In Memory Of

William Charles Smith

Feb 27, 1953 - Feb 24, 2025

Service

Saturday, April 26, 2025
3:00 pm
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212, Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Obituary

William Charles Smith
February 27, 1953 ~ February 24, 2025

Sylvan Lake has lost a member of the community few called home their entire life. William Charles Smith was our own historian and preserver of the stories that shaped Sylvan Lake and its involvement in the early days of rock and roll. He could recount the lineups of every act the Varsity Hall hosted. Billy was a kid who grew up at the beach and used music to escape and live life. He helped passing out flyers inviting visitors to enjoy live music and dance at the Varsity Hall. He took his earnings and bought 45’s and albums every chance he could. Ritz Drug Store was his home for records. Musical trivia contests were always won if Billy was on your team. You were never allowed to forget the day this great nation was connected, November 7, 1885. Sir John A MacDonald was considered the greatest Prime Minster to serve the country of Canada.

His life changed twenty years ago when he was diagnosed with leukemia. The paint industry was not kind to Billy. He took on the fight of his life, allowing music and friends to give him the strength needed to get him through. After much time and help from the Tom Baker Clinic and an incredible bone marrow donor from Germany, Billy was given a new lease on life. His heart was kind and thankful.

Then there’s the greatest two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby. This was a reason to party and watch with anticipation as the wagers were placed and the horses were loaded into the gate. Billy has a true love for “Big Red’. Each running of the Kentucky Derby asked could they better Big Red? Great fun, great music, and great gatherings. Rock and Roll and a bit of wine was a prerequisite to start the party off.

Billy is survived by his beautiful daughter Kelsey and her husband Chris, as well as his grandchildren Taylor and Cassie. He loved each of you with his whole heart.

Rest in peace Billy.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 in Sylvan Lake, Alberta on April 26, 2025 from 3:00PM to close.

Condolences

Marlene Lafee Wanner:

I remember rock and roll Billy being a fixture in our house in Sylvan Lake during my younger years - nicest, most friendly guy - my Mom Thelma thought he was great - RIP Billy.

John Ferguson:

I was sad to hear of Bill's Passing. We had just connected on Face book after many years. I remember playing Hockey with bill, and our many trips around Central Alberta playing in those great covered rinks ( Sylvan still had a outside Rink). Bill and i talked Motorcycle in the early day's, what was the best at the time. Triumph 650 Bonneville, or BSA 650 Lightning. I was glad to hear that Bill did own a BSA lightning at one time . He was a fixture in Sylvan Lake and will be Missed by Many. God Speed my Friend.

Barry Cole:

Bill and I grew up together and at the age of six attended Sylvan Lake School. I recall the first day together in class and the recess bell going off and Bill thought it was in his best interest to run home. A short time later Bill was being returned to the school by his mom who I'm sure thought it was in his best interest to get back in class.

Back in the day when summer came to Sylvan Lake it meant the Varsity Hall was open and Bill made it part of his routine to attend when he could. We would sit on the rock fireplace mantle and watch a variety of rock and roll talent that had Bill in his element.

Bill was a close friend through the years and there are so many memories. My condolences to Kelsey and family.

Janet Cole:

Bill certainly was one of a kind. I haven’t seen him for decades but I remember his intensity around rock music and trains. He’s the reason I read liner notes: who produced an album, who played on it. And whenever I do any spring exterior painting I think of his advice: “freeze dried is good for coffee but crap for paint”. Condolences to his loved ones.

:

Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked for his dad and mom when they were elderly. His father Jake and mother Ann spoke proudly of Billy. Bill knew Sylvans train history, I would occasionally run into Bill out behind his old family home that backed onto the old CPR rail line.
May he rest in peace

Noreen McCallum:

Rock on Billy! Condolences all round.

Sandy Clark :

Condolences to ALL who loved Billy , He was a character with a infectious smile, His stories were so filled with the knowledge of Sylvan’s History especially the iconic Varsity Hall, he always captured an entire room listening intently, I always heard someone say I never knew that omg that’s so cool ! He truly was Sylvan’s Historian !!! His stories will always be remembered Thankyou Billy !

Bob and Susan Samson:

Bill will be missed by us. Always fun to be around and he was so grateful to beat cancer. We remember Bill always showing up for the Sylvan Terry Fox run with a cash donation. If you could not remember the song title, Bill had it out before you could finish the question. Our community is richer with people like Bill participating in it. We all will miss you.

Cory Cole :

My sincere condolences to all Billy's friends and family he was a great guy and great friend,one of the best you would ever meet.Thanks Billy for great memories missed huge! Lakers!

Dennis Wilde:

I met Bill almost 46 years ago. He was working behind the counter at Sherwin Williams on the North end of Red Deer. Bill was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
I often talked with Bill through the years, he never forgot my name. I always appreciated that.
His experiences and knowledge relating to music was always fascinating. Bill had so many amazing stories, a really interesting man.
I’m very sorry to hear he has passed on.

Janine Moir:

Sending my love to all his friends and family, thanks for passing on the gift and love of Rock n Roll to me, it lives on!

Julie and Gerhard Bender:

Our condolences to you Kelsey,8 and family.

Rick Bowman:

I remember when Billy told me he knew Led Zeppelin when they were a back up band and I do believe he did,music trivia with Bill was astonishing Goggle had nothing on him,Billy was a true Canadian through and through. Sylvan lake has lost not only a wealth of knowledge but also his love for the town.Bill will missed by many.

Tom Turner :

I'm so sad to hear about Bill's passing. There are so many memories of good times we have had together. I'll miss you Bill.

Tom Turner :

I'm so sad to hear about Bill's. There are so many memories of good times we have had together. I'll miss you Bill.

Arlene Armeneau:

Sylvan Lake will just not be the same without seeing Billy. RIP my friend!

Joyce Thrush:

Condolences Kelsey. Your dad was a great guy. He will be missed.

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