September 6, 2020
William Bruce (Bill) Gillespie passed away on September 6, 2020, at the age of 90, after a short stay in the palliative care unit of Rimbey hospital.
Bill was born in Oyen, Alberta, on December 2nd, 1929, the sixth of eight children, to Robert (Bob) and Lucy Katherine (Cross) Gillespie.
After surviving the Depression, the family moved to Leedale, Alberta and later to a farm in the Bluffton area, where the children attended Blindman Valley School.
During these years, the family raised purebred Shorthorn cattle, which won many prizes.
When their parents retired, Bill took over the farm with his brother Alex, and later moved to the farm 'next door' where he lived until retiring and moving to Parkland Lodge in Rimbey and then to Valley View Manor.
Bill was caring of, and active in his community, donating funds to develop the Rimbey hospital palliative care unit, working at the arena and umpiring for junior softball leagues.
Bill is survived by brother and sister-in-law Dick & Sylvia Gillespie in Lacombe, and sister and brother-in-law Mary & Doug Makara in Red Deer, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Helen Culling & Kay Reid, and three brothers, Charles (Chuck), Alex and Andy.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Bob & Audrey Grinde and Cliff & Vivian Longman, for their friendship and care for Bill, especially during his later years.
They also extend their gratitude to his niece, Diane Longmire, for her loving care and concern for Bill, who was very special to her.
In accordance with Bill's wishes, he has been cremated and his ashes will be spread in a place that holds special memories for him. In lieu of a service a donation could be made to a favourite charity of your choice or:
The Rimbey Hospital Palliative Care Unit
Box 440
Rimbey Alberta T0C 2J0
Bill cherished all the memories he had of his friends and family and thanks you for them. He loved living his life on the farm, his garden, his animals, helping others and living a simple life.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
Arrangements and cremation entrusted to the care of Wilson's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium.