It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Robert (Bill) Wilbur Eshom, 83, of Calgary, AB in Surprise, AZ on April 6, 2024. Bill was a devoted husband to Lyn for 56 years, loving father to Erin (Ryan) and Lori (Rob) and he was a very proud ‘Bubba’ to his three cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Aidan & Quintana. Bill always put family first and was a fierce protector and advocate of ‘his girls’; he was also a loyal friend to many and a dedicated educator. Although he had experienced recent health challenges, he was determined to continue enjoying time with friends and loved ones. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born in Bassano, AB, Bill was the youngest of three children. The family moved from Bassano to Edmonton and then Vancouver, eventually settling in Calgary where he attended King George School, Crescent Heights High School, Mount Royal College and University of Calgary. It was during high school that Bill met Lyn and they began to write their story together. Graduating university with a Bachelors of Education degree and later a Diploma in Leadership & Administration, Bill embarked on a rewarding career with the Calgary Board of Education, where he held many teaching, coaching & administrative roles. As a principal in the CBE, Bill was active in the Elementary School Principals Association, serving in different executive roles including the president of this group for a period of time.
Throughout his life, Bill was passionate about sports and he enjoyed playing, watching and coaching. Beginning in Jr. High, Bill played community hockey in the district of Capitol Hill and later, was also a valued member of the Crescent Heights High School football team and the Mount Royal College Cougars. In university, he represented the UofC Dinos in hockey, rugby and football. As his daughters, Erin and Lori, developed their own athletic passions, Bill shifted his attention to include the girls’ numerous athletic pursuits and was among their most committed fans. This led him to become an active member of the Lindsay Park Sports Society Board of Governors, representing the swimming community and serving as president from 1993-1994. For many years, Bill was involved in the Calgary Teachers’ Curling League and valued the friendships created on the ice. In later years, he took great joy in watching his grandsons pursue their own athletic interests. He was very proud of all of our accomplishments.
Owning lakefront property had long been a dream of Bill’s and his dream was realized when he and Lyn built their cabin on the shores of Mara Lake.Over the years, family and countless friends have enjoyed many gatherings, lake adventures and created amazing memories together in this special place. In later years, Bill and Lyn spent time in Phoenix, AZ and Mazatlan, MX where the two of them enjoyed the sunshine, golfing, hiking and escaping Canadian winters. Between their visits to these favorite locales, Bill & Lyn also enjoyed countless traveling & cruising adventures to many exciting destinations, frequently in the company of friends and family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy & Wilbur Eshom and his sister, Pat Evoy (Eshom) as well as other family members and close friends. He is survived and missed by his wife, Lyn, daughter Erin (Ryan) and their daughter, Quintana, Lori (Rob) and their children Ethan & Aidan, his sister Claire Campbell (Eshom), nephews Gord (Allison), Brent (Shannan) & Don Campbell, David (Fran) Evoy, his niece, Terry (Jim) Posynick, and several cousins, great nieces & nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Kidsport Calgary(www.kidsport.ca/calgary) or to the Calgary Humane Society (https://www.calgaryhumane.ca) or animal rescue foundation of yourchoice.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club, 1600 Varsity Estates Dr NW, Calgary AB.
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