William Elmer Henke

He came from humble beginnings and worked in his youth on a variety of jobs, including a farm hand, and at the Canadian Pacific Railway starting as a dishwasher in the dining car and eventually moving through the ranks to become second waiter.

It was also by working on the trains that Bill became a lifelong Saskatchewan Roughrider supporter. At that time, in the 1950s, CFL teams traveled to the majority of their games by train and Bill was asked if he would be willing to work on their dining car. Bill made quite an impression on the Roughriders organization so much so that eight years later when he was living in Vancouver he was asked to be the team’s water boy for the 1966 Grey Cup game in the city, which the Roughriders won!

He had a love of boxing and starting from when he was 12-years-old Bill trained at the Barrhead Boxing Club and he competed in the Golden Gloves. It was also where he earned his nickname “Wild" or "Buzzsaw Bill Henke.”

He also was in the collections business for many years, but his true passion was becoming an auctioneer at the age of 42 after completing a course in Billings, Montana. He was a natural and loved being center stage reveling in being the showman of the bidding process. Bill remained active with the Auctioneer’s Association of Alberta, and at a ceremony in Leduc he was presented with its Distinguished Service Award. Bill did charity auctions well into his 80s and whenever he was the auctioneer, there was always much excitement in the air.

He married the love of his life, Claire, and their long union ended when she predeceased him in 2019. They had four children together: Sheryl, Darrell (predeceased), Kevin and Todd. Together as a family there were many family road trips that spanned the years and good times were shared by all. Darrell, in particular, was a talented musician and Bill was involved in his career and would attend many of his concerts.

Bill lived life to the fullest and had a positive and cheerful outlook to the end. No matter what health issues he experienced, he had a ready laugh and a wonderful wit with many of his Henke-isms. One of his many sayings was "Your attitude determines your altitude." Wild Bill is now high above at the ultimate altitude in Heaven with our Father. One could say he would be resting in peace, but knowing Wild Bill, he will be busy spending time with family, and partying with old friends and new. As he would say, "Let the good times roll!"