This is a dedication to George William (Bill) Dunn (1921 – 2015). The purpose of this website is to share memories with stories, photos and music. We are encouraging anyone who has remembrances to add to our collection. Contributions should be sent to billdunnmemorial@gmail.com
Some background seemed in order so to that end, we are providing a brief history of his legacy.
Bill was born in 1921 in Ardenode, Alberta where he lived until the age of 12. His parents moved the family to Wolf Creek where they spent two years attempting to proof up some land in accordance with the Homesteaders Act. Unfortunately, his mother fell ill and they had to move to Edmonton where they lived near the river bank in what was then known as Fox Hollow.
At the age of 16, he met his wife-to-be, Edith Smith at a dance where her dad was playing in the band. They began dating but there were no jobs in the city so Bill ‘rode the rails’ down to southern Alberta where he worked as a hired hand at the Burns Ranch.
He and Edith were married in 1939 and shortly after, their first child was born. At first he did odd jobs, but soon joined the Navy. He developed rheumatic fever and was returned home with a serious heart ailment. Despite grave warnings about dying young, he continued his education and landed a job at the Land Titles Office in Edmonton.
His first love was always music. His band, the Saddle Tramps had a weekly radio show on CFRN (The Canadian Western Opry sponsored by the W W Arcade Hardware Store). Every Saturday night they played a dance at Rabbit Hill where folks could dance to polkas, schottische and participate in square dancing. Edith ran the concession selling refreshments. The band had a solid following of fans througout Alberta.
Bill and Edith were blessed with five children: Elaine. Turena, Billie, Linda and Trevor, all of whom were lucky enough to inherit their parents’ talent and often said that music was the glue that held the family together.
He bought a farm in 1954 just outside of Blueridge, Aberta and at the age of 52, he took an early retirement and moved there. He loved the outdoors and worked the land for many years. In 2001 the couple built a new house up on the hill overlooking the beautiful Athabasca river valley where he resided until his death. Not only did he defy the odds by living to the ripe old age of 93, he and Edith celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary in December of 2015.
Bill Dunn 