JANSSEN, WILLIAM (BILL) March 25, 1924 - April 17, 2007 Bill was one of a kind. He was truly a unique person who was always positive and an inspiration to everyone he met. Raised east of Red Deer in the Valley Centre district, Bill attended grade school in the one room school house, making the trip to Red Deer by himself with horse and cart every weekend by the time he was twelve. He went to high school in Red Deer and attended Olds College of Agriculture where he went on to be inducted into the Olds College Hall of Fame in 1994. Bill embodied agriculture and had a great and varied career in the field. Raised on the family farm in Valley Centre he took over alongside his mother after the sudden early death of his father. After marrying Carol Kelly in 1964 they kept the farm but moved to Penhold to build the Penhold Feed Mill with partner Norm Corrigan. With charisma, honesty and always putting their customers first they won the highest provincial sales by 1972. During his time there, Bill was elected mayor of Penhold. He had a son Bill Jr. and a daughter Patti and together with Carol they moved back to the farm in 1973 where they concentrated on expanding Red Deer Custom Feedlots which had been started in the early 60's with brother Vic Janssen. It grew to an 8000 head capacity and they welcomed numerous international delegations over the years. The annual "feedlot BBQs" became legendary. Bill and Carol eventually decided to shut it down in 1982 when Bill became a fulltime livestock dealer. He was elected into the position of Supervisor of the Red Deer Feeders Association and it grew to be the largest in Alberta under his supervision through many years. He enjoyed traveling far and wide and gained many lifelong friends. He was happy to be active in many service organizations and boards. Like many raised in the country, Bill continued to be fully involved in the family farm which moved to the Hillsdown district, never resting even in retirement. He leaves a hole which will never be filled and we will think of him and his optimism for guidance always. He leaves his loving family, including wife Carol (Kelly), son Bill and daughter-in-law Cheryl daughter Patti (Alex) and son-in-law Gordie, grandchildren Kendall, Mikayla, Alicia, Willie, Lesia and a truly great extended family who has always been close to his heart. He is predeceased by his father Bill and mother Josie as well as his brother Vic and sister Minerva. Bill was so thankful for all of the great medical care given to him. His family at this time wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr's. Sarbit, Hulyk and Pearce and all of the many others at Red Deer Hospital. Memorial tribute will be held at Innisfail Legion Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. and Bill would want to make sure that everyone knows they are welcome to attend! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Deer Hospital Cattle Roundup, STARS or donors choice.