Obituary of William Frank Redmond

William Frank Redmond Jr. (Bill), passed away Friday, September 19, 2014 at the Wainwright Long Term Care Center. Bill was born May 22, 1926 in Edgerton, Alberta to William Frank Redmond and Elma Emma Empey Redmond. Bill attended school at Saddle Hill & Edgerton, but gained much of his knowledge and wisdom over the years from reading and experiencing life. Bill spent his life on one adventure after another. Nicknames over the years were, Buddy, Willie, Bill, Billy & Bluebell. He grew up on the Redmond farm just north of Edgerton and had tales to tell about his brother Don teasing him until he would holler and yell, great fun for Uncle Don. Bill and Don had lots of fun discovering things, exploring, and hunting. Some of his favorite things to do were wandering through the wilderness alone or with Don. People would have to come out looking for him because he had been gone so long. When he got his skis he could escape in the Winter also. Bill was always comfortable being alone. Growing up Bill liked to participate in pole vaulting and track and field and won several ribbons. Pole vault practicing lead to the first of three broken necks over the years. Bill also learned to dance at a young age and it was a life-long love for him. Bill tried his hand at different jobs over the years, flour mill, hatchery, laundry, meat packing plant, railroad, coal mine, driving trucks, moving and long haul trucking, and farming. He loved living on the farm most of all. Bill married Thelma, the love of his life on March 26, 1948 in Edmonton, Alberta and they had a long happy life together raising three sons and one daughter. They spent 66 years together facing the challenges and joys that life brings. Bill joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1957 and in 1959 he and Thelma and their family were sealed for eternity in the Cardston LDS temple. Bill’s hobbies included dancing, Indian artifacts, coin and stamp collecting, puzzles, hooking rugs, collecting cans and bottles, reading and taking long drives around the county side. Bill’s life was an adventure that was shared by those around him. His sweet gentle spirit and the knowledge that he loved to share has touched the lives of family and friends his whole life. Bill is survived by his wife Thelma, daughter Pam (Myron) Gebhardt, son Dennis Redmond, daughter in laws, Louise Redmond, Gail Jezowski, Eileen Redmond, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Peg, brother don, son’s Rod and Laurie, grandson Scott, great granddaughter Tianna and many numerous brother and sister in laws. A viewing will be held at Creech’s Funeral Home Friday September 26, from 6-8 pm. The funeral services will be held on Saturday September 27, 2014 at 10 am at the Grace United Church in Wainwright, Alberta. A viewing will be held at 9 am prior to the funeral for those not able to attend Friday evening. The luncheon will be held directly after the funeral at the United Church and the interment at the Rosedale Cemetery following the luncheon.