Obituary of William Paul Ries

In the wee morning hours of November 4, 1926, two young girls, Virgina and Margie, awakened to the sound of a baby crying. They were puzzled, wondering what a baby might be doing in their south Castor farm home this early in the morning. When Margie heard her dad come in from doing the morning chores, she ventured down to the kitchen to find out if it was indeed possible that there was a baby in the house. Her dad confirmed their suspicion. This wasn’t enough information for her, so she asked how there could be a baby, since she knew a big stork could not have fit through the window in her parents’ bedroom. This baby was their new brother, William Paul. William was lovingly welcomed by his parents, Maria (Treidt) and George Ries and older siblings- Alfred, Virginia, Marguerite, Harold and George. Three years later a younger sister Rita, completed the family. William enjoyed the farm and soon realized this would be his life’s work. He attended Willow Prairie, Williston and Theresetta Schools. He studied Mechanics at SAIT in Calgary for one school year, the only time he left south Castor. On April 13, 1953, he married Shirley Knowles. Together they raised eight children. Willie was active in the South Castor 4H Beef Club and the Castor Elks. He also curled and volunteered at the Castor Museum. He was an excellent singer and a gifted musician, able to play the guitar, piano, and accordion by ear. Country-western music was his favourite, and he enjoyed teaching his young daughters to dance in the living room. Extended family was important to him, and he always kept in touch with his children and grandchildren, who have spread out around the world. He liked nothing better than a visit with family and friends. He had a hearty laugh and a keen sense of humour that often had everyone in tears. Willie is survived by his wife, Shirley, his children: Gordon, Marilyn (Dennis Weber), Barbara (Brent Lyons), Howard, Carol, Michael, Richard (Glenda), and Nola. His grandchildren are Bill (Cindy), Alexandra, Stuart (Deanna), Catherine, Patricia, Lyle (Elizabeth), Tirzah, Hilary, Haley, Liam, Ambrosia, Rhiannon, and Damon. His great grandchildren are Brooke, Raelynn, Seandra, Charlotte, Heidi, Vance, Ivan, Corinne, and Orion. He is also survived by his sisters Marge and Rita and his brother, Alfred (who passed away the day after Willie), his brothers-in-law, George and Herbert Knowles, Mike Johnson, and sisters-in-law, Wilma Zurfluh, Nora Spencer, Karen (Joe) Hogg, and Sandra Smyth, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and his cat Pearl. Sunday, October 16, 2016 9:00 A.M. Mass Dedicated to William and Alfred Our Lady Of Grace Catholic Church Luncheon to follow at 11:00 AM Castor Community Hall Castor, Alberta Memorial Donations may be made to Theresetta Education Foundation, Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation or a charity of your own choice.