Bill Roberge

William Robert Roberge passed away peacefully in the St Martha's Place at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital on Saturday, October 28.

Bill was born on May 10, 1927 in Banff, AB, the eldest son of Isadore Robert Roberge and Gladys May Roberge. He was soon followed by a sister Laura and brother Albert. Bill grew up in Banff and attended school there until he felt a calling to enlist with the Canadian Armed Forces part way through the Second World War at the age of 16.

He served for 2 years in the Royal Canadian Navy and British Navy

in the Mediterranean and British Isles on aircraft carriers.

Upon his return to Banff he was employed as a bell boy at The King Edward Hotel and as clerk at Stafford's grocery store. It was then that he met his wife of 69 years, Margot Sorensen whom he married in 1948. He then joined Margot's family at the Pearl Laundry as a management person and as what was perhaps Banff's first dry cleaning specialist.

As well as his many years of managing the Pearl Laundry, Bill also was partners in a thriving carpet business and served for many years as President, Padre, and Secretary Treasure of The Banff Legion. He also served as a Magistrate and Justice of the Peace in Banff for 33 years. Bill was actively involved in the restaurant business with his son

at The Yard Restaurants and Aardvark Pizza.

Bill was always a very active and caring person in his community. As well as his 68-year Life Member service for The Royal Canadian Legion, he was a member and chairman of The Banff School Board, a member of the Banff Hospital Board, president of The Bow Valley District Hospital Board, a life member of The Banff Kinsmen Club, and a life member of The Banff Ski Runners.

Bill was the president of the Banff Advisory Council and was highly involved in incorporation of The Town of Banff. He represented Banff at the bidding for the 1972 Winter Olympics in Rome, Italy in 1968.

He served two terms on The Town of Banff Town Council after incorporation.

He will always be remembered as a strong voice for the people of his community, whom he cared for very deeply.

Bill is survived by his wife Margot, son Mike, daughter in law Wilma, sister in law Marion, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Albert and sister Laura.

A Celebration of Life gathering of friends and family for Bill was held at the Col. Moore Branch #26, Royal Canadian Legion in Banff on Friday, December 15, 2017.

The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at

St. Martha's Place and Dr. Steven Shigeishi for their compassionate care of Bill. Friends wishing to remember Bill are encouraged to make a donation, in his memory, in lieu of flowers, to St. Martha's Place memorial fund, P.O. Box 1050, Banff T1L 1H7

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.