GILES
William (Bill) Gordon
November 22, 1937 - July 22, 2024
William (Bill) Gordon Giles, beloved husband of Adrine Giles, passed away after a lengthy illness, on July 22, 2024, at the age of 86 years. He was born on November 22, 1937 in Marwayne, Alberta, and was the first born to William George and Caroline Giles. Bill had three siblings, Elden, Donna and Wayne.
Bill attended school in Marwayne until Grade 11, and then completed his Gr. 12 at Mount Royal Jr. College in Calgary. Following his graduation he worked at an oil company office in Calgary.
Bill had always wanted to see the United States. So, during the late 50s and early 60s he took a “working holiday” and spent a few years working at odd jobs while traveling. Finally, he returned to Canada and attended the University of Calgary, majoring in English (honours). Bill met his future wife Adrine Agnerian during his third year at the University. That year they both completed their degrees and got married on August 21, 1971, in Montreal, Quebec, moved to Drumheller and settled there. Bill furthered his education by going into BEd. after degree program. Upon the completion of his second degree he taught in Morrin High School and then later at Verdant Valley Colony. Bill was very well versed in the English language and history, mostly Canadian and American. He loved reading and watching documentaries.
Over the years, Bill always loved sports, watching them on TV or playing them. In his early years he played baseball, hockey, a bit of bowling and a lot of cards and pool. But his favourite sports were golf and curling (playing or watching). So, he took an early retirement from teaching and purchased the Golf Driving Range/Mini Golf across from the golf course, which he operated for several years. He loved giving customers helpful pointers on their golf swings at the driving range, where he met and made many friends. Bill was well-liked, easy-going and known for his kindness and great sense of humour. He had witty, funny one-liners that made people laugh.
Bill enjoyed the trips he took with Adrine at Christmas holidays or summers, visiting family and in-laws in Alberta and Quebec, since none lived in Drumheller. Mostly, he enjoyed their annual vacation trips (around their wedding anniversary) to Banff, Lake Louise or Waterton National Park and dining out at gourmet restaurants.
During the early years of his retirement, Bill pursued several different hobbies and enjoyed life. However, over the years he fought with several health issues, which caused him to put an end to his travels and kept him very close to home. We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all the awesome and dedicated staff at the Drumheller Continuing Care who took such good care of our beloved Bill, such as: Dr. C. Britz, Drs. Hall and Blackburn and Dr. Tlhape, RNs Kathy C, Michelle H. and Peter M, Health Care Aides Barb M, Editha G, and Kim M, to name just a few of the many who do such a great job.
Bill was predeceased by his sister Donna, his parents, parents-in-law: Rev. and Mrs. Agnerian and brothers-in-law: Vartan Agnerian and Gilles Bouchard. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Adrine, whom he always credited for his long and happy life. They were definitely a Love Match. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers Elden (Karen) and Wayne (Caroline), nieces Brenda (Brad), Barbara (Barry) and
Roberta (Jason), nephew Ryan (Jennifer), brother-in-law Hrayr (Michelle) Agnerian, sisters-in-law: Sheila Bouchard, Dzovinar, Anouche (Vartkes) and Laura Agnerian, nieces-in-law: Natasha (Richard), Victoria (Pierre Alexandre) and Maral (Stuart), nephews-in-law: Ari, Saro, Ara, Roupen(Tara) and Tro Agnerian and Alain Bouchard, Bill and Adrine’s surrogate family: Curt & Sharon Walker of Rumsey, Goddaughter Mackenna and Godson Seth, as well as many, many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, friends and their families.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 8, 2024 at Knox United Church, 195 3rd Ave. E., Drumheller AB, T0J 0Y0, with Rev. Rachel Nadon officiating, followed by a reception in the Hall.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to Knox United Church, or a charitable organization of your choosing. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home are in care of the arrangements. 403-823-2666.
