William "Bill" Hart

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Hart of Fort Macleod on February 5, 2026. Bill was born to Orrin and Margaret Hart and was raised west of Claresholm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Bill met his beloved wife, Helma, on a May long weekend camping trip, and they were married on May 12, 1984. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, family, and shared experiences, raising three children: Gelein (1988), Alec (1991), and James (1993).

Bill was a man of curiosity and many interests. In 1985, he built his own sailboat, Wilhelmina, which he sailed on St. Mary’s Reservoir and Dicky Lake in Montana. In 2015, he proudly earned his license to sail on the ocean, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He had a passion for flying and had hoped to become a commercial pilot, though colour blindness prevented him from pursuing that path. He enjoyed golfing, tinkering in the garage, and working on his beloved vehicles, including his 1974 Mercedes convertible, taking many memorable trips with Helma at his side. He had a love for dogs and horses, enjoyed camping, and treasured road trips with his family. One of his most memorable projects was building a go-kart for his kids—famously without an engine or brakes, and with only part-time steering—something the family fondly remembers with laughter.

After graduating from high school, Bill spent several months in Scotland traveling with his friend Rod before returning to study Agri-Management at Old College. He began his working career at Fort Macleod Processors Ltd., operated by the Den Boon family, and later worked on oil rigs throughout Alberta. He went on to earn his Heavy-Duty Mechanic certification through Alberta Transportation and eventually started his own business, Hart Heavy Duty Mechanic, working with O’Sullivan Construction, Greyhound, and other private companies. He later hauled trusses for Structural Truss and finished his career with Volker Stevin, retiring in 2022 after decades of dedicated service.

Bill was deeply committed to his community. He served as a Town Councillor from 1992 to 1998 and as Mayor of Fort Macleod from 1998 to 2004. He was an active member of Trinity United Church, where he volunteered in many areas and was serving as Chairman of the Board at the time of his passing. He also served on the Fort Museum Board, contributing to the preservation and promotion of local history.

Bill will be remembered for his ingenuity, quiet determination, and the steady way he cared for his family and community. His stories, projects, and adventures will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Helma; children, Gelein, Alec, and James; and siblings, John (Kerry) and Andy (Ramona) Hart of Claresholm; uncle, Art Peters of Pincher Creek; aunt, Pat Miller of New Zealand, and Marion Hart of Claresholm; mother-in-law, Gerda Van den Biggelaar; brother-in-law, Andy (Caroline), Burt (Gerry), and Brian (Lori) Van den Biggelaar; 11 nieces and nephews; and many cousins in Alberta and Scotland.

He is predeceased by his parents, Orrin and Margaret Hart; father-in-law, Adrian Van den Biggelaar.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity United Church - Fort Macleod on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

Donations can be made to Trinity United Church Memorial Fund. E-Transfer: ucmemorial26@gmail.com

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