In loving memory, we share the sad news of William Wilfred Norman Wiley’s sudden passing on Tuesday February 15, 2022. Bill, as he liked to be called, is survived by his daughters Shelley Wiley (Kevin), Wendy Wiley (Barry), and Stephanie Renaud, by his grandchildren Tracey, Tricia, Tasha, Josh, Noah, Jak, Wesley and Sarah, and by his siblings Gary (Mary), Glen (Sharon), Patricia (Bob), and Susan (Glenn). He is predeceased by his sister Barbara, his brother-in-law Keith and by his parents Norman and Jean.
Bill was born in Brampton, Ontario, the eldest son of Norman and Jean Wiley. He knew from childhood that farming was in his blood and would be his lifelong passion. As a youngster, he helped the family relocate to Schomberg, Ontario, by driving their combine 20 miles to their new farm.
Young Bill could always be found in the barn, looking after his beloved cattle. He belonged to the local 4-H club and enjoyed showing his calves at the local fairs. One of his goals as a young man was to raise registered Holstein cattle and, ultimately, to buy a farm of his own. Determined to turn dream into reality, he learned the trade from the ground up: he milked cows, dug post holes by hand, worked the land as required … all while building a house for his young family.
In 1971 Bill bought his first farm, along with dairy quota, in Tavistock, Ontario, an area known as Canada’s Dairy Capital. Over the next 25 years he worked his way up to milking 60 registered Holsteins bearing the prefix WILLEN, all while raising three daughters. He bred his cattle and, with his daughters’ help, showed them locally and even at Toronto’s annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. He eventually purchased a second farm, which led to the transition to the beef industry.
Being a savvy businessman, he set his sights on Alberta, in order to foster a second career in agriculture. In 1995, he acquired a ranch near Pine Lake, Alberta, dubbing it the “Rolling Wiley Ranch.” He went on to operate a successful Cow Calf operation, which included growing his own feed. This, despite facing challenges such as tornados, a flood, economic downturns, and atypical mad cow disease. He respected the land and returned what he took from it. He was the ultimate survivor: reducing, reusing and recycling whenever possible.
Bill’s success in life came from his passion and his ability to execute a plan. He advocated for things he believed to be fair, such as gas rights and opposition to Bovine Somatropin in dairy herds. He was a 4-H leader in the community, and shared his equipment and assistance with those in need. When not on his farm, he could be found playing hockey, enjoying a game of darts at the Legion, or throwing stones at the curling rink. He was a man of many words, and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S Foundation, 570 – 1441 Aviation PK, NE Calgary, Alberta, T2E 9Z9 stars.ca/ or to 4H Alberta, RR 1, Site 7, Box 1Westerose, Alberta T0C 2V0. He will be sorely and lovingly missed by his family. And by his Holsteins.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta
Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Wilfred Norman Bill Wiley Tuesday February 15th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Innisfail, Province: Alberta