LESOURD – William (Bill) Fisher
September 3, 1917-January 28, 2010
Bill LeSourd, beloved husband of Betty LeSourd, wonderful Father to Robert and Jeannie passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Foothills Medical Centre surrounded by family at the age of 92 years.
Bill was born on September 3, 1917 in Milton, Massachusetts. He moved to Texas in 1942 to pursue a career in the Oil Drilling Industry. In 1957, he moved to Calgary and founded Cactus Drilling Corp. Ltd. Bill later sold his business to Ocelot Industries turning the page on a legendary career in the drilling industry. He then started a small exploration company Choya Petroleums Ltd. (little cactus) which still operates today. Golf and traveling were Bill’s passions and as a member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club he managed 4 hole-in-ones and shot his age on his 88th birthday. Bill and Betty have also traveled the world together. Besides his family and career, one of his greatest enjoyments was his 28 year Rotary Club membership and his many friends he made there.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Betty of 47 years; his son Robert and daughter-in-law Judy; his daughter Jeannie and son-in-law Chris Boardman; grandchildren Samantha, Danielle & Lisa. Bill is also survived by loving family members in the United States. Bill was predeceased by grandchildren Richard and Stephanie.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation in care of Rotary Club of Calgary South L103C, 9705 Horton Rd. SW.
Calgary, Alberta T2V 2X5 Canada The family would like to express their gratitude to Hogar Rasheed and Dr. Kathryn Dundas for their on going care and compassion. As well, we thank the amazing staff on Unit 37 at the Foothills Hospital. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of William LeSourd, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.
Print Obituary & Condolences
On behalf of our sick and visitation committee at the Rotary Club of Calgary South, please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends and certainly by his Rotary Family at Calgary South.
Our prayers are with you during these days.
Betty, Robert, Jeannie,
Life is a journey and Bill has taken his last, as he knew he would. I am gratefull for having known him, He was and will be remembered by me as a true gentleman. My tears today are for you as you continue your life journey without your husband and father.
We would like to say that our thoughts and prayers are with the Family. I know that Bill has provided you all with a life time of cherished memories, the real keepsakes for the future All the best and fondness to Betty, Rob,Judy and Jean ,Chris.
Bill and Barb
Dear Betty, Robert, Jeannie and families,
Our thoughts and fond remembrances, Love & God Bless, Mary, Paula, Carol, Kathy and Chrissy
Rob & family
Bev and I want to express our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. We hope that your many fond memories, the great family values and business acumen your Dad passed on to you help to comfort you at this difficult time and in the future.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Gord & Bev Tallman
To Betty and the rest of the family may we offer our sincere condolances.
Although you know it well, it has to be said that in my 55 years in the Oil Indusstry there was no finer gentleman than Bill. He always treated Liz and I with the greatest respect and kindness and his strong right arm was you Betty, Liz still fondly remembers that you were her chaperon-hand holder at our very first Oilmens. You and all the rest of us will miss Bill but what a wonderful and fulfilling life he had.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers – God Bless
Lee & Liz
To Rob and Judy and the LeSourd family.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Bill will live on in his children and grandchildren.
John
Dear Betty and Jean,
I am in Arizona, but my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bill was a wonderful human being, and I know that there will be a huge hole in your hearts now. I am glad I had the chance to chat with him New Year’s day at the Ranchmen’s. I know his quality of life was not great by then and I am sure it was a great release in the end. I hope to see you both when I get back to Calgary. Meanwhile I am sending lots of love to you both. Bev
Betty, Robert and Jeannie, please accept our sincere condolences on Bill’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Donna, Graham and Erin
Dear Betty, Robert & Jeannie.
It is with great sadness to have learned about the passing of Bill. Although we lost touch over time, he was a wonderful person to have worked for, for so many years. My thoughts are with all of you in this time of sorrow. May the sympathy of those who care make the sorrow of your heart less difficult to bear.
Sincerely,
Shelley Anderson
Dear Betty and Family,
We were saddened, on our return to Calgary, to learn that Bill had passed away. He was truly a remarkable individual and he had a wonderful life. He had a smile for everyone and a genuine concern for the issues of others. When we talked to him at the Country Club Children’s Christmas party, even though he was stuggling physically, his mind was still as sharp as ever.
Betty, we hope that you are sustained by your many close friends and by the wonderful memories you have of your life with Bill. God bless you…….
Don & Joyce Glover
Dear Mrs. Lesourd, Robert and Jeannie,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. I have some very fond memories of Mr. Lesourd and feel honoured to have known him.
Love, Andy
Dear Betty:
To you and your family, Cecile and I are sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. I remember my trio had the pleasure of performing at Bill’s 80th birthday celebration in August 1997. He had a marvellous balance in life with his work, golf and travelling. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and all of the family.
…Johnny Thorson
Bill was a great friend to my father and even helped me with a summer job while I was a university student. I know he will be missed.
Dear Betty, Robert, Jeannie and family,
We are saddened to learn of Bill’s passing and our deepest condolences to your family. Bill was a good friend. In addition, we always appreciated the excellent business relationship and drilling service which Bill provided to us through Cactus. Bill will be missed.
Sincerely,
Bob Ross and Collins Ross
Dear Betty and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Bill’s passing. Sharon and I just got back from a month in Australia and received the news via email from Brad Clarke. We got to know Bill when we shared an office with Brad and we always enjoyed our visits with him. Bill was a great role model. John has often remarked that if he was lucky to reach Bill’s age, he hopes he has Bill’s tremendous spirit and zest for life – he was always so gracious and he was always the true gentleman. Sincerely, John and Sharon Stayura