With sadness we announce the passing of Bill Statham of Lethbridge Alberta, formerly of Invermere B.C.

Beloved husband of Milena Statham, Bill passed away peacefully at St. Michaels Palliative Care  in Lethbridge AB on November 13, 2021 at the age of 67 years. He fought a four year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). Although this disease took his life, we are comforted knowing that he is free of pain and suffering that he is now rejoicing with the angels.

Bill was born in Invermere B.C. to James and Margaret Statham on April 22, 1954. He was the third of 7 children. Gary, Glen, Bill, Shirley, Tom, Marjorie & Bruce. He had a happy upbringing at the Upper Ranch in Radium. He enjoyed horseback riding, so range riding one summer for the forestry was a highlight of his early years. He loved the outdoors and all the activities it offered. Fishing, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, skidooing, motorcycle riding and much more.

He began his gas fitting career with Fording Coal in Elkford, B.C in 1975 and retired in 2011 after 36 years.

Bill and Milena were married in 1979 and made their home in Elkford. At his passing, they were married just shy of 42 years. In 1981 they welcomed their wonderful daughter Sonya who was married in 2016 to Keith Hamming. The family expanded with the addition of two grandsons, Joshua in 2009 and Jesse in 2013. They were the joy of his life.

After retiring, Bill spent several years developing his Wilmer acreage into a comfortable home away from home. He planted gardens with potatoes, fruit trees and other vegetables. He restored an old barn on the property and even built an excellent root cellar to store all those potatoes.

He enjoyed visiting with his many friends and family in the area, and coffee with the boys every morning at A&W.  He especially loved to have a coffee on his deck enjoying the peace and beautiful views.

Besides his loving wife Milena, Bill is survived by his daughter Sonya (Keith) and grandsons Joshua and Jesse Hamming of Okotoks, AB. Bill is also survived by brothers ,Gary (Vivien),
Glen (Kimberley), sister Shirley (Stan) Wieler, brother Tom (Silvia) sister Marjorie (Kerry) Widmer, and brother Bruce (Nika). He is survived as well by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

We miss you greatly Bill, dad, papa, till we see you again!

Bill was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret Statham.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will hold a private celebration of life for Bill on Saturday, November 27th at Lake Windermere Alliance Church in Invermere. A larger outdoor celebration will be planned for next summer to honour Bill.

An obituary page and slide show will be available on the Martin Brothers Lethbridge website. mbfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Palliative Care Lethbridge, Pulmonary Fibrosis Society or the Salvation Army.