William "Bill" James Hamilton

William “Billy” James Hamilton passed away peacefully as the sun was rising on April 27, 2022, at the age of 78 at the High River Hospital. He left on his own terms and with a practical sense of humor, just like he approached everything in life. Billy was born February 4, 1944, to Bill and Ruth Hamilton, the middle child between sister Isabella and brother Sam. He grew up on the family farming and ranching operation in DeWinton which he called home for many years before moving further south to Parkland. As a boy, Billy and his siblings learned a love of the western lifestyle from their mom and dad and kept very busy raising horses and cattle and mixed crops. All three of the kids grew to be skilled horsemen and hard workers under the guidance of Bill and Ruth. As a young man, he left the family farm and headed South to work at a cattle ranch in Oklahoma with his good friends, Don Sutherland and John Neish where many great stories were made. Over the years, Billy had the opportunity to pursue many endeavors away from home but his fondness for the ranching and farming lifestyle always brought him back to DeWinton. Billy tested his skills as a steer wrestler before he eventually took up team roping. Roping became one of the many hobbies he excelled at and over the years he won many championships, both as a header and heeler and his skill with a rope made him handy to have around come branding time. He had an eye for a good horse, and he rode and trained many through the years. Billy never came across a broken fence or a piece of farm equipment that he could not repair. If he had a jackknife, some baling twine, and a pair of fencing pliers he could fix most anything; except his two daughters crooked teeth, which he had to begrudgingly source out to the professionals. He was good at everything he did, except for cooking which led to his appreciation for burnt toast. When he “retired” to Parkland he kept busier than ever, he drove truck for a few years for Burnco and spent any free time roping with friends and pursuing his renewed interest in leather work. Over the last few years, he spent countless hours in his shop making beautiful tack and last summer he finished his second saddle. Billy was as genuine and dependable as they come; a true cowboy who was tough as nails and a man of his word who could be counted on for anything. He valued his friends and family, always made time for a visit and was never too busy to enjoy a beer. His sense of humor and his smile will be remembered by all those who knew him, his wisdom and patience will be very much missed. Billy was welcomed home by his parents and sister and many good friends. He lives on in the cherished memories of his wife and best friend Rosanne, his daughters Marci Lee and Cayleigh Ruth (J.T.) and will forever remain a legendary Papa to his grandson, Chase and granddaughters, Caitlyn (Jesse) and Amanda. Billy will be fondly remembered by his brother Sam (Sharon) along with his extended family and a long list of great friends and roping partners. Billy had a good heart and a charitable spirit. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you pay a kindness to someone in need because he was always willing to help a friend or neighbor. At Billy’s request, there will be no service. Please remember him fondly over a beer and a visit and a few good steers in the pen. The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Foothills, Tom Baker and High River hospitals for their care and compassion with a special thank you to nurse Amanda and Dr. Scott Rapske. We are forever grateful to you for your service and kindness.