POWERS, William Andrew (Billy P.)
November 22, 1941 – July 4, 2013
POWERS, Donna Lee
September 24, 1948 – July 4, 2013
The families of Billy and Donna Lee Powers are devastated to announce their tragic passing on Thursday, July 4.
They are survived by children James (Barbara) Powers and Debbie Powers of Eckville, Alberta; Justine Puffer, Derek Puffer, and Janene Puffer of Calgary; grandchildren Luke Powers of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Mark Powers of Eckville, Caydence Marin and Kyler Puffer of Calgary; great grandson Adam Brozny-Powers of Eckville, and brother Lorne Powers of Edmonton. Donna Lee is survived by her mother Hillevi Ruppe and brother Mark Ruppe both of Strathmore, Alberta. Billy is predeceased by his parents Mae and William Powers and his sister Elizabeth. Donna Lee is predeceased by her father Kramer Ruppe.
A well-known and much loved broadcaster, Billy began his illustrious career on the police beat at the Edmonton Journal where he met and married his first wife, Carolyn Needham. Together they moved to Calgary where he worked at The Albertan. It was also at this time they became parents to James (1967) and Debbie (1968). In 1968 he joined CKXL Radio, which became home for almost 18 years. In 1988, he became the public relations and media coordinator for the Calgary Stampeder Football Club. In 1989, he joined CHQR Radio where he hosted the pre-game, half-time, and post-game shows for the Calgary Stampeders until his retirement.
Donna Lee was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of Hillevi and Kramer Ruppe. At age 2, they moved to the family farm east of Strathmore. She later moved to Edmonton where she met and married Neil Puffer in 1970. The young couple moved to New Zealand where Justine (1972) and Derek (1974) were added to the family. Returning to Edmonton in 1979, the family grew to include Janene (1983). Two years after their divorce Donna Lee moved to Calgary where she met Billy at a fund-raising event.
A whirlwind romance led to their marriage in 1989.
While Billy was a media celebrity, Donna Lee worked in administration in many organizations, including The Citadel Theatre, Organ Festival and her most recent employer Calgary Jewish Federation. Billy and Donna Lee were familiar figures in the Calgary sports scene and Billy was a much sought after MC for charitable events. The two were a perfect pair – Billy loved to tell jokes, and Donna Lee loved to laugh.
They enjoyed a wonderful life filled with love and laughter, a wide circle of friends and their most precious grandchildren and great grandson.
A Celebration of Billy and Donna Lee’s Life will be held at the Red and White Club (1833 Crowchild Trail N.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. .Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to help the family may be made directly to McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, to the ARBI (Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured), 3412 Spruce Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T3C 3A4 Telephone (403) 242-7116 www.arbi.ca or to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Suite #400, 1202 Centre Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: (403) 297 – 1700, www.cmha.ca .
In living memory of Donna Lee and Billy Powers, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
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A great loss for Calgary. So sad.
Prayers for both of you. So glad to have known you.
Schmitty
I am totally devastated by the news of Bill and Donna Lee’s passing! I can’t express my sincerest sympathies and prayers to all of your enough! Bill was a true friend who followed me as media relations director at the Stampeders and then helped me get a position in news at CHQR. We spent many hours waiting for practises to end to get our sports interviews…and we spent many hours laughing and kibutzing at Stampede Park during thoroughbred and harness race stake races! We had to drive Bill and Donna home a few times, so you know we had a great time!! He always had a joke and a laugh for us always. I ran by their home every day while I lived in Calgary, since my house was just on the other side of the Braeside Community Centre from theirs! They were an outstanding and fun couple and I am honoured to say they were both my friends and I will dearly miss them both! My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family for both!!!! Ron Manz
To all the family members touched by this tragedy,
It is with deep sadness that I offer my condolences to all of you at this extraordinarily difficult time, Such circumstances should not have to be endured by anyone. I can only begin to imagine the anguish you must all be experiencing, If only we could heal it all instantly somehow. There is no easy road from here, but I hope you are able to put one foot in front of the other as each day becomes a little easier.
Much Love, cousin Marlene and kids Lucas, Liane, Neill.
Your stories and laughter will be missed forever. Although you were both taken so tragically your spirit will live on in those that knew you. Thank you for the stories Mr. Powers – thank you for the laughs. May we all take comfort that the two of you are together still! Raising a beer for you!
