Bill Ponto  

On July 16th, 2026, after a brief illness, Bill peacefully passed away at the age of 83 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital knowing he was loved and supported by his family and many wonderful friends, both living and passed. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Chris and Millie; brothers Bev and Dennis; and his loving wife Kathy. He is survived by his son Mike (Jolene) and many members of his extended family.  

Bill was born in Galahad Alberta, the youngest of three boys. In 1943, when he was still just a baby, his family packed up and moved west to the Okanagan, initially farming with family around Oliver before buying a farm near Kelowna in 1946. While the life of a fruit farmer in the sunny Okanagan was rewarding, the call of the prairies still lingered, and the family once again packed what they had into train cars and made the move back to Alberta. This time settling on what became the family farm just outside Forestburg in August of 1951. 

Young Billy was an active child, always helping on the farm and following the lead of his 2 older brothers. He was an avid hockey player, which he continued to enjoy into early adulthood. Following in the footsteps of his brothers, Billy was a dedicated member of the Air Cadets and also a skilled outdoorsman. Those lessons and skills would serve him throughout his life.  

In July of 1969, Bill married the love of his life, Kathy and they began their journey as a family. That family was completed in 1980, adopting a son, Michael. Fun was always a part of their lives. Fishing trips and camping with friends and family in the summers and card games around a table with a few drinks. Laughs were going to be had if Bill was involved. Always a joker, Bill loved to tease his family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews.   

He was a worker, weather it be on the farm or through the progression of his career. From the coal mine, to driving truck and plowing cable. Bill landed with AGT/Telus in 1972, from where he would eventually retire as an Engineer in 1997.  

Retirement brought a new chapter for Bill and Kathy, more travel and adventure! Often finding their way to Vancouver Island to indulge in his passion for fishing.  

Bill was a great man who lived life to the fullest. He loved, was loved and always looked to bring joy and laughter to those around him. He will be greatly missed and certainly left a mark on everyone he encountered. 

A special thanks to the Memory Care unit staff at Aspen Ridge, you all were so kind to Bill. As well as, to the staff on unit 33 of the Red Deer Hospital for your care and compassion in his final weeks.   

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Westerner Park Chalet in Red Deer, Alberta, on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, at 2:00pm. If you are unable to attend the service in person, please copy and paste this link to join via livestream:  https://v2api.foveo.app/v1/str/stream/william-bill-ponto/embed/ 

Cremation and arrangements entrusted to Eventide Funeral Home. If desired, memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.arbormemorial.ca
Arbor Memorial 

• Date : 2026-07-16
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home, www.eventidefuneralchapels.com