Mr. Wilbur Roy Black passed away peacefully in the Olds Hospital and Care Centre on August 6, 2026 at the age of 95 years.

Wilbur was born on March 22, 1931 in Olds, Alberta. He was raised in the Garrington area where he attended school until Grade 9, finishing at the age of 14. Transportation to and from school was either by horseback or on foot, walking twelve miles per day – uphill both ways as Wilbur would joke.

Following his education, his many jobs included logging, seismic work, oil rigs and construction at the Bowden Institution. In 1956, Wilbur joined the Calgary City Police Force and served until 1967. During his police service, he met his wife, Linda. They were married 64 years on August 4th. Following his time in Calgary, Wilbur, Linda, and the girls moved to the farm at which time he joined in a farming partnership with his brother, Alvin Black and parents Daisy and Glen Schrader. While working and living in Calgary, Wilbur spent his days off driving to the farm to help his family with seasonal work, preparing for spring seeding, and later combining. In 1967, he became a full-time farmer. Wilbur felt fortunate to remain in his home on the farm until his passing.

Wilbur took great pride in their purebred cattle herd, hay and grain operation. The farm was his livelihood, but it was also his home and his way of life. Wilbur continued to take an active interest in all aspects of farming well into his early 90s and could still be found swathing at the age of 90. As the farming side of things slowed down, he took over the gardening from Linda, something he had really never expressed much interest in before.

Wilbur developed an early appreciation for sporty and luxury cars that went back to his younger years when the family owned a 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe. Together, Wilbur and Linda enjoyed many trips, cruises, bus trips across Canada, and their most favorite spot of all was at the Mana Kai in Maui.

On Wilbur’s 75th birthday in 2006, he decided to take up the hobby of walking. Over a period of 13 years, he walked 44,000 kilometers, the equivalent of a trip around the world and finishing July 22, 2019. He walked thirteen kilometers every day, no matter the weather through rain, sunshine, blizzards and even bitter -50-degree wind chill days. Family, friends and neighbors met him on the oil lease with signs, champagne and celebration. And believe it or not, he wasn’t done. He decided he had to try the trip one more time. When he could no longer walk outside, he walked on a treadmill, wearing out one or two treadmills and multiple pairs of walking shoes. Wilbur walked on the treadmill right up until his last few days.

Wilbur took great pride in knowing that the family farm was cared for and worked by generations of the family for 111 years, and it still remains in the family today. It was a legacy that meant so much to him and one he treasured deeply.

Wilbur leaves behind his loving wife, Linda and his children Kim McLennan (Grant), Laureen Black (Richard Norman), Grandson Alex McLennan (Amanda) and great-granddaughter Charlotte McLennan. Granddaughter Courtney McLennan (Brendon Bell) and great-grandchildren Braydon, Mason and Blakely Bell.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered their love, support and kindness during this difficult time. Special thanks to the many doctors and nurses of the Olds Hospital and Care Centre involved with Wilbur’s care over the last two years. We honestly couldn’t have wished for anything better.

If desired Memorial Donations in Wilbur’s name may be made directly to the Olds Health Care Fundraising Committee at www.oldshealthdonations.com.

The family invites you to honour Wilbur in your own way – maybe taking a walk in his memory.

The family wanted to include these words from Wilbur himself. His walk around the world was definitely one of his life’s greatest achievements.

 

“The Road Warrior

The question is – how do you condense 17 years, 6,200 days and 62 million steps into a short, boring story. Here it goes.

As my part in the farming operation slowed down and me with no hobbies that interested me, I decided to try walking.

On March 22, 2006, my 75th birthday, I started walking 13km a day, 365 days a year with a goal of walking around the world. Only 40,000km. On July 22, 2019, I accomplished my goal only to find neighbors, friends and family greet me with champagne, signs and pictures.

I still had no hobbies but helping on the farm, so I kept on with my walk. In May 2022, I had reached 48,600km when foot trouble ended the walk. After 2 months of rest, I started walking again but with a reduced distance – 5km. On May 31, 2023, I finished 50,000km.

Walking the same trail through fields, bush, lease roads, etc., the changing seasons, birds, animals and people made it worthwhile.

The weather was a deterrent many times with rain, hail, blizzards and temperatures down to -50 degrees with wind chill but no excuses.

On one occasion, in very cold blizzard conditions, a snowplow driver pulled over and wanted to take me home. His offer was appreciated but refused. He shook his head and continued on his way. Erica Gunn, my mail lady, caught up to me on one stormy cold day and against my wishes, drove me home with some advice about being out in that kind of weather. Bossy lady!

Many neighbours, friends and strangers stopped and wanted to take me home but were all greeted with “I’m just getting some fresh air.” And their usual reply – “I guess it’s fresh alright!”

For years, Linda Dyck gave me a honk from her school bus, sometimes stopping for a chat about the weather, crops, politics etc.

Thanks to my wife Linda and family for listening to my mileage and weather reports for seventeen years.

PS: As I started towards my 93rd year, and my hearing and eyesight are deteriorating, and my teeth and hair are falling out, I may have to reconsider future goals – like get out of bed tomorrow.

WRB”

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Olds), 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta 403.507.8610.

• Date : 2026-08-28
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) "Honouring Families Since 1999" www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610.