BILL GILLESPIE, a man of quiet stature and sardonic wit, peacefully passed away July 10, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill’s departure leaves a void that will be felt deeply by his wife of 46 years, Jill Quirk, and their children: Kevin (Nao), and their son, Logan; Lauren (Ollie) and their daughter, Maeve; and Tria (Dan).

Bill and Jill were inseparable, doing everything together. Jill had a knack for telling Bill what to do, when to do it, and sometimes *how* to do it as well. For his part, Bill was known to roll his eyes and mutter under his breath various remarks about “bossy wives.” Their dynamic was a source of amusement to all who knew them, a testament to their deep bond and special partnership.

Bill held the household together, ensuring the kids were on track with their schoolwork and activities. He was a good organizer—unless, of course, you were looking for his tools, which he never quite mastered the art of putting away.

Bill enjoyed taking long beach walks, searching for sea glass, on the beach at the PEI cottage he loved, where he and his family spent many seasons creating memories with new and old friends and family. Bill’s next great love—for the UK—saw him enjoying many holidays overseas, visiting British relatives, with canal boat adventures in Wales being a particular favourite activity of his.

A national competitive swimmer inducted into the Lethbridge Hall of Fame, Bill’s passion for the sport saw him not only in the pool but at the heart of the Lethbridge swimming community. As a coach, he mentored and inspired many young swimmers, fostering talent and building lifelong friendships within the swimming community across Canada.

Known for his frugality, Bill was a connoisseur of thrift store finds, especially long-sleeved checkered shirts. This frugality was always matched by his immense generosity towards family and friends, for whom he spared no expense.

Despite his practical ways, Bill had a refined appreciation for fine art, 60’s and 70’s rock music and particularly, good single malt scotch. Many memorable evenings were spent in the authentic British pub he built in his basement, listening to “tunes,” sharing some of his finest bottles and imparting the art of scotch appreciation to friends and family.

Bill will be missed. We raise a glass in his honour, celebrating a good life well-lived and a man well-loved by his family and friends. Cheers to you, Bill.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-07-10
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta