In Memory
William Wilson
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Captain (Navy) (Retired) William H. “Captain Bill” Wilson on Monday, July 27, 2026 at the age of 101.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis; her children, Carrie-Lynn (Stephen); Michael (Colleen); and nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia; mother of Scott (Christianne); Corinne (Darrell), his sister, Janet and stepson Kevin.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on November 5, 1924, Bill devoted more than eight decades to serving Canada, both in uniform and through extraordinary volunteer leadership. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War, serving aboard HMCS Ottawa and participating in the Battle of the Atlantic and the D-Day landings. He later continued his naval career in the Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of Captain after 52 years of distinguished service.
Following a successful career with Canadian Pacific and leadership roles with the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Organizing Committee, Bill became the driving force behind the Naval Museum of Alberta and helped realize the vision of The Military Museums in Calgary. His unwavering commitment preserved Canada’s naval and military heritage for future generations. Known affectionately as “Captain Bill”, he inspired countless people through his optimism, generosity, and determination. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit, received the Alberta Order of Excellence, and earned numerous national honours in recognition of his remarkable service.
Bill will be remembered as a devoted family man, mentor, patriot, and friend whose legacy of leadership, service, and community spirit will continue to inspire generations of Canadians.
A Celebration of Life will be held at HMCS Tecumseh, 1820 – 24 Street SW on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 2pm.
William H. Wilson | https://www.alberta.ca/aoe-william-wilson
Bill Wilson, D-Day veteran and Calgary museum mastermind, turns 100 | Calgary Herald https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/hundred-bill
DDay Bill Wilson https://valourcanada.ca/military-history-library/d-day-bill-wilson/
In lieu of flowers, a donation is William’s memory may be made to the Naval Museum Society https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/34639 or The Salvation Army Agapé Hospice 1302 8th Avenue NW Calgary, AB T2N 1B8.
Share a message or memory
S. Szainwald
Ingrid and Thomas Nickle
We will remember
Liz (Green) McDonald
Murray and Kendra Wegener
May your broken heart be filled with beautiful memories of Bill. Murray and I were fortunate to be able to have you and Bill in our company on a few occasions with Mom and Dad and every date was memorable. It was always a pleasure listening to stories and we know those kind eyes had seen more than any man should see over the years he served . Hugs to you and your family Phyllis.
Irene Pfeiffer
Janice
Bill Mahoney
Although we never met, I feel the weight of your passing with genuine gratitude and respect. Men like you stood between freedom and tyranny, and because you answered that call, generations you would never know—including mine—have lived lives of peace, opportunity, and liberty.
I can never fully understand the sacrifices you made or the burdens you carried, but I have been a beneficiary of them every day of my life. The freedoms I enjoy as a Canadian were not simply inherited; they were earned by the courage, resolve, and selflessness of people like you.
So today, I offer my deepest thanks. Not because we shared memories, but because we share a bond that transcends acquaintance—the enduring debt one generation owes another.
May you rest in eternal peace, Captain Bill Wilson. Your service, your sacrifice, and your quiet legacy live on in the freedoms that surround us every day.
With profound gratitude and respect, thank you.
Lest we Forget
Donna Phillips
You not know me but I reach out to all of you and send my condolences for you loss.
Sending you COURAGE, STRENGTH & LOVE now and forever.
Captain (Navy) (Retired) William H. "Captain Bill" Wilson THANK YOU for your service, your sacrifices during WWII to help make this world a safe and better place for all to live.
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember them."
Rest Easy Sir you have lots to share with your fallen Soldiers In Arms.
From: A PROUD Canadian Veterans Daughter
Donna Phillips
Daughter of the Late Donald Martin Phillips
WWII Veteran 1941-1945
Sunrise April 1,1922
Sunset May 13, 2015