Stuart William (Bill) Gilroy
The world lost a true legend on Oct. 16, 2022.
Stuart William Gilroy (a.k.a. Bill, Sir Nookey, Mr. 69) was born Nov. 8, 1928 in Newmarket, Ont. He got his B.Comm. from UBC and started his career at The Hudson's Bay Company in B.C., before moving to Edmonton. He was Alberta’s Director of Vital Statistics for a decade before going on to sell books for Lone Pine Publishing, to drive rental cars for Avis Budget and, in his early 90s, to deliver meals for Meals on Wheels.
Bill was an incredibly active person. He took up running in his 40s and ran marathons into his 70s. He was an amazing skier, still doing double-black diamonds in his 80s.
In the mid-1990s, he discovered the Hash House Harriers. That was a match made in heaven. He was, until his passing, the oldest active Hasher in the world. Bill also loved taking part in November Project, working out with his personal trainer, and doing stairs in the river valley right up into his 93rd year.
He was active, fun, outspoken and incredibly kind and generous, with a real knack to make people feel special.
Bill will be greatly missed by his wife Margie (a.k.a Muddy), his sister Barbara (Ray), his children Gord (Angie), Doug (Teresa), Christa (Kathy), Scott and Stuart, his stepchildren Ellen (Peter), Ian (Christine) and George, and by his grandchildren Jack, Grace, Emmy, Andrew, Liz, Malachi, and Jochem.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209-123 St., Edmonton) on Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. (Livestream available: https://www.rwuc.org/live/) Afterwards, all are invited to join his “On On” at SOHO (11454 Jasper Ave.) so we can raise a glass to the unforgettable Sir Nookey. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Everyone is invited to come dressed as you think Bill would like, and Hash House Harrier or November Project grassroots gear are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Options: A Society for Children and Families https://www.communityoptions.ab.ca/donations
What an incredible man and an incredible life. He will be missed by many.
Bill was a legend who always made me laugh. He will be sorely missed.
Sir Nookey Mr. 69 a true legend, an icon, the oldest living active hasher in the world, you will be forever remembered by many. Muddy I am heartbroken for you and your family. On On Sir Nookey Mr. 69 Mr. Gillroy
One of my first memories is watching Bill climb the stairs at Commonwealth, have a shot of beer after and then get into his little red convertible to go home. I only hope to be doing things like that as I get older. Hugs to all
Marg and family:
Bill was an inspiration to so many, he was a remarkable man and athlete, that lived life to the fullest. He was so full of zest, energy, kindness, and enthusiasm. His love for you and his children was deep and profound. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Sending you my deepest condolences, and love during this difficult time
I worked with Bill at Budget Car and ruck Rentals. He was a fine colleague and a great friend. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lickin Lizard and I (Poo-Tang) we’re blessed to know Bill and even more so to have him officiate our wedding in the Edmonton River Valley – so handsome in his kilt. His warm eyes and beautiful smile with a quick wink softened my nerves at the alter.
He was easily the most full of life person I know. Always smiling.
Condolences to Muddy and your entire family. You will be missed.
On on wanker. 💕💕💕💕
So sorry for your loss.
Dale and Judy Barry
What an incredibly full life this remarkable man led. Your memories will give you strength.
Karen Tubman
As A lLegend, A Freind, and An Inspiration, whose efforts to enjoy life to the fullest truly inspired: This is the Bill Gilroy I will remember.
In the short time we have known Bill , it became clear at the very beginning that he was very special. It was a pleasure working with him as well as enjoying our company with Bill and Margie at home or in restaurants for a nice meal. He loved life to the fullest and will be missed dearly . Our deepest condolences to you Margie and family . You are in our thoughts at this time.
My sincere condolences 🙏. Bill was the grandfather I never had, he was the smile I needed daily, he was a friend, a colleague, an inspiration. Bill always lit up the room with his wonderful sense of humor and charm. He was the laughter we all needed daily. Bill was a wonderful marvelous soul. His legacy will live on forever in my heart.
We are offering our sincerest condolences to you Marg and your whole family. Nookey will live on in so many of our memories. So many of us wish to have half his legacy at the end of our earthly journey. Much love to you. We will continue to hold space for you.
Céleste and Michael
RIP my dear friend, I will never forget our time spent talking about life, be it yours, mine, or in general. Between our road trips to Red Deer on Thursday nights, our DASHing at the EH3 runs, or the one night I sat on your patio sharing a beverage after scouting our upcoming run, you have been nothing less than an inspiration, to say the least.
The night on your patio I felt shamed, YOU were doing stairs with NP…so in true RE fashion, at that moment I decided to SHOW UP, lest allow you to SHOW ME UP!! While my ailments interfered far too much in my active ability, you showed me how to persevere. I thank you for that. I thank you for being you, through and through, and I thank you most of all, for being my friend.
ON and ON! Until we meet again, friend ❤️
Such a great guy when I first moved to Edmonton. It was a James Bond run and Bill (nookie) looked just like Sean Connery. he will be so missed…rest in peace…
The “other Bill” was unforgettable! He never acted his age; he was more like 13 going on 60. He did look like Sean with lovely Margaret on his arm. Bill was so full of life and fun. He showed others how to let loose. I wish I was there to see him run in one of his red dresses. Bill was entertaining but I will never forget the profound speech he gave at his 90th family birthday party. He inspired us all to love and live our lives fully. He certainly did. May Gilroy rest in peace as his family and friends rejoice in his long, remarkable life!
My condolences to the Gilroy families on the loss of your father and husband.
Bill was always a joy to hang out with and I will miss his contagious honesty and joy for life.
ON ON until we meet again,
Brenda
Ellen and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
May you run with the angels
Bill was a great man and a good friend. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time.
Its indeed a celebration of life and living
You came ,you saw , you conquered
Your job was done
Rest on
Bill was a fine man and a good friend. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and his family.