WILLIAM “BILL” CRAIK, beloved husband of the late Christena “Ena” Craik, left this earth and breathed his first breath of heaven, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in his 103rd year.

Bill is survived by his children: Eleanor (Vince) Tracey, Douglas (Sharon) Craik, and Nancy (Rob) Mitchell; and his dearly loved grandchildren: Shannon, Gillian, Caitlin, Stuart, Kyle, Riley and Megan.

Bill was born in Lethbridge, on March 20, 1922, to William and Isobel Craik. He was the eldest son and graciously took on the role to help provide for his widowed mother. His first real job was a farmhand, east of Milk River. This is where he met Ena Russell as a young teenager and they went on many adventures together as part of a group of friends. In 1942, Bill enlisted for active duty with the Canadian Armed Forces in the WWII effort and was assigned to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. In June of that year, he left for the Mediterranean and fought in the campaign in Sicily. They then moved on to the liberation of Italy and then on to Holland, where they joined forces with the Fifth Canadian Armored Division. His company was chosen to be part of the Canadian Battalion that went to Berlin to participate in the British Victory Parade. On the reviewing stand was General Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in western Europe, plus the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill. On November 14, 1945, he was honourably discharged from the Canadian Army and went back to civilian life.

Bill began dating Ena upon his return and they were married on December 10, 1948. They built their family home together, raised their family and created many happy memories in that “yellow house” right up until September of last year.

Dad had a keen interest in farming and farmed much of the land surrounding the city that has now been swallowed up with housing. His full-time job was as the local milkman for Purity Dairies, and later a retail supervisor for Palm Dairies. Everyone knew “Bill the Milkman” and he was known for giving out popsicles. He retired the last horse and buggy in Lethbridge before their operations moved to vehicles.

Dad was an accomplished athlete, playing hockey, slow pitch, bowling and golf, continuing to play golf until he was 101. He golfed his age when he was 98 and he earned himself three “hole-in-one”s in his lifetime. Dad also took up square dance calling a little later in life which gave he and Mom many opportunities to travel to many destinations and make lifelong friends.

Dad loved music and dancing and many memories were made listening to gospel and country music. He enjoyed singing in the St. Andrew’s choir for many years and served as an elder in his church as well.

Much of our time growing up was spent with family basking in God’s creation, with camping and fishing being a favorite of his. Dad worked hard all his life to provide for his family, and then was blessed with a long and healthy retirement.

More importantly Dad was a kind and gentle soul. He was a man of few words, but oh he loved fiercely. Serving his country attested to this: John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” One of his many attributes was loyalty. He was loyal to his faith, his family and his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.

The greatest gift we were given by our parents was faith. Their commitment to raising us to know God gave us the foundation to seek Jesus on our own. Dad declared Jesus as his Saviour and waited for the day He would call him home according to His sovereign will and plan.

A huge void is now left in our family, but there is unspeakable joy bursting from our hearts for the gift of his life, his love, and his legacy which is because of the work of Jesus on the cross, he has crossed over from death to life, and is now clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, His Redeemer.

A Memorial Service will be held at ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 - 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Daniel Surya officiating.