William McAULEY

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McAULEY:William (Bill) McAuley, March 16th, 1921-August 18th, 2019. Bill passed away peacefully at the Rockyview Hospital on August 18th, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta. He was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, the only son of James and Bessie McAuley. In 1941, Bill joined the RCAF and served as an Airframe Mechanic until 1945. Upon completion of his service, Bill worked for Frigidaire for 6 years. In 1951 he began his 32 year career for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company out of Brandon, Winnipeg and Calgary working in various capacities in sales and management. He particularly enjoyed his position as Manager of the Firestone Truck Tire Centre in Calgary. Bill had a passion for music from a very young age. He attended the Royal Conservatory of Music at Brandon College achieving his Grade 10 Level Certificate in violin. He played the violin, harmonica and recorder in various community bands over the years. He particularly enjoyed playing with the Heritage Seniors’ Band at St. Andrew’s Church in Calgary. Faith played an important role in Bill’s life. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Brandon and Calgary. Bill was a Sunday School teacher, an Elder and a member of the Board of Managers. Bill was an avid curler, lane and lawn bowler. He competed in leagues, bonspiels and competitions from high school to the Alberta Seniors’ Games. Bill was also a member of the Masonic Lodges in Brandon and the Shriners in Brandon and Calgary. Bill married the love of his life, Kathleen (Kae) Boyle in 1942 in Brandon. He is survived by their four children: Murray (Sue), Pat Tritter (Duane), Betti-Rae Toole (Larry) and Rob (Kathi); seven grandchildren: Marcy McAuley (Peter Staszelis), Dana Faulds (Stephen), Shea Tritter (Nicole), Laura Armstrong (James), Colin Toole (Ada), Cassandra McAuley, Michael McAuley; and eight great grandchildren. Nothing delighted Bill more than being surrounded by his extensive family (‘the gang’ as he proudly referred to them). Bill also leaves behind his extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews and a wonderful group of friends whose friendships he cherished like family. Bill was predeceased by his wife Kae in 1997 and his grandson Jason Tritter, 1970-1978. The family would like to thank all the caregivers for Bill over the past five years during his stay at Wentworth Court and the Mayfair Care Centre. A special recognition and appreciation goes to Bonnie Bothwell from Home Instead for her outstanding support and care during Bill’s final years. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 1st at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 703 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta. The interment will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 4th at Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Brandon, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund in Calgary.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 28, 2019