I worked with Donna Lee years ago at the Calgary International Organ Festival, first as a volunteer and then as the receptionist. I had never worked in an office before and Donna Lee took me under her wing. She taught me how to work in an office. I will always remember her laughter, her joy and her love of life. I’m devastated but will always remember the impact she had on my life. She helped shape who I am today.
My heart goes out to family members at this very difficult time.
We have so many fond memories of Bill and Donna Lee, they will be missed.
Billy always had a new joke to tell, and they were both a joy to be around. The contribution this couple made the Calgary community is immeasurable. RIP Billy and Donna Lee.
I remember Donna Lee from school and the school bus.She was always so full of life. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts .
My heart goes out to the family of Billy and Donna Lee. Such a tragic and sudden loss of such great people! I knew Billy when I was very young.He was great fiends with my parents Helen and Larry Petrie. He played on a baseball team with my father Larry Petrie and I remember many weekend camping baseball tournaments and barbeques at our home. Billy was always kind to me and always such a funny guy. Billy and Donna Lee are in heaven now and I pray that their family be consoled that they are with god. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Denise Clancy (Petrie)
My heart goes out to the entire family for their tragic loss.
I worked with Donna Lee in her position with Jewish Federation and she was such a warm, welcoming, brilliant woman. I will miss her “light up the room” smile.
I hope it is true that time heals all wounds, and that your many happy memories will help bring you comfort today, tomorrow and always.
My deepest sympathy,
Tracy (Forman)
thanks for many, many memories during our Molson Canadian days and I will always remember u as the one and only ARCHIBALD ASSHOLEBROKE……love….Dale and Chris
Uncle Billy and Aunt Donna Lee. May you both rest in peace. You are my Angels above and two stars in the sky. My heart is heavy. You will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers to my family through this difficult time. Love you, oxox
Kerri Charlino- Pittsburgh, Pa
Billy was one of the first to “Welcome” me into the Calgary sports broadcasting fraternity when I arrived in the city back in 1979.
And we remained friends as we moved from one media outlet to another.
I regret never being able to actually work with.. Billy.
But in an at times very competitive business, am pleased to say we never worked ‘against’ each other either!
We always got along!!
BP,I miss yah a lot!! RIP.
Hendu.
Two months ago I was standing on a stage with Billy as he was auctioning off items in order to raise money for my son Nicholas. Now I’m making plans to attend his funeral. I got the news of this tragedy while I was on holidays and my family and I were devastated, still are. Why do bad things happen to good people?? Billy and Donna-Lee, God will embrace you in heaven and take care of you for eternity as you both deserve. To the surviving family you can take solace in knowing your parents were great people who served their fellow man and community with pride and committment. I will be forever greatful for what Billy did for our Nicholas and some day I will thank him face to face.
Grant, Kamila, Veronika, Jacob and Nicholas Kitzul
I remember hearing Billy’s sportscasts on XL radio as a kid back in the 60’s. He was always extremely good at his craft – right to the end of his career. Billy was one of life’s venerable constants around these parts, just like the four seasons, and the sun rising every morning. People always looked forward to his excellent sportscasts – always delivered with clarity and impact. Billy could always squeeze a lot of good information into a limited amount of air time. But – in addition to his skills as a broadcaster, I think his true hallmark as a human being were his modest, humble and unassuming nature …along with his indefatigable sense of humor and his “joke of the day” which all his listeners took great delight in. You could run-in to Billy doing location broadcast in a mall somewhere, and he was always willing to take time to chat with you during his off-air intervals. He was a prince of a man, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him, but I’ll “bet a case of OV” (one of Billy’s past favorite expressions from way back relating to his beloved Old Vienna beer) that he’s smiling down on us all right now, telling jokes non-stop, and making the angels laugh!
Rest in peace Billy and Donna Lee (fellow former citizen of Strathmore) and my sincerest condolences to both families.
I am so very sorry for your loss, my heart goes go to you all. I am so grateful of have such wondeful memories of your Mom and Dad knowing them for 30 years….Our Guradian Angels forerver!! God Bless you All….
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the family of these 2 wonderful people who was taken from us all too soon. They had so much to offer and I will never forget them. I will truly miss Donna Lee’s laugh and Bill’s funny jokes. Love to you all. Brenda Bent
Dear Justine and family: Instantly when I saw the name ‘Powers’ I knew your family had again suffered the unspeakable grief of a loss that seems so completely beyond understanding. Your mother was clearly a woman with an enormous taste for adventure, a heart for generous giving, and an appetite for all that life has to offer — even the most difficult things. Treasure these gifts from her that are so apparent in yourself, Justine … you are so obviously your mother’s daughter, and I admire and cheer you on through these most devastating of days in your life. You’re in all my thoughts and prayers. Hetty
My prayers are with the family at this very difficult time. When I heard the news I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The first time I met Mr. Powers it was in 1975 and over the years I would run into him at various events. My memories of him will always be his genuine smile and his humor. Calgary lost two special people.
So Sorry for your loss. We hope that all of you can pull together and remmber all the good times with your dad. He loved telling jokes.
I was so saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of Billy and Donna Lee. They were our frequent guests of events at Stampede Park and Bill was always the first to arrive to cover press conferences we held in conjunction with big races. I remember how excited he was to receive a belt buckle we gave him for acting as emcee at a Nat Christie pre race function. I am truly better having known them both – they will be sadly missed.
My sincere condolences to the families of Bill and Donna Lee. I worked at QR77 with Bill and remember when he met Donna Lee. He told me all about what a special lady she was and that it could even get serious. Well, it did and he couldn’t have been happier. Donna Lee was a lovely lady and Bill knew he was lucky to have her. I also want to mention what a good friend Vern Koop was to Bill Powers. Bill & Donna Lee will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace.
We were devastated to hear of the passing of Billy and Donna Lee, two lively, fun and caring people taken far too soon. Greg especially will miss seeing Billy driving around in a golf cart, beer in hand, with a new joke and a “How you doin’ partner.”
James, Barb, and family, we extend our most heartfelt condolences on your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jamie and Debbie and all family members, our deepest condolences to all of you all. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Donna Lee, Bill will always make me smile everytime I hear his name as when I was a young girl at Circle 8 Speedway. He always had a hug for me and a joke or two or three. They will both be missed by all who new them and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wendy Biron and family
It was of deep sadness in learning of the passing of Billy & Donna Lee. I send my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
With deepest sympathy
Pam Tate & Family
Bill and I would pick up our grandkids from the same school in Canyon Meadows. He told me he asked his granddaughter if she still wanted him to come by after school to take her home. She told him, ‘The job’s your if you want it.'” Bill laughed when he told that story. That’s how I’ll always remember him – a loving grandfather, a fun guy, a warm soul.
Truly saddened by this unspeakable tradgedy rip KETCHUP forever
Billy and Donna Lee were a wonderful couple and their loss in such a tragic way is devastating. Billy was truly one of a kind and the last of a vanishing breed and Donna must have been much the same to listen to the jokes for all these years. They will be missed.
Jamie, Debbie and family. My deepest condolences for your loss. I remember your Dad “tip toeing” around the fastball diamond with us Rip City boys for many years. A truly great and fun guy. We’ll miss him and Donna Lee.
So sorry to hear of your loss, please give my condolences to your whole family. They will be missed by everyone.
To Janene and Caydence. We sure are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
so shocked & devastated, a tragic loss of a very positive & vibrant couple. Thanks for the jokes & laughter. My heart goes out to both families during this extremely difficult & sad time.
Such a tragic end for 2 beautiful people.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Donna Lee but have known Billy since 1974. I remember how he would always light up a room with his smile when he entered and always with a joke or two to tell.
My husband worked with Billy at QR770 and enjoyed every moment working along side of him.
He was a loyal person to his friends and family.
May they both walk together in eternity.
Love and prayers to their family..
Sandy and Greg Bohnert
Hey partner, few people in my life have left such a favourable impression on me as you have Billy: you literally put smiles on people’s faces every day whether they were strangers listening on the radio or pals bumping into you. It’s a rare talent indeed to be able to change somebody’s disposition instantaneously with your attitude (and your jokes, of course).
You continue to make your mark as I’ve spent the last week vowing to spend more time with the people in my life like you who make my days better and put smiles on my face.
Miss ya pal and I’ll never forget sneaking beers into the hospital for ya. One day when we meet again I know you’ll be the first to return the favour with a Molson, a joke and a smile.
