Thor William (Bill) Nilsson
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Thor William (Bill) Nilsson on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in St. Albert, AB, at the age of 91 years.
Bill was born in Edmonton, AB, on May 21, 1933. His mother, Daisy Nilsson, travelled by bus with her newborn son, Bill, from Edmonton to Westlock where a neighbour picked them up and took them to meet Bill’s father, Thor Hennig (Tom) Nilsson in Freedom, AB, at their new homestead. Months earlier, in November of 1932, Tom had started construction of their first home, a log house. In time, this would be replaced with a large, two-storey home which was built with no plans. Daisy just told them what she wanted as they built.
Bill was involved in many businesses over the years. One of his greatest successes, and a life-long dream of his, was the building and starting of Modern Livestock Exchange at Clyde corner, AB, which to this day is one of the largest cattle markets in Canada.
Bill is survived by is wife of 69 years, Ruby, and their five children; Brian (Wynne), of St. Albert, AB; Lee, of Turner Valley, AB; Kenneth (Holly), of Langley, BC; David, of St. Albert, AB, and Sharon (Steve), of Calgary, AB. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Audrey Hodge, of Westlock, AB.
He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Daisy Nilsson, and his sister, Doreen Durling.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10 am at the Enjoy Centre - Moonflower Room, 101 Riel Drive, St Albert, AB, with lunch to follow the service.
A private family burial will take place at Hazel Bluff Cemetery.
A livestream for the service will be available at DLMS.ca and westlockfuneralhome.com
Memorial donations in memory of Bill may be made to your local 4-H Club or 4-H Alberta: Online at https://4hab.com/donate/or by cheque to:
4-H Alberta Centre C/O Development Team RR1, Site 7, Box 10 Westerose, AB TOC 2VO
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting westlockfuneralhome.com.
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium
780-349-3474
