Tribute

After a lengthy battle with COPD that defied all the odds, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Baerg. Bill was born in Coaldale, Alberta where he lived for his early years before moving to Shonts, Alberta then as a long-time resident of Kimberley, BC, moving there with his family in 1970. In his early years, he was well known throughout the East Kootenay as a rhythm guitar player and vocalist
in a number of dance bands that provided live entertainment for many years at the Kimberley Ski Hill as well as throughout the many surrounding communities. If you didn’t know him through music, you
probably knew him as your milkman or breadman, or perhaps the guy who helped you at Alpine Home Centre. He also started music stores in both Kimberley and Cranbrook, Kootenay Overhead Doors, Bill
Pickles Deli and was a partner in Frontier Agri-center and his last job at St. Eugene Mission Golf Course in the maintenance department, a place where his love of bird watching flourished. Early on after arriving
in Kimberley, Bill was one of the instrumental figures involved in shaping Kimberley into a tourist destination. He worked tirelessly on winter and summer festivals which later became known as
Winterfest and Julyfest and was a co-founder of the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships, and Songfest, a Christian music festival in the 80’s. He was an avid fisherman whenever
he found time, with the highlight being his catching of a blue marlin in Mexico. A gregarious character known for his enjoyment of great food and company, Bill’s passion for cooking bloomed in his later
years. He was well known for his clam chowder at his deli and his appreciation of fine wines, single malt scotches, and cheeses of all kinds which only grew through the years.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all of the family and friends who took the time to visit with Bill when he became house bound, it always brightened his day when someone came. The
family would also like to give a special thank you to Dr. Ryan Lunge for his care and attention over the years, and his willingness to try new therapies that improved Bill’s quality of life, not to mention his
infectious happiness and enthusiasm every time he talked to or about Bill.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy Baerg, his daughters Tammy Baerg and Tracy and son in-law Allan Wisemiller, his sisters Evelyn Cahill and Debbie Fooks (Dave), his brothers Allan (Marion)
and Doug (Carol), his sister in-law Elaine, many nieces and nephews, numerous extended family and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Tina, his brothers Art and Irvin, and his
brother in-law Terry Cahill.
A memorial for Bill will be held on June 4, 2022 at the Wasa Community Hall from 1PM to 4PM.  Directions and more details will be posted on Bill’s Facebook page closer to the date.