William Falkland Wells

Bill Wells passed away peacefully on February 2, 2021, with his wife Joan Marie at his side and surrounded by the love of his family. Bill was the devoted husband to Joan, his wife of 67 years, and amazing father to Russell (Jennifer), Karen (John), Jennifer, Tom (Brenda) and Brian. He was a loving grandfather to Caitlin, Brianna, Sarah, Matthew, Veronica, Steven, Shannon, Devon, Kate and Tommy and great-grandfather to Alix, Elsa and Jack. His family also warmly included Vern, Johnny, Tara, David and a very long list of dogs.

Bill was born and raised in the Glebe area of Ottawa, the only son of Harry and Lena May Wells; he was pre-deceased by his sister Gail Sherman. From a young age Bill excelled at sports and was a lifeguard, football quarterback and basketball centre. His parents passed away when he was a teenager and Bill worked hard to finish high school while also helping to support his sister Gail. He met his future wife Joan in Ottawa and eventually they both moved to Edmonton where they married just after Bill graduated with a P.Eng (Civil) degree from the University of Alberta, in 1953.

Bill’s career building roads and bridges took him to many towns and cities throughout Alberta and B.C. including Hardisty, Olds, Banff, Medicine Hat, Vancouver and Edmonton. After a decade of moving, while raising five children, Bill and Joan settled in the Aspen Gardens area of Edmonton where they set down family roots for the next 54 years. Bill and Joan’s home was the ‘go-to’ location for years of events and Bill loved nothing more than being at the kitchen table sharing family stories. Bill always had a pioneer spirit and loved the outdoors so the family embarked on many camping trips - the stories of which became family legends. Bill’s passions also included watching hockey and CFL games, reading biographies of Canadian explorers, sailing, woodworking and painting. His favourite place was his shop in the back of the garage where you would find him happily working on his next project and humming cowboy tunes.

When Bill retired from his position as Edmonton District Engineer with the Alberta government, he and Joan began a decade-long involvement with fostering and raising service dogs. That was a very busy but truly joyful time for them and a great many individuals benefitted from their tireless volunteering with the ‘Dogs With Wings’ association.

To the very end Bill was humble, kind, thoughtful and giving. It was a rare event if you ever heard a complaint from him. As Joan would say she married, ‘one of the good guys’.

The Wells family is very thankful to the many staff and health care providers at AgeCare Midnapore in Calgary for their care and support.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a future date.