It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of William (Bill) George Whitelock at the age of 93 ½ on Monday February 9th, 2026. Bill was born in Hardisty on August 7th, 1932 to George and Leona Whitelock. The youngest of three children (Adythe, Clarence and himself), Bill rode his horse everywhere, including to school at Battle Bend, a one room schoolhouse. He worked hard on the farm from a young age, harvesting, tending cattle, and raising horses. He loved his community and used to say that there was no place on earth that he’d rather be. Even when he sold the cows, he continued raising horses. It wasn’t until his mid-late 80’s that he decided to let someone else break his horses for him. Although he still enjoyed breaking a team on the wagon, where he took some wild rides.

Bill leaves behind to mourn his death, his wife Beverly Whitelock, his children Lynn (Karen) Whitelock, Darcy (Leah) Whitelock, Denise (Rick LaForce) Whitelock. His step-children Shannon Pedlar, Shane (Sara Stockdale) Pedlar. His grandchildren, Tina Whitelock, Lance (Kayla) Whitelock, Deanna (Richard Deacon) Whitelock, and Michael (Carlee) Whitelock. Great grandchildren: Kyle, April, Lincoln, Daya and Brynn Whitelock, and Lucas and Logan Butcher. His step-grandchildren Caitlin & Courtney Krause, Emma, Danica, Temperance, & Wyatt Pedlar.

For all who knew Bill, he was a great man who had a funny sense of humor, was kind-hearted, musical, and loved nothing more than his family and his horses. We know that when Bill passed, he was greeted by a pasture full of horses, and a home full of family and friends who held a huge jam session to welcome him.

Bill's absence will be felt by friends and loved ones. We take comfort in knowing that he is pain free and jumping on all the horses who managed to buck him off over the years and seeing if he can do a better ride. We will always cherish the memories we made together. Thank you for being a great husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

They say that after you pass, your brain replays 7 minutes of your best memories. We hope during your 7 minutes, that it was packed full, and that you knew much you were loved. When we hear a certain song, smell those certain smells, remember a funny memory, we will know that you are with us. As you saddle up your horse to ride off in the sunset (please pick a tame one this time) we’ll be listening for your "Hearrrr we goooo"

Grandpa's Final Ride (Celebration of Life)

Please join the family for a final ride to honor the memory of Bill on Saturday August 8, 2026 at 1:00pm at The Whitelock Farm 10447 TWP RD 404.

The ride will last approximately 30 minutes. A trailer with straw bales is available for anyone who would like to follow along without riding a horse. Alternatively, you are welcome to relax at the yard and enjoy some live music.

Coffee, soft drinks, and snacks will be served afterwards. In honor of Bill, this will be an alcohol-free event. For those who would like to spend some extra time with the family, there will be a pot luck supper at 5:00pm if you would like to join us, please bring your favorite dish.

The Whitelock family would like to thank the Hardisty Fire and Rescue Team, the entire team at the Daysland Hospital staff, and the STARS Team. We would also like to say thank you for the overwhelming support from family and friends during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to STARS.