To Mark and your family suffering the loss of two important people in your lives. Know that the thoughts and prayers of your work family are with you as you go through this difficult journey.
Barb McKnight
So very many hearts are hurting!
RIP our life long friend
Gayle and Dick Chubey
Bill was truly one of a kind and a great friend to our family. Will dearly miss his incredible humor and his kindness to all. Bill & Donna did so much for our community and always for the right reasons. I wonder if they serve OV in heaven?
Truly saddened by this unspeakable tradgedy.
I knew Billy back in our teen years . RIP
Billy has been an inspiration and mainstay at the Bow Valley Club here in Calgary. He supplied us with jokes after every morning doubles squash game or work out. He touched so many people in the community and the club. He was the reason how I was able to be successful at my first MC engagement at a wedding and two thereafter. I don’t know how I would have got by without his suggested jokes and tutelage.
What I great man, and what a great loss to the Calgary community in the passing of Billy and his dear wife Donna.
I just moved back to PEI and I read the sad news of Billy and Donna. I met Billy in 1974 in the Noble hotel and had a few drinks and jokes with him. The last time I had a few with him was at the St Reggis just before it was torn down. I will miss him and his jokes. My prayers and thoughts go out to his whole family. rest in peace Billy and tell God a few of your jokes. It will make his day bet you.
We have known Billy for 35 years. He was a great man. He will be missed by all
RIP Billy & Donna Lee
My deepest sympathy, I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers be with the family. A tragic loss to your family and for all of us who knew you both
Rest in Peace my friends We loved you also
Winnie
What a tragic loss! My condolences to the Power’s family for their loss. I worked with Bill for four years in the Newsroom at CKXL. Bill was larger than life and a person I looked up to as I built my early career in broadcasting. Without a doubt Bill and Donna Lee will be sorely missed in Calgary.
What an incredible loss to the community. Loved you both and will miss you everyday until we meet again. Hope Jeff has the beer on ice.
Hey Billy. It was such a pleasure having you as a co-worker and friend. You were the best storyteller that I’ve ever met. Thanks for the laughs and the beers. Miss you already.
Bob
RIP Billy: I will remember you always as the emcee at the Italian Sports dinners at the Thorncliffe Community.
My deepest condolences to family, and everybody who got to know Billy & Donna Lee; a tremendous loss to all.
I was fortunate to work with Billy at CKXL & CHQR. More than anyone else I can think of, Billy lived to make people laugh. He always had a joke or two to tell, no matter where or when you saw him. I never figured out how he could remember all those jokes, but I’ll always remember Billy’s brilliant smile; and all those countless smiles I witnessed on other’s faces, when Billy was present. I can imagine many more smiles to be created whenever folks think of past times enjoyed with Billy & Donna Lee! A legacy of smiles, laughter, and helping make other folk’s lives just a bit better!
We were so sad to hear of Bill and Donna Lee’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of Bill, as we have known him for over 40 years. So many fun times through baseball,hockey and going on a great holiday years ago. We had met Donna Lee through Bill and enjoyed many great times with her also.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Jerry and Valeen Holland
Thanks, Bill, for so much laughter and joy in those early years in The Journal’s newsroom (and some regular watering holes.) We can ill afford to lose warm and happy folks like you. Love and prayers.
Our sincere condolences to the family of Bill & Donna Lee, they will be greatly missed by all their family & all who knew them and the happiness they gave to all around them. Shirley Court & Helen Brown. from JCC
Lots of great memories – one of my early memories was in Panorama! Great time, lots of laughter. I was saddened to hear of your sudden passing. My heart and prayers are with you both and your families during this very difficult time. May you rest in peace, I will always remember you with a smile!
Merv Walker
My condolences to your family dealing with this tragic loss. My heart is so saddened by the news. As I apologize I won’t be able to attend your celebration of life, know that the Donna Lees smile and Billy’s infectious personality are what make me smile. Thank you Billy for making me feel welcome and loved when I first moved here and started my radio career. Your jokes are what make me smile today. Not enough words can be described as to how great you both were, but know you will be in everyone hearts for an eternity. Sending my love to your family and closest friends.
Thank you for the laughs Billy. Our time together at QR was much to short.
