Bill Eves

William Leslie Eves passed away in Calgary, Alberta on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 82 years. Bill grew up on a farm near Blenheim, Ontario, with his parents and three siblings Diane, John and Miriam. It was there that he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of animals. Over the years, work and new opportunities took him across Canada—from Whitehorse, Yukon, in the late 1970s, to Calgary in the 1980s. He spent more than a decade in Nanaimo, British Columbia, before returning to Calgary in 2019.

Bill was predeceased by his spouse of 30 years, Juanita; his sister, Diane; his brother, John; and nephews, Brett and Paul.

A true jack of all trades, Bill was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and sense of adventure. He was always on the lookout for the next opportunity, the next idea, or the next great deal. He loved meeting new people and had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation and make a friend wherever he went. Earlier in life, Bill worked as a talented contractor, building and renovating homes and other structures. Over the years he pursued a wide range of business ventures—from breeding Pot-bellied pigs and Shar-Pei puppies to travelling local trade shows selling “That Orange Stuff” and German titanium cookware.

For the past two decades, Bill brought joy to neighbourhoods in Nanaimo and Calgary as the local ice cream man. He loved driving his vintage pink ice cream truck, and children would come running at the sound of The Entertainer playing from down the street. Bill was known for making sure every child got a frozen treat, whether they had coins in hand or not. Another of Bill’s greatest joys was playing Santa Claus each holiday season. Dressed in his red suit, hat, and beard, he brought warmth and laughter to malls, parties, and countless children. Serving kids in his community—whether through an ice cream cone in summer or a visit from Santa at Christmas—gave Bill immeasurable happiness.

Bill will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, generous heart, quick smile, and gift for connecting with people. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made directly to the Veterans Association https://veteranshelpingveterans.ca or to the Calgary Humane Society https://www.calgaryhumane.ca. These organizations perform work that Bill deeply valued.