences to Joan and family...sorry to hear of Bill's passing...was a very good friend to all and especially my father Jack Lyall... Bill will be missed by all. Again sorry for your loss... Darlene Sandboe
March 17, 2023

Ken Sargent

Joan and Family, So saddened to hear of Bill passing. Deepest sympathy to you, Joan and your family. He was a wonderful man who enjoyed life. Warm regards, Ken Sargent
March 16, 2023

Judy Barber

Joan and family I send you all big hugs. So sorry to hear about Bill. Judy Barber
March 16, 2023

david koopman

03/16/23 dear joan your family and the lilge family deepest condolenses for your loss bill was a dear friend who will be missed david koopman
March 14, 2023

Barry and Gloria Carleton

Gloria and Barry Carleton are very saddened by Bills passing. When we lived in Grande Prairie Bill was always arranging to get together with friends and Gloria and I knew we were in for a fun time whenever we were invited. Bill always called Gloria his girlfriend and felt sorry for her having to live with an asshole called Bare. It was great when Joan and her girlfriends were out for the night and Bill and Bare rocked Liane's baby swing while we had a drink or three while we chatted. Memories include going to the countryside in the winter to get Birch firewood, Christmas trees or to just have a beer, Saturday nights at the Grande Prairie Hotel Disco Club to share a little baby duck, Dinner at the Golden Star where bill would always steal food from other plates, Wapiti visits, Jasper golf trips, snow golf, and many other great times. Although we left Grande Prairie many years ago, we both think of Bill and Joan as the best friends we ever had.
March 08, 2023

Charlene Haw

To Joan and her family. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, may the beautiful memories of Bill help you through this most difficult time. My Mom (Denyse) spoke highly of your family. Sincerely Charlene
March 08, 2023

Leona Wright

Jerry & I are so sorry for your loss, we will miss his sense of humor and generosity. Always enjoyed our golf games at the Springs and beers at the Horse Thief. So very many memories. Thinking of you Joan and your family and hope to see you when we get to Grande Prairie in April. Leona & Jerry Wright
March 07, 2023

Clint Tranter

My sincerest condolences to the Lilge family. I got to know Bill over many years of asphalt repairs at the store and then paving the driveway of his home. Very kind and funny man!
March 07, 2023

Martin Carrington

Very sorry to hear the sad news of Bill Passing, always enjoyed having a pint around the table with Bill. My condolences to the family & all of his friends you will be missed my friend.
March 07, 2023

Sandy sargent

So very sorry to hear this news. I have very fond memories of him in the store. He always had a smile. Sending love and light to you and yours.. Sean's and Sandy Sargent.
March 06, 2023

Sharon Annis

Joan and families,Sending positive thoughts and prayers with added strength and courage as you face the days ahead.We will remember Bills big smile,and funloving spirit.Blessings and hugs, from Sharon and Richard Annis
March 06, 2023

Wayne Dunbar

We were very sorry to hear of Bill"s loss. He was a wonderful next door neighbor for many years.
March 06, 2023

Kimberly Gordon

Bills, family and mine(Gordon) I knew each other from Spirit River. I was just a little kid, but I will always remember Bill as the sweetest guy. I enjoyed coming to visit the family when they left above the hardware store and I always looked forward to seeing Bill asked for a little girl , he was my first crush.
March 06, 2023

jay Lilge

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Bill and I had fun as kid's and i always remember his dad's visits to our house in Edmonton. While i did not see Bill a lot, when we got together (always in Edmonton) we alway had fun. A great person and clearly larger than life in Grande Prairie. My condolences and love to Joan and family and Betty Jean and all the surrounding "Lilges" Jay Lilge
March 06, 2023

Laurel Reynolds

Joan and family I was so sorry to hear about Bill. He was always a character with a big smile. I know you have many treasured memories of him that will help in the times ahead. Thinking of you all Laurel Reynolds

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