The passing of Mr. William John King of Penhold, Alberta, husband of Julia King, occurred on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Wellingborough, County of Northampton, England. He was the son of William Dennis and Eileen King. When John’s father retired from the British Air Force, the family chose to immigrate to Canada. They first landed in New York on a passenger ship and made their way to Calgary, Alberta and later settled in Olds. John lived in the town of Olds until he was about ten years of age, then the family moved to Red Deer. John and his family lived on Michener Hill, a place where John had many fond memories. He was social, caring, and loving person who was well liked and made many lifelong friends while growing up. John could be found spending countless hours with friends at the outdoor rink in Grandview to the Balmoral Golf Course every spring and summer. He was passionate about playing and watching sports, he lived for all things hockey. As a lifelong NHL Maple Leaf’s fan, John would always say that he saw the Leaf’s win the cup in black and white TV, and he hoped one day he would be able to see them win in color! As a young man John participated in many golf leagues, and tournaments in Central Alberta. John worked at Balmoral Golf Club from approximately 1972 to 1977, first in course maintenance, where he helped build many of the greens then onto working in the Pro Shop. John’s golf skills were exceptional, he achieved a “scratch handicap” as a young adult and maintained a respectable single digit handicap as he aged. John was always willing to help anyone to learn the game, providing positive feedback and giving tips that would benefit their game.
In the 1980’s, John joined the Innisfail Golf Club. Over his years of dedication to the sport, he became a shareholder of the Innisfail Golf Club and served on the Club’s Board of Directors, as President and Director. He was exceptionally happy to volunteer to help the club expand to twenty-seven holes. John made many friendships and some of his most memorable times were heading to Kimberley, British Columbia, every May long weekend to meet up with good friends for a crazy fun four days of golf.
He was very happy when his sons and grandchildren decided they wanted to learn the game. John beamed with pride when he helped them learn and watch them play. In the winter months, he was at the Bowladrome in downtown Red Deer 5 pin bowling. John volunteered as a level 2 Coach, teaching various ages and levels of youth bowling. He was proud when his sons made bowling Provincials and then onto Nationals, which took the boys to Thunder Bay, Ontario. John also participated in a weekly Men’s league for 5 pin and 10 pin bowling for many years. Another hobby John enjoyed was collecting Hockey Cards. He enjoyed it so much he opened a sportscard store in Penhold, called King’s Card Castle. He opened the store to share the hobby with youth and many others. Although the store closed years ago, he continued collecting and sharing the hobby until his passing.
John lived in Penhold with his wife Julia in the home he built in 1979. He was very proud of this
accomplishment as it provided a home for his family for years to come. He would work during the day and attend home building classes at night to learn how to build the home. This turned into many evenings and weekends building their home until it was finished in December 1979. This would become the home where John and Julia would raise their sons, David and Michael. Being an only child, John held the importance of family, he was a strong supporter of his wife, children and grandchildren and always encouraged them to strive to achieve their goals. He loved seeing and hearing about their successes and achievements over the years. John would become a staple in the community of Penhold as he held various volunteer roles with the Recreation Board and other community committees for many years. His most
memorable role was being the community Santa for many years. John and his neighbor Larry would coordinate with the Recreation Manager to bring the magic of Santa to family’s homes on Christmas Eve. Families that participated would give details of their children’s names and provide their presents so he could surprise them at their home. He enjoyed spreading the Christmas cheer and he would share the experience for weeks after the event.
Another role that he was exceptionally proud of was his contribution in helping to fundraise and promote the Penhold Regional Multiplex. John mentioned many times how honored he was to volunteer and see this “dream and goal” for the community to come to fruition.
John was many things to many people, but he will be lovingly remembered as a friend, husband, father and Poppa. His love will be forever treasured and carried in the hearts of his beautiful wife of forty-eight years, Julia King, his son William David (Serena) and their children Sydney (Andrew) Elliott, William Lukas, and Nathaniel, and his son Michael (Nicole) and their children Dakota, Isabel, Emerson, Kylee and Greyson as well as his , his nephew, Darren (Stephen) Giles, niece, Natalie (Norm) Tremblay and their children, his nephew, Tom (Kim) Giles and their son, his nephew, John Giles and sister-in-law Jackie Gnam. He will be forever cherished by his loving family. John is predeceased by his parents, William Dennis and Eileen King, his father and mother in- law, Harry and Mildred Giles, his brother in-law, George Giles and sister’s in-law Elaine Giles and Janet Giles.
At this time, the family will be holding a private event in John’s honor in the Spring 2025.
Memorial donations can be made to Whisker Rescue Society of Alberta and/or the Central Alberta Humane Society in Red Deer, Alberta.
The King family would like to thank the Penhold Fire Department and Innisfail EMS for their care and compassion. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2025-03-14
• Location : (Innisfail) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com