In Loving Memory of
William Huber

of Grande Prairie, Alberta
June 25, 1936 - March 11, 2021

Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, William “Bill” Albert Huber on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the age of 84 years. We take great comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully and is getting reacquainted with his parents, siblings, and many friends.

Bill/Dad/Papa was born June 25, 1936, to parents Joseph and Hazel Huber, in Sexsmith, AB.  As the sixth of eight children born to the farming life, his childhood and youth were spent in a manner typical of the day: doing farm chores, playing and fighting with both siblings and neighbouring children, and walking barefoot five miles to school (uphill both ways).  Some of the entertainment of the day was gathering in a small circle and shooting an arrow into the sky straight up and then all scrambling to find cover before the arrow came back down, a task later practiced by his children. Proof of this is in the dent in the roof of the ‘74 Ford which is still sitting at the farm.

Venturing from the farm took him into the trucking world where he hauled cattle to the stockyards in Edmonton, across highways not yet paved. He spent many days and nights stuck along the way both in summer and in winter. One of his proudest trucking moments was hauling the long steel girders to the Dunvegan Bridge which was being built at the time. A picture of the bridge traveled with him from home to home to remind him of this accomplishment.

He strayed from the farm just long enough to find his life partner, Donna, whom he married on June 8, 1962. They settled in Crooked Creek, AB to once again commence farming life and to welcome the birth of their first two children. Bill was still trucking at this time to supplement the farm. However, spending time on the road became difficult with two small children so the young family moved to Grande Prairie where two more children were welcomed. The move afforded him more time to be with his growing family where he shuffled his children to school, soccer, baseball, Cub Scouts, swimming, karate lessons, skating, and of course, hockey.  He also taught them to ride and repair bicycles and to drive while sitting on his lap. Although they couldn’t reach the pedals, they could steer and shift the gears. He would also take them to nearby playgrounds where he would demonstrate his physical prowess by hanging upside down from the climbing bars held only by his toes. He later demonstrated this feat to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would also show us how to do pull-ups, which he could still do on his last outings in summer 2020.  His physical strength was noted recently by the staff of 3N at the QEII.

As the family grew, a larger home was soon required, so Bill decided to build one. This started his next venture into carpentry. He built the new home in Sexsmith and the family moved there in December 1973, just days before Christmas. In Sexsmith, he continued to shuffle his children to their activities and found time to assist with coaching baseball and hockey and to volunteer for other community endeavors. He continued to do carpentry in Sexsmith and area. Bill, along with his brother-in-law, Haakon Nordmark, built many homes, farm shops, an apartment building, a hardware store, and a large carpentry shop. Bill liked that he could drive around throughout his life and see what he had built. He always said, “A good carpenter knows how to cover his mistakes!”

Shortly after the move to Sexsmith, the lure of farming once again came calling. In 1974, he commenced farming land that was farmed by his family during his youth and was known as the “lower place”. This land is still farmed by and remains in the family which was Bill’s desire. In 1980, he built a home there and the family moved in the spring of 1981. The shuffling of his younger children to school, sports, and other activities continued as did his carpentry. As the children started to leave, he added livestock to the farm: pigs, chickens, and cattle. The cows occupied his time and kept him busy. Soon grandchildren started to arrive which truly started the golden years of his life.

Grandchildren (and later great-grandchildren) brought much joy into his life. He reveled in both teaching and teasing them. He often mentioned the bicycle races he had with them. No matter how fast they pedaled their one-speed bicycles, they were no match for Papa with his multiple-speed gearing. He loved seeing the frustration on their faces when they were not able to beat him. He also very much enjoyed teasing them. Bill once dressed as a scarecrow for Halloween and sat on the back step, attempting to scare them when they came for their treats. He loved attending their many and various sporting events, school concerts, and other activities. He truly enjoyed sitting in the Sexsmith arena, proudly watching them throughout their minor hockey years.

Bill also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, card playing, singing and dancing, and Country music. His favourite song was “Put Another Log on the Fire.” He loved to drop-in for coffee and a visit and would talk to practically anyone on the street, sometimes for hours, much to the dismay of his waiting family. He also loved to wear a hat.

He is survived by his wife Donna (nee Sallis); children: Brent, Blaine (Caroline), Richard (Ginette), and Leanne; grandchildren: James (Terry), Danae (Travis), Kelly (Ryan), Dustin, Damon, Meghan, Gavin, Nathan, and Talan; great-grandchildren: Kharmen, Hudson, Davis, Gabriella, Brinley, Everly, Sadie, Hunter, and Harper; siblings: Bernice Nordmark, Cliff (Eldeen), Alice (Alvin) Rode, and Lorraine Garrett; in-laws: Eleanor (Ed, d.), Annette (Gilbert, d.) Huber, Ken (Pam) Sallis, Robert (Shelley) Sallis, Patricia (Pat) Rickey, and Carol (Larry, d.); as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Hazel, siblings Robert “Bob”, Edwin, and Gilbert, as well as in-laws: Andrew Garrett, Haakon Nordmark, Kenneth, Nancy, and Larry Sallis.

Cremation has occurred and there will be no service as per his wishes. Interment will be at a later date.

To all of the caring and compassionate staff of 3N at the QEII Hospital: a huge heartfelt thank you for your professionalism, sincere concern for his well-being, and for helping to make his final time peaceful and comfortable.

 

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me.

I'll meet you when my chores are through; I don't know how long I'll be.

But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see.

And between now and then, until I see you again,

I'll be lovin' you, love, me.