Bill Tye

William "Bill" Howard Tye passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, leaving June, his devoted wife of 65 years, his loving daughter Janice Tye, her husband Murray Hanna and their two daughters Claire Hanna and Gillian Hanna. Bill was predeceased by son Howard Tye, who died in 1975 of a brain tumor, and by his sister Madeleine Pierson. Bill is survived by his sister Ruth Tye McKenzie of Thunder Bay, cousin Kathleen Bietz and sisters-in-law, Delia Lamont, Marion Stonell, Joyce Detlefsen and Lois Francis and many nephews and nieces.

Bill was raised in Edmonton where he attended the University of Alberta and was the Commerce '54 class president. Bill and June lived in Calgary from 1957 with the exception of a wonderful sojourn of seven years in Wexford, Ireland where they developed new friendships, explored new interests and traveled extensively on the continent.

They enjoyed family times at the Harvie Heights cabin and many winters of golf and sunshine in Sun City West.

Bill worked for The Northern Alberta Railway and Hudson Bay Oil and Gas during his early career. He later worked for Pacific Petroleums and Bow Valley Industries where he held senior executive positions, including president of Bow Valley Industries. Bill also served as a director of Pacific Petroleums and Westcoast Transmission.

Bill contributed his intelligence and energy to many community organizations during his career. He served as chairman, president and long time board member of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, president of the Calgary chapter of the Winston Churchill Society, president of the Calgary Family Services Bureau, and president of the Calgary Chapter of the Financial Executives Institute. He also served as a director of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Chapter of Junior Achievement, the Parks Foundation and the Museum of the Regiments. Bill was active at Christ Church Elbow Park in Calgary, serving as People's Warden and as co-chairman of the late 80's building expansion. He was a member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club, the Ranchmen's Club, the Glencoe Club and the Probus Club of both Wexford, Ireland and Calgary. He was a long time active member of the Historical Society of Alberta.

In retirement Bill and June decided to explore the world. In the early 90's, Bill, with June, served with Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO) for two terms, sharing his knowledge of North American business with managements of three large factories near Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Together, and with family and friends, Bill and June visited more than 60 countries, motivated by a desire to learn about different cultures and peoples. It would be hard to find a duo who had more fun and adventure in life! They rafted the Nahanni, the Tatshenshini and the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon; travelled down the Amazon and made three canal voyages in France. Bill and June established relationships with Tye relatives as they toured Australia and New Zealand. They visited the Falkland Islands, toured the Balkans, all 16 countries of the Soviet bloc and saw Mount Etna erupt during a visit to Sicily. Bill visited Cuba twice, in 1948 and again 62 years later. At the age of 88, Bill went to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears.

Bill loved to connect with people at every opportunity. Bill's wonderful sense of humor, his thoughtful generosity and the twinkle in his eyes will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. J Michalyshyn and the caring nurses and staff at the Canmore General Hospital and

Origin at Spring Creek for the care given to Bill.

Celebration of life service was held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, 1 block west of the intersection of Elbow Drive and 50 Avenue SW.

Venue dress code in effect. (No denim wear, please).

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.