September 22, 1929 – May 16, 2025
After nearly a century of love, laughter, and legacy, William “Bill” Jeffries peacefully passed away on May 16, 2025 at Cypress Regional Hospital with family by his side. With grateful hearts, we honour and celebrate the well-lived and deeply loved life of our Husband, Dad, Papa (Grandpa and Great-Grandpa), Brother, Uncle, and Friend.
Bill is survived by his wife and soulmate of 77 years, Doris; their children, Judy, Dan, Lori, and Terry; and their 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, who will always hold their beloved “Papa” close in their hearts. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Laughlin of Calgary, and many nieces and nephews who remember him as “a special man with a heart of gold.” He is reunited in spirit with many loved ones, including his parents, three brothers, two sisters, and his sons, Brian (1951) and Jerry (2024).
Bill was born on September 22, 1929, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Each chapter in his rich life story was marked by strength, humility, generosity, and a deep commitment to his family and community. After the sudden death of his father in 1942, Bill stepped up to support his family at just 13 years old, earning his driver’s license early so he could help run the farm while his older siblings served in the Armed Forces. This sense of responsibility and resilience would shape his life and inspire all who knew him.
Bill married the love of his life, Doris Shelstad, in 1948. They built a beautiful life together rooted in love, humour, hard work, and heart. Their marriage of 77 years reflected the kind of prairie love that inspired everyone around them: joyful, steadfast, and strengthened by years of growing, giving, and weathering life’s seasons together.
Bill began his working life as a “grease monkey” (his words!) in a local garage before learning the dry cleaning trade from the ground up. After operating a shop in Leader, Saskatchewan, Bill and Doris returned to Swift Current where they built and ran Keep-U-Neat Cleaners & Tailors. It was a cornerstone business that served Southwest Saskatchewan for four decades (1953-1994), and provided first jobs for their children, grandchildren and many local high school students who provided their signature pick up and delivery service! They also continued farming, with the loving stewardship of the land that only a farmer can truly appreciate, retiring in 1981. A proud Kinsmen Club charter member and a trusted neighbour, Bill’s commitment to service extended beyond work. He brought humour, wisdom, and integrity to every interaction.
Bill was the ultimate storyteller, never missing a detail and easily transporting you into the moment to relive it with him. Some of his favourite stories to tell were of his childhood years on the farm near Success, Saskatchewan. Memories of riding on horseback to school with his little sister, Joan, who he lovingly zipped into his parka in the winter to keep her warm (and one of our favourites – when he agreed to race a neighbour, and both he and Joan ended up in the mud.
In retirement, Bill and Doris travelled in their motorhome, gardened (his tomatoes were legendary), and crafted handmade birdhouses for their grandchildren. Some of the most cherished memories took place at the family cabin on Clearwater Lake, where generations of kids and grandkids learned to waterski, fish, golf, and pitch in for the occasional chore!
Bill lived with honour and integrity. He was the rock of our family, and the stories, values, and legacy he leaves behind will continue to shape us for generations to come.
In honour of Bill’s life, donations may be made to the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation. The family also warmly welcomes you to share your or your family’s stories and memories of Bill at: billjeffrieslegacy@gmail.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit the website www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.