William "Bill" Alexander France
January 24th, 2018
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 niece and nephew, 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.
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. http://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 there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven"
Messages:
Marsha,this is a beautiful tribute to Bill. When you and I worked together at Hillhurst, I was happy to get to know something about your extended family, and particularly about Bill and Elizabeth. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marsha: Thinking and caring about you as you are grieving Bill. I wish for you the memories that you made together to be vibrant and comforting soul-filling. Sue
Dear Marsha, Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. With sympathy Meran Wilson
With our sincere sympathy to you Marsha Our thoughts are with you Bill and Judy
We are so sorry for your loss Marsha. Bill was a pleasure and joy to have in the salon and he will be greatly missed. After years of coming to the salon, our clients become friends and we definitely feel this way about both you and Bill. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Lots of love from Angles Dalhousie.
What a lovely tribute to Bill. Bill was always so generous, welcoming us into your home, and even buying gifts for us when we completed the Breast Cancer Walk. You, Elizabeth & family are in our thoughts at this most difficult time.
Best wishes, Marsha and family. Knew Bill for about 10 yrs., through sports, and appreciate how much he influenced my life.
Dear Marsha: What a beautifully written tribute to Bill. I am so sorry for your loss and send my sympathies to you and your family. Bill will live on in your beautiful grandchildren. Love Megan
I worked with Bill at Winsport and various other Games and Events, he was an amazing mentor and played a critical role in shaping who I am today. He will be truly missed in the Sporting community. I’ll never forget all our weekly Sport meetings!
Dear Marsha and Elizabeth, It was with much sadness that I learned of Bill’s passing. Twelve years of being an elementary school principal brought me into contact with many parents - Bill was among a small number of fathers for whom I had great respect and whose style and manner and support I deeply appreciated. I am with you in your hours of grieving.
This is a wonderful tribute to Bill. I feel like I know him through these words. Sending you hugs and support.
I still remember an old church member telling me once at funerals weren’t for the dead but rather were for the living... Bill was a wonderful kind man. I only got to know him through a brief snapshot of time – when my world was upside down and my Isabelle was seriously injured & resting in the hospital. You two had me over and Bill treated me like I always should’ve been a member of your home. His kindness was so clearly evident. Marsha and family, you have my prayers, my kind regards, and my sense of deep gratitude for having met Bill.
Marsha I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter and her young family. Sending big hugs.
Dear Marsha, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.I know Bill will be greatly missed.Thinking of you and your family.
Dear Marsha and family It is with profound sadness that I learned of your beloved husband's death. As colleagues and as friends, may you feel surrounded by my love and prayers today.
Marsha, Elizabeth, Tim and family, I write this note to you all with tears in my eyes but warmth in my heart that I had the pleasure of knowing Bill. You said that Bill made everyone feel like family and I couldn't agree more. When he spoke to you, it was like you were the only person in the room. I feel blessed and honoured to have met Bill and spent a very special event in my (Tren's induction into the Sports Hall of Fame) with you both. Bill will be missed by many but none more than you. With love, Amy
Dear Marsha, I am so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you and your daughter as you grieve for Bill. With sincere sympathy, Evelyn
Bill was a very special person who contributed significantly to the development and growth of sports in Calgary, Alberta and Canada. His focus was always on 'people'. He supported the dreams of many athletes, helped coaches be the best they could be, contributed to sports organizations and associations and generously shared his knowledge and connections with many. Bill never asked nor wanted recognition for himself and was always quick to ensure others were in the spotlight. Bill was a very humble man who got the job done efficiently and effectively through quiet leadership. He spoke with joy about his daughter, Elizabeth, and was thrilled when he became a grandfather. No matter where he was in the world, his family was his priority. Bill contributed greatly to his community and was always the first to make a donation to worthy causes. I am personally grateful for the support and guidance that Bill gave me over the years. He was a 'once in a lifetime' friend and I will miss him. Kate
Bill was a wonderful person and the best mentor to me. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and I for one will always be grateful for the time I enjoyed with him. I will never forget his 'giggle' while we worked together. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, how bittersweet the timing is.
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. Keeping you close in our prayers..xo
Thinking of you today and hoping the memories you have built together over the years will give you strength and courage. Love and hugs from the Thompson's