Mr. William "Bill" Robert Wegener

It is with great sadness that the family of William Robert Wegener of High River, Alberta, announce his passing on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 71 years, surrounded by his immediate family. William (“Bill”) was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 22, 1954, to William (“Bill”) and Elizabeth (“Betty”) (née Donhauser) Wegener. When Bill was around six months old, the family moved to High River, Alberta, where he would spend the rest of his life. Bill was one of six siblings: Don, Ken, Murray, Joyce, and Dave. As a young child, he was active in hockey, often playing in the house with his brothers. Bill loved hockey and played as a goalie for the High River Flyers for several years. As he got older, he also enjoyed playing fastball. Bill met his teenage sweetheart, Sharon Yates, and they moved in together in 1975. He attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where he earned his Red Seal certification as a carpenter. Bill framed many homes throughout High River, Okotoks, Calgary, and surrounding areas. He built the family home where he and Sharon lived for many years. Later in his career, Bill left the house-framing industry to focus on indoor renovations and smaller framing projects such as garages, decks, and sheds, before retiring in late 2024. Bill and Sharon were married on May 6, 1978. Together, they shared a love of sports, especially fastball, and traveled throughout Alberta and British Columbia while Bill played in tournaments. They welcomed their first daughter, Kristie, on May 27, 1983, followed by their second daughter, Shantel, on March 8, 1988. Known as a quiet man, or a “man of few words,” Bill was always seen with a smile on his face. Although he wasn’t fond of board or card games like Sharon was, he played anyway to keep her happy. Bill had a deep love for the outdoors and spent many years hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a longtime member of the High River Fish and Game Association, a connection that reflected his respect for nature, wildlife, and the outdoor way of life. Bill enjoyed camping at Dickey Lake in Montana, summer vacations in Sandpoint, Idaho, and quick getaways to McGregor Lake, Travers Reservoir, or Little Bow in Alberta. Bill was also known for his kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer advice whenever someone needed it. His biggest guilty pleasure was his sweet tooth, often keeping chocolates or chocolate bars stashed in cupboards or the pantry, and he always looked forward to Sharon or his daughters’ baking desserts for birthdays, family celebrations, and holidays. Like his wife, Bill was a devoted Calgary Flames and Toronto Blue Jays fan. Bill loved being a grandpa to his two grandchildren, Trace and Tate. He would smile and light up whenever they were together. Bill passed away peacefully with his close family by his side on Friday, January 16, 2025, at the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre. He was predeceased by his father, Bill Wegener; his mother, Betty Wegener; and his wife, Sharon Wegener. Bill is survived by his daughters, Kristie Wegener (Bruce Christianson) and Shantel Moore (Tyler Moore); his beloved grandchildren, Trace and Tate Moore; his brothers, Don (Pam) Wegener, Ken (Hope Ann) Wegener, Murray (Kendra) Wegener, and Dave (Katherine) Wegener; his sister, Joyce (Duane) Briscoe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday February 1, 2026 at 1pm at the Heritage Inn Convention Centre in High River (1104 11 Avenue SE High River, Alberta). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give). Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Mr. William "Bill" Robert Wegener

May 22, 1954 - January 16, 2026