Anderson, William (Will) Frederick
October 15, 1948 – April 10, 2024
Will was born in Calgary to Ken and Winnie Anderson, but he liked to say he grew up in the Windermere Valley, spending every summer with his family at the cabin on Lower Lakeview. The lake and surrounding mountains became his playground from a young age.
Will was a natural athlete and he pursued many sports to the best of his ability. He championed in some, loved the competition, and revelled in the camaraderie and fun that followed with friends even more!
His degree in Chemical Engineering from U of C and the silk screen t-shirt company he co founded (Cand’Art) in Calgary couldn’t compete with an intriguing opportunity to join the Great Escape Sailing Corporation. The year he spent sailing on the Topaz and the lifelong friendships he made, greatly influenced the direction of his life.
Will chose the valley as his permanent residence and put his talents towards building custom homes for the next 30+ years. The quality of his workmanship can be found in many homes including his own.
Besides his creative pursuits, which included a mighty fine loaf of sourdough, he had a special place in his heart for animals. He raised and rode quarter horses in Cutting Horse competitions, he always had a dog in his life and he later became a birder, and he was damn good at that, too.
Will faced his cancer diagnosis and treatments with openness, a steadfast spirit and remarkable determination. His life ended on his own terms with dignity, trust and peace. He is survived by his loving partner Joyce Hutchinson, Sophie their dog, family in Calgary, Saskatchewan and Australia and a large community of friends near and far.
Will was pre deceased by his parents Ken and Winnie, his brother Wayne and his sister June(Gemeroy).
A special thank you to Dr. Mike Walsh, Palliative care nurses Jessie and Gabby and Keith and Dean at Pharmasave.
A celebration of Will’s life will be held at a later date.
My heart goes out to you, Joyce – it is a hard journey, which you travelled together. Thinking of you. Sending love and hugs, Marcy
My heart is filled with great memories of Bill, Willy, Big Bill Strong, Freddy and bunch of other nicknames that the gang of Windermere kids had for Will. Our lives became intertwined from a young age, from learning how to waterski together, building a small business to becoming Casey and Corri’s uncle Bill.
Life goes by so quickly sometimes we have to remember that it’s not so much what we accomplished but who we loved, laughed with and howled at the moon together with that we will be remembered.
Bill, Will, Willy, Freddy or Big Bill Strong you will be missed, but not forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jelly