William Clarence Dahl, long-time resident of Halcourt, Beaverlodge, and Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on November 2, 2022, in Grande Prairie at the age of 95 years.
Bill was born in a log house in Halcourt. He was the second of 4 children of Elmer and Annie Dahl (nee Cage), who farmed southwest of Beaverlodge. Bill attended school in Halcourt and Beaverlodge, then graduated from Grande Prairie High in 1945. In 1946 he met Josephine “Josie” Hauger at a local dance, the music played on, and they were married on October 29, 1949. They farmed in the Halcourt area, taking over Bill’s parents’ farm.
They were involved in many community groups including their church, dances, cards, gardening, curling, farmers’ picnics, hunting, snowmobiling, gatoring, and Red Willow Camp. They volunteered to manage the Halcourt Cemetery for 50 years, helping many of their neighbours through difficult times.
In their spare time, they raised 6 children, Larry, Robert, Douglas, Lorraine, Ricky, and Dorothy. Bill and Josie’s favourite getaway was just a short drive across the fields and down the gravel roads to their place at the river, their little log cabin, swimming hole, and fire pit. This is where their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, and numerous friends and neighbours always brought a smile to their faces. The echoes of voices and laughter from all still rings through the trees and along the river in that happy place.
Josie passed away in 2019. Bill missed her so much but carried on in good health until only a couple of years ago. His heart, having loved such a big family and circle of friends, finally wore out on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, he journeyed to be with his beloved wife. We are sure that they are catching up on the news, reminiscing, and saying kind things about each of you, even as you read this.
Bill’s smile, laughter, and warmth will be missed by his 5 surviving children: Larry (Verla), Douglas (Linda), Lorraine (Alan Walker), Ricky (Karen), and Dorothy (Ashley Heggelund); daughter in-law Lorna (Robert); sister Karen (Andy Plummer); 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, creditors, salesmen, shirttail cousins, and passers-by.
Bill was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Josephine, his infant daughter Janice, son Robert, daughter in-law Susan, and sisters Joan (Einar Loven) and Laura (Allan Hauger).
A Celebration of Life, of his 95 great, happy years will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Beaverlodge United Church (403 10 St. Beaverlodge). Interment will take place at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William
Clarence
Dahl 1927 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Beaverlodge, Province: Ontario