Obituary of Bill Schaffter
William "Bill" Arthur Schaffter
(May 22, 1929 - February 21, 2024)
William “Bill” Schaffter of Camrose, AB, formally of Beaverlodge, AB passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2024 just 3 months short of his 95th birthday.
Bill was born to parents Arthur and Elise Schaffter from Switzerland and was raised on a farm near Beaverlodge, AB with his sisters, Edith (Ken Price) and Eleanore (George Basaraba). Following his graduation from Vermillion School of Agriculture in 1950, he began employment with the Canada Agriculture Research Station in Beaverlodge where he would work for the next 35 years.
Bill and Gretta Byers were married in 1952 and were fortunate to spend the last 71 years together. They were the perfect parents to daughters Marg (Gary Taylor) and Jacquie (Kevin Pratt). In 1988, they moved to Camrose where Bill would become a full-time Grandpa to four grandchildren who adored him beyond measure, Matt, Jessica, Josh and Kourtney. They enjoyed camping and fishing together with extended family and he was able to travel to many wonderful places.
Bill had a quiet, gentle and respectful strength and a sweet sense of humour. He was a creative craftsman who could build or fix just about anything. We always joked if Bill made it, no matter what it was, it would stand the test of time. He loved wood and metal working, oil painting and wood carving. He was a devoted, wonderful Grandpa who was never too busy to play with his grandchildren, help them with their projects and listen to them. A crib game with his granddaughters was something he always looked forward to.
As Bill would tell people, he had a wonderful life. We will cherish the memories we have with him forever.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Gretta Schaffter; children Margaret Schaffter (Gary Taylor) and Jacquie Schaffter (Kevin Pratt); four grandchildren; and sister Eleanore Basaraba.
Bill was predeceased by his sister Edith Price; and brothers-in-law George Basaraba and Ken Price.
At Bill’s request, there will be no formal service.
