William Alexander France of Calgary, Alberta
Died on December 18, 2017
Bill was born May 28, 1943, in Fort William, Ontario to parents William and Rena (Young) France. He spent his first 38 years in Thunder Bay. He taught and coached with the Lakehead Board of Education. Bill’s career changed with the Thunder Bay Canada Games in 1981, when he became a sports’ administrator. He moved to Edmonton to work with the 1983 World University Games. From 1983 to 1987, Bill worked with the Alberta Sport Council, and then moved to Calgary for the 1988 Olympics, the highlight of his career. Post-Olympics, he returned to work with the Alberta Sport Council. Bill retired in 2011 from his position with WinSport Canada. In his retirement he enjoyed volunteering with various sport-related Boards including the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
Bill loved his work, and thrived on seeing games through from inception to completion. Bill’s first thought was always for the athlete, no matter what age or level of competition.
Bill was devoted to his family—his beloved wife Marsha and their daughter, his “absolute pride and joy,” Elizabeth Toy Win. He was devoted also to his extended family, including friends and colleagues. Though he was a private person, he had a genuinely hospitable heart, rich sense of humour and fun-loving spirit, and the amazing capacity to make everyone feel like family.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marsha Mah Poy; daughter, Elizabeth France (Tim Bottomer); granddaughter, Abigail (July 2015); grandson, William (Jan 2018); brother-in-law, David Kimpton; nephew, Kevin Kimpton; niece, Kathy Kimpton (Greg Beckford); grand nieces and nephews, Maya and Kaeden; sister-in-law, Corine Frick (Stefan); brother-in-law, Roger Mah Poy (Shelley Currie); nephews, Chris Mah Poy (Brie Nelson) and Peter Mah Poy (Rebekah Zimmer). Bill was predeceased by his parents; sister, Margaret Kimpton, and his parents-in-law, Glen and Toy Win Mah Poy.
A Memorial Service will be held at Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close, NW Calgary, AB on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 10:30 am with Rev. John Pentland officiating.
A Lunch reception will follow.
Donations may be made in memory of Bill, to the “William (Bill) A. France Award” through the Canadian Sport Institute, to recognize mentors who have made special contributions to the success of coaches. www.csicalgary.ca/donate-2 or to the charity of your choice.
It’s at this time that we appreciate, more than at any other time, the Mystery of life and death. We don’t need to understand, only know that:
« To everything thre is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven »
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Bill Alexander France January 24th 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Airdrie, Province: Alberta
