GANT – William (Bill) George Bruce
October 20, 1927 – January 31, 2010
William George Bruce Gant of Calgary, beloved husband of Louise (Redmond), passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the age of 82 years.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Emily (Bruce) Gant; his brother, Donald; and his grandson, Justin McNeill. Bill is survived by his three loving daughters, Patti (Bob Rippon), Sharon, and Nancy; his grandson, Marc Rippon; his granddaughters, Jenna (Nicolas Guinoiseau), Caitlin Rippon, and Jodi McNeill; his sister, Betty (Gordon Nerland); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He will be remembered as a man of high principles and integrity, with a witty sense of humour, who worked very hard, volunteered tirelessly, loved sports, enjoyed music, and valued education.
Bill was born in Vancouver on October 20, 1927, grew up in Medicine Hat, and studied geological engineering at Montana School of Mines. His career in oil and gas pipeline construction administration, spanning nearly thirty years, saw him rise from being a time-keeper, to President of H.C. Price of Canada, Ltd., during which time he became recognized as an international authority in winter construction techniques. Following a year in Alaska, as Project Manager of the Alyeska pipeline project, Bill left the pipeline construction industry in 1975 to join the Mannix Consortium, where he held a number of senior management positions. In 1984, Bill became Manager of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Upon his retirement in 1988, he was named Honorary Life Member in recognition of his distinguished service to the Calgary Chamber.
Throughout his working life, Bill was an active industry promoter, as well as an ardent community volunteer. Bill was named Honorary Life Member of the Pipeline Contractors’ Association, in appreciation of his contributions to that industry. His devotion to the interests of the Calgary Stampede, culminating in twelve years as a Director, resulted in his being named Honorary Life Director in 1986. Bill was also a Director of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Calgary Economic Development Council, and the Calgary United Way, and was an Elder of St. Andrew’s United Church. From 1968, Bill concentrated his non-Stampede service efforts in the Rotary Club. He served Rotary in various capacities including President of his club, Governor of Rotary District 5360, and Director of Rotary International, as well as Rotary International President’s Representative. Bill’s Rotary perambulations took him and Louise to more than a dozen international conventions and meetings.
Although Bill was extraordinarily active in industry and community affairs throughout his life, his first priority was always his family. They are very grateful for the high standards he set, the example he lived, and for the attention, love and support he so unfailingly gave each of them.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church (924 Heritage Drive S.W.) on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Rotary Foundation (Canada), or the Rotary Clubs of Calgary Foundation, both c/o the Rotary Club of Calgary, 1202 Centre Street South, Calgary T2G 5M5 or, alternatively, to the charity of the contributor’s choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Bill Gant, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.
Print Obituary & Condolences
When I remember the division of Rotary District 5360 into two, I remember Bill Gant with great fondness…..not seeing him anymore is one of the big reasons I regret the split……when as District Governor he was to address Edmonton Strathcona he had lost his voice, but Louise filled in admirably…..My nephew John Lowry served in the CPO under Bill’s board there I believe…. I haven’t seen Bill for years, but I remember him like it was yesterday….he was an uncommonly decent man, and I will remember him always. Louise, my condolences…Ron McCullough
Dear Louise and Daughters of Past Director of Rotary International Bill Gant.
Gloria Rita my wife & I send our most sincere condolences on the passing of your husband / father. We will always remember Bill for his sincerity and dedication to Rotary International at all levels. Rotary worldwide as well as Rotary in Canada is better off for all the dedication Bill gave to our organization.
your Amigo in Mexico City,
Frank Devlyn
Past President of Rotary International
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
I got to know him when he was RI Director.
He was a great person who loved Rotary.
Leo Nimsick
To the family of Bill Gant.
Please accept our condolences in your recent loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill on a few occasions. He will be missed
in the Rotary Circles.
sincerly
John R. Jack Mueller PDG
Rotary District 6400
Louise and Family
On behalf of Cheryl we would like to send our very sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill was a man whom I truly respected. He was the first Rotarian to suggest I sometime allow my name to stand for District Governor. I did and was DG in the Centennial of Rotary. Bill’s wit and wisdom will be sorely missed throughout Rotary.
Sincerely
Bruce and Cheryl Christensen
Fort St John, B.C.
