William James Adair
January 13, 1953 – December 13, 2025
It is with extreme sadness that we announce our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bill Adair, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025 at the University of Alberta Hospital where he was anxiously awaiting a lung transplant.
Dad was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in April, 2023. He fought so very hard to maintain his strength for transplant. Unfortunately, our journey took a turn on a path we never expected and he never received donor lungs.
Bill will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Lora (Wilchuk), daughters Ashley (Brendan), Amber (Marc) and Amy (Michael), his grandchildren who were the absolute light of his life, Lincoln and Aubrey, and dad was anxiously awaiting the arrival of grandbaby #3 due in January.
Bill’s siblings share this tremendous loss with us; Walter, Carol, Robert, Tom (Kerrine), Holly (Peter). Bill’s nieces and nephews all had a special bond with their Uncle Bill and will miss him terribly. Lora’s family also mourn the loss of Bill, brother in law Brian(Darcey), nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Laurie and Joyce and his in-laws Stanley and Irene Wilchuk as well as many other family members and close friends.
It did not matter where Bill went or what he did, he never had a problem striking up a conversation with a stranger and forming a lasting friendship.
Bill worked extremely hard his whole life. He was an incredible mechanic by trade, working 8:00 – 5:00, then coming home and helping someone with something. He never turned down a call for help from anyone. In retirement he started a lawn care business. He not only cut the grass but he would weed your garden and the flower beds or fix a broken fence, whatever needed to be done he took care of it without being asked to do so. He also started to do snow removal and went above and beyond. Every customer loved him.
Bill was looking forward to being able to once again cut the grass, trim the trees and plant his garden. While in the hospital, Bill spoke of purchasing a fixer upper vehicle to restore for himself when he came home. Unfortunately that was not to be.
The support shown to the family at this time has been overwhelming. We’d like to share some of the words that people have used to describe Bill which shows the type of person Bill truly was to everyone: kind, gentle, generous, role model, funny, fair, helpful, dignified, respectful, gracious, practical, loving, witty. Please keep sharing your stories with us to keep his memory alive.
Our family would like to acknowledge and express our sincere appreciation to the following:
A special thank you to Dr. Homik and Debbie, the Winnipeg Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group and the Winnipeg Pulmonary Fibrosis Caregiver Support Group for their ongoing support. Bill looked forward to the monthly support meetings for good conversation and delicious cake and coffee. He spoke often to people about our amazing support group and he always felt they had our back.
Winnipeg Lung Transplant Coordinator Carly – our Winnipeg angel who worked really hard to see us off to Edmonton. Greg, the Physiotherapist who was whipping Bill into shape to be strong enough for the transplant. For ten months we went twice a week to see Greg. They bonded over Dad jokes.
Edmonton Lung Transplant Coordinator Kathryn – our Edmonton angel who worked really hard to bring us to Edmonton and Skyla, the Transplant Social worker for her support. Bill looked forward to both of them visiting regularly.
The University of Alberta Hospital, Unit 5E3 Staff – The special friendships formed with the Nursing staff will never be forgotten. Debbie, Lian, Larissa, Jennifer, Camille, Mai and Ed. Also Pat, who cleaned his room and the wonderful lady who delivered his meals. All of the staff were devastated by the loss of their special friend.?The impact BIll had on all of these special people was overwhelming and the support they provided our family will always be remembered.
Honourable pallbearers are: Bill’s nieces and nephews and his lifelong friends, who he cherished, Chuck and Sandra Murray, Doug Friesen and brother in law Brian Wilchuk.
As per Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street W. East Tower, Suite 600, Toronto, ON M8X 2X9 or online at cpff.ca.
Bill would be grateful if you would please consider signing up for organ donation at signupforlife.ca.
May you rest in peace my love, the struggle is over. I will always love and miss you and you will never be forgotten.
Cremation entrusted to Ashley at Simply Cremation & Funeral Services, Edmonton, Alberta.