In Loving Memory of Thomas William 'Bill' Armitage
September 27, 1934 – April 20, 2025

Thomas William (Bill) Armitage passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 90 years.

Born in Wainwright, Alberta on September 27, 1934, to Bert and Mary Armitage, Bill was the eldest of nine children - four sisters and four brothers. He spent most of his life rooted near Kinsella, Alberta - a place where he found his purpose, grew his family and built his legacy. He married Hjordis Anne Andreson on August 4, 1962.

Bill's love was for his ladies – his wife and three daughters and his cows! There was not a family holiday or camping trip that did not include Angus cows. A member of the Alberta and Canadian Angus Associations, Bill was a visionary, a pioneer, and a leader in the Purebred Angus cattle industry. He dedicated his life to building Angus Acres, where he and his wife, Hjordis raised a very successful straight Canadian Angus cattle herd with intention, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. With decades of experience and instinctive knowledge, Bill shaped a herd that made a lasting mark on the industry. Many of his carefully bred sires and progeny remain foundational to Angus herds across the world including China, Japan, Argentina, Russia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada and the United States. In 2016, their hard work paid off and Angus Acres was nominated into the Angus Hall of Fame for breed improvement.

Bill was a volunteer in his community and a committed member of the Kinsella Elks Club. In 2001, Bill, Hjordis and family were presented with the Northlands Farm Family Award. He loved a good game of cards and was known for his wit - he had a sharp, dry sense of humor and a way of making people laugh without trying too hard. He was kind, intuitive, and deeply knowledgeable—not just about cattle, but about people. Whether it was a farm tour, or an unexpected chat at the fence line, Bill loved visiting with customers and anyone that wanted to learn about his Angus cattle. He had an incredible ability to recall all things past and present up until 90. Bill and his inventions on the farm were showcased on 3 episodes of the 'Prairie Farm Report' TV Show.

When he wasn't in the corrals or checking cattle, Bill could be found with his brother Donald. They would spend hours moving dirt and large rocks creating a breathtaking oasis on the farm that welcomed guests from around the world.

In quieter moments, he loved to travel, take photos, and spend time with his family and grandkids – they lit him up. He loved watching and listening to Fox News, curling and was an avid Oilers fan, following the game with enthusiasm and commentary all his own. Bill while in his 80's wrote his own book 'Willies Words' for his family, outlining his Angus journey and his most prized accomplishments. A book that is treasured by his family.

Bill's impact stretches far beyond fence lines and pedigrees—it lives in the stories shared around kitchen tables, the cattle that walk pastures across the country, and the family and friends who carry his spirit forward.

Bill will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife Hjordis of 62 years, his three daughters Hjordis 'Jo-Anne' MacKay, Mary Lee (Blake) Prior, Patricia Armitage (Vern Chichak). His 6 grandchildren Clark (Janeece) MacKay, Jarvis (Andrea) MacKay, Reece MacKay, Jordyn Prior, Dallon (Morgan) Prior, Denver (Shania) Prior. His 6 great grandchildren. His siblings, Betty (Clifton) Holt, Herb Armitage, John (Ardele) Armitage, Donald(Iris) Armitage, Doris Priddle, Ben (Carol) Armitage, and brother-in-law Pat Moore. As well as extended family and friends.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Mary Armitage; two sisters, Joyce Armitage and Maureen Moore, brother-in-law Don Priddle, sister-in-law Debbie Armitage and son-in-law, Dwight MacKay.

The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Bill's life on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 5:00pm at the Kinsella Hall. If so desired the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alberta Lung Association or the Kinsella Cemetery Fund.