While thousands of Calgarians gathered at ceremonies across the city on November 11, 2025, a particularly poignant tribute unfolded at a Bridgeland seniors' residence, where residents and staff paused to honour one of their own: 106-year-old Bill Wright, believed to be Calgary's oldest living Second World War veteran.
A Life of Service Remembered
The special Remembrance Day ceremony was held at Silvera for Seniors' Aspen Commons community in northeast Calgary, where Wright now resides. The event served to honour all veterans and commemorate the profound sacrifices of those who lost their lives in military service.
When asked what Remembrance Day means to him, Wright offered a heartfelt reflection. For him, it is a time to remember friends who went overseas and never made it home. "It's remembering everybody that lost their life," he stated. "Mostly you think about friends of yours that lost their lives over there. That's the biggest thing."
Wartime Memories from Manitoba
Speaking with reporters, Wright recounted memories from his military service more than eight decades ago with remarkable clarity. He was just 21 years old when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940, mere months after Germany invaded Poland.
Unlike many who served abroad, Wright spent the entire war years stationed in Manitoba. He served from 1940 to 1945, first at the No. 12 Service Flying Training School in Brandon and later at the No. 10 SFTS in Dauphin. Working in procurement, he rose to the rank of sergeant and was responsible for overseeing the purchasing of food and other essential supplies.
"That's where I spent all my military life," Wright said with a smile, adding a touch of his characteristic humour. "They used to say, 'Join the service and see the world.' I said, 'Join the service and see Manitoba.'"
Reflections on Longevity and a Changing World
When asked what advice he has for younger generations, Wright offered a candid observation on the current state of global affairs. "I don't know what is going to happen in the world. It's crazy," he reflected. "It doesn't matter where you are … there's always something. Somebody's fighting."
Wright credits his remarkable longevity to having "two good women" in his life. He was married to his wife for 52 years, and after her passing, he had a companion for another 19 years. "I think they had a lot to do with me living as long as I lived," he shared.
Shannon Anderson, Silvera's life, learning and leisure facilitator, expressed that she was surprised Wright's incredible story had not been shared more widely until now. "When I started working here, I was just astounded that we had a resident that was not only 106 but also a vet that had a lot of stories to tell," Anderson said. "It's an honour to honour him and everyone else that fought for us."
