William "Bill" Thomas Dann

Bill was born to William and Caroline Dann. He is predeceased by his parents; his mother and father‑in‑law Florence and Roy Gillett; and by his brothers‑in‑law Jim Ashton and Jim Gillett.

He is dearly missed by his wife Jean; daughter Carrie (Brian); brother Bob (Carol); sisters‑in‑law Judy and Brenda; nieces Kelly (Craig) with children Jackson and Ella, Angela (Rob) with children Christopher, Isaac and Ally (Andrew); nephews Cory, Darren, and Colin (Liz) with children Abigail and Madilyn; Brian’s children Lee, Jamie, and Ricki; and by his special friend, Duane Woodhouse.

Bill is fondly remembered by many friends and neighbours in Edson and at Jackfish Lake, Alberta.

Bill attended Delton, H.A. Gray and Victoria Composite Schools in Edmonton, graduating in 1958. After high school, Bill worked a delivery job at Coca‑Cola. In 1964, he was hired as a Sales Representative at Catelli. His final position in Edmonton was with Kingsway Freightlines Limited as a Sales and Service Representative. In 1971, Bill moved to Edson to join West Central Automotive as a partner to Frank Stone. He retired from West Central in 1997 and was appointed Fire Chief for the Town of Edson, serving in that role until 2003. Bill continued as an active member of the Edson Fire Department until 2010, dedicating 35 years of service. During this time, Bill worked part‑time at Timberjack Home Hardware, and later at Alberta Forest Service until fully retiring in 2011. Bill volunteered at the hospital in Continuing Care, where staff and residents appreciated his humour, warmth and enthusiasm. As a member of the Fire Department, Bill received two Fire Services Exemplary Service Medals from the Governor General of Canada (1997 and 2007). In 2013, he received the Community Involvement and Contribution Award from the Town of Edson.

Bill was a passionate sports fan, especially of CFL football, hockey and curling. He attended numerous Grey Cups and Briers. He was deeply involved with the Edson Curling Club, serving as President and teaching kids to curl. He received a Lifetime Member award from the Alberta Firefighters Curling Association to honour and acknowledge his contribution and participation. He loved attending the firefighters’ bonspiels. Bill loved music and was a long‑time season ticket holder at Chautauqua. He also enjoyed concerts and events at The Heart of Edson Gallery and Studio.

Jackfish Lake was Bill’s happy place. In the early years he loved sailing, swimming and waterskiing. Over the years he enjoyed bonfires, stargazing, walking, visiting with neighbours, beautifying the yard and family visits. Mom and Dad were “summer birds,” spending their summers at the lake with Carrie. Happy hours, games and projects were filled with laughter and friendly competition, creating some of the family’s most cherished memories.

Bill was deeply committed to the Edson Fire Department’s fundraising initiatives for Muscular Dystrophy. He became the West Central Alberta Area Advisor in 2013 and continued collecting coin banks and bottles/cans throughout the community until his health declined.

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be directed to:

                                         Muscular Dystrophy Canada — 8944‑182 Street, Edmonton AB T5T 2E3

                                        Red Brick Arts Centre and Museum — 4818 7 Ave, Edson AB, 780‑723‑3582

                                       Or to the charity of your choice.

Bill’s Celebration of Life will be held on August 29, 2026, at 1:00 pm,  at the Edson Legion, 5016 5th Ave. Please join us afterwards for refreshments and a light lunch.

Spark That Stays

He moved through life with a spark —

the kind that warms a room

before he even spoke.

Fun‑loving, steady,

always ready to help,

he left that spark with us.

And now it glows

in every story we tell,

every kindness we offer,

every smile he inspired.

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