Dear Louise
Bill was my mentor and role model in Rotary for many years. Donna and I are proud to have shared Rotary with him. He was a wonderful example to both of us. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Very sincerely
Larry Johnson, PDA
RID5370 2001-2002
To Bill’s Family:
It is with great sadness that we heard about Bill’s passing. April and I got to know Bill when he was the General Manager of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. He became a great friend and we always looked forward to his company. He was so warm and friendly and had a mischievous sense of humor. He was loved and will be missed. I regret that we are both out of town and unable to attend his funeral but our thoughts are with his family on Saturday.
Allen and April
Dear Louise and Family,
Rotary has lost a truly great man and Rotarian. I will always remember his smile, sincere hand shake that was always accompanied with his special smile. I recall our meeting in Red Deer, at the District Conference and his request that I put my name forward for DG. He had a way of making everyone feel special.
I am sorry I am unable to be with you on Saturday to celebrate his life.
With deepest Sympathy,
Ed Willson PDG 5370 06/07
To Louise, Patti, Sharon and Nancy, and grand children:
My mother and I are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He has been such a great member of our family for so long and we always looked forward to his presence at family gatherings. My mother and I always enjoyed his visits to her home and his sense of humour always gave everybody a lift. We will miss him and our thoughts are with all of you. Love Cousins, Shirley and Kathleen Redmond
Dear Louise
I am so sorry for your loss, there is nothing in life that affects us more than losing a loved one, one that has been with us for a life time. Please call on me anytime.
Frances
Louise and Family: Our sincere condolences in the loss of Bill. Whenever we saw him he always seemed to have a smile on his face and he found a way to make us laugh. Mom and Dad thought the world of him, too. I know your memories of him will help you through this time and please know our thoughts are with you.
Marleen and Hal Roberts
Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the family. Bill was a great guy and truly a mentor for me in Rotary. Fellow Rotarians from across Rotary District 5370 send warm thoughts at this time.
PDG Ross
Louise Gant and Families:
It has been a privilege to have known Bill. Our feelings of sympathy go to all of you.
Very Sincerely,
Stu and Eve Foster
Dear Louise and Family,
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this time. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Lori Zutz and Family
Dear Louise,
Wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. Happy memories will sustain you. Sincerely, Bev Newmarch
Nancy;
I’m sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
I remember him and you are in my thoughts.
Brian Smith
Sincere condolence.
Louise Gant and families,
Bill left a legacy of good works helping people around the world.
It was a pleasure to know him.
David and Elaine Taylor
Dear Louise and families: Today I heard the sad news of Bill’s passing and so send my condolences to you all. He was a friend to those who knew him and a great Rotarian. Best Regards, Chuck Masur PDG 5360
Dear Louise:
Jean and I send our warmest condolences to you and your three daughters for the loss of your dedicated husband Bill. It is a rare man that can do all the things that Bill accomplished in his life and not have someone find some small piece of criticism for his labors. With Bill, you can rest assured that he has been accepted as a saint within his own lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that such a respected life was in no small part due to your love and support for the many years that you worked together.
One cannot know of the heaven that lies after death, but there is one heaven that is certain; the heaven that Bill’s soul will find as he enters into the warmth of all our hearts and memories as an example of how we should all live our own lives in the service of others. I am certain that Bill served as an inspiration in your heart and mind. I feel the same is true for the respect of your daughters and grandchildren. Irregardless of the heaven in the great beyond, the heaven that Bill will enjoy in the hearts of all those with whom he served and loved on earth will be enduring for many generations.
Jean and I pray that God will sustain you and your family during these days of grief which you will experience because of your love for Bill.
Sincerely,
Bill
Dear Louise and Family,
We were sincerely sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. The stature of the man was grand in every way. With his Lord and with his family that included all of Rotary and in his community.
We in Rotary shall ever remember his integrity, his friendship and his commitment to Service.
May God continue to bless him, Louise, bless you and your entire family. He will be missed greatly. May the Lord keep you all in His warm “Abrazo”.
With our love and deepest sympathy,
Ann and Sonny Brown
Louise it has been a few years since we have been in touch but wanted to send our condolences at this time. We are thinking of you . love
Beth and Bill Mogridge
Hello Louise and Family, I wanted to offer my deepest condolences and let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Abbott
My condolences to the family and my own sorrow on losing a colleague in geological engineering, fellow native of Medicine Hat, and finally, a fellow Rotarian.
Bill was a good man and helped make Alberta a great place.
Dear Louise,
I have just become aware of Bill’s passing and am deeply saddened to hear the news. He was District Governor when I joined Rotary and I can vividly remember the impact his speech had on me. He was a “grand” man! I feel fortunate to have met you both through Rotary.
With fond memories,
Margot