To the family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I was proud to call Billy P a friend. From when I first arrived in Calgary in 1994 and when I worked with him on the Stamps broadcasts in 2003-04 he was a joy to be around.
I will always remember the golf outings, lunches at Dusty’s and our yearly trip to the Calgary Italian Sports Dinner with Tony Spoletini from Spolumbos.
God bless you Billy and heaven just got one heck of a joke teller.
Rest in peace my friend !!!
Thinking of you old friend and your lovely wife Donna. Rest in Peace.
From your old squash mentor, tennis opponent and doctor of many years John T.
My condolences to Billy’s family. Billy always had a joke. I could never be in a bad mood and if I was, it never lasted long. You are going to be missed. Too the man who always smiled. I will always love you Billy
Billy, you knew that sport was a story to tell and every game or event was something to share, to celebrate. It didn’t matter if it was high school football or welcoming home Olympic gold medalists. You always reminded us it is supposed to be fun. You have been a constant in the Calgary sport scene and we will miss you dearly.
Rest well, old friend.
Billy…you and I sure were a great doubles squash team, you on the right wall, me on the left. all the guys at the BVC were no match for us…
oh..and the chirping in the steam room after, good good times.
Sad but funny story, when Donna and I heard the news, we talked about you and Donna Lee…we laughed when Donna rememberd the time at our Xmas party you turned down the Xmas music because you wanted to watch the Flames game downstairs. we let you have your way that night. See ya partner
May the memories of contagious laughter bring your comfort.
Debbie, James and family, We’re unable to attend the Thursday farewell for one of the All Time Great Calgary sports guys Billy P and Donna Lee. A tragic loss to family and the many friends they had met over the years. I remember Bill back in the late 60’s with the Albertan (now Sun) newspaper and the #1 rock radio station CKXL….we were all enthralled with the new fast paced format. I met Bill when I did PA for the junior hockey Calgary Canucks and later when I did PR at the Calgary Stampede with a focus on horse racing. But when I joined CFAC/Channel 2 & 7 sports we got to know each other even covering the CFL and later the NHL. He was a special guy with his sense of humor, his knowledge of sports a competition, his empathy for all those around him. I feel fortunate we had so many laughs, discussions, and beers over the years. A special man. Our best to the family during such a difficult time.
We were so saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Lee and Bill. Donna Lee’s family were friends and neighbors of ours on their farm east of Strathmore. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Ruppe and Powers families at this difficult time.
I was so sorry to learn of your tragic loss. With heartfelt sympathy, an old friend, Ted Dick
Billy P, my very good buddy! I like many others are completly devistated by this tragedy. We just had a pop together in the point on Friday prior, and then this. My very loyal friend, I can’t tell you how torn my entire family is. I will have a few Molson Canadians today to be sure. I’ll miss you and Donna Lee big time! Rest well my friend. You’re good friend! Moe Watson and family.
Although I did not know Bill and Donna Lee personally, my heart goes out to the Family. It is a very sad situation and I hope you all find the strength to get through it. My thougts and prayers are with you. Stay strong
Introducing and bantering with Billy – mornings on QR-77 – was always a treat. A nervous treat, but a treat nevertheless.
My wife and I were shocked and are extremely saddened. Our best to friends and families.
few words can be said, such a tragedy that we are unable to understand…
Billy, you will be remembered by many of us who had the privilege to know you in fastball, slowpitch, squash, football and a molson afterward… miss you!
Hello Mark, You’ve experienced a lot of hardship in your life. I am sorry for all your losses. This life is only the start of eternity.
Roger Snoxell
Janine – we are with you through thick and thin. May you find strength in memory…
Thinking of you,
Marnie & Darren Bondar
I grew up right around the corner from Debbie and Jamie. Bill was always an amazing person. I even remember him helping out with the Cub troop I was in. Bless you both. Be strong and be well…
Donna Lee ….the memory of your laugh will always bring a smile to my face.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Janene……We never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
Tracy and Dan Steinfeld
We are with you in your time of sorrow.
Lorne Powers Please accept our condolences. We were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of your brother and his wife.
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Bill and Donna Lee. I have very fond memories of Bill and my dad ( Al Farquhar) working together at CKXL for many many years. On behalf of our family we extend our sympathy to all of you at this most difficult time. The Farquhar family
Deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear of your loss.