80, Sydney
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, William Charles Poirrier on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 at The Cove Guest Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was a longtime resident of Whitney Pier.
Born in Sydney on Aug. 5, 1934, Bill was the son of the late Charles Henri and Annie Mae (Anderson) Poirier. His youth was spent on the farm on Lingan Road where he helped with the family dairy. He also helped with the construction of the Radar Base by hauling water for the construction workers.
In Aug. 1955, he married the love of his life, Lillian Mae Head. They spent nearly 50 years together until Lil’s passing in 2005.
Bill worked for Acadian Lines Ltd. before beginning his career with Parks Canada at the Fortress of Louisbourg in 1961. Bill began in the garage and warehouse and rose to the position of Material Management and Contract Officer upon his retirement in 1991 after 30 years of service. Bill will be remembered by his co-workers for his meticulous attention to detail and his dedicated work ethic.
In his younger days, Bill loved to hunt and fish, especially with his best friend and brother-in-law, Clyde Head. After taking a night school course, he developed a passion for electronics and could fix anything with tubes, wires and transformers. He quickly became the go to guy for anyone in the neighborhood who needed a radio or TV fixed. Upon retirement he enjoyed nothing better than to go camping and fishing with Lillian in their converted Chevy van. Bill was also an avid sports fan and was a staunch supporter of the Montreal Expos and especially, the Montreal Canadiens.
Left to mourn his passing are Bill’s sons, David (Joan), Kenneth (Mary) and Glenn (Rose); grandchildren, Marcel, Rhiannon, Christopher, Keegan, Nadine, Desiree and Alicia plus seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Yvonne and Beverly (David Burton); brother, Robert (Pansy), plus several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his best friend and brother-in-law, Clyde Head.
Visitation and funeral service to celebrate the life of William ‘Bill’ Charles Poirrier will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1-3 p.m. with service to follow at 3 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Major Kent Hepditch officiating. Light refreshments will be served in the reception area following the service. Private family burial will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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Online Condolences
Condolences are sent to the Poirrier Family on the passing of your Dad. Your Father was a very wonderful Man, and a true gentleman growing up next door to him. I will cherish and remember the memories shared together with your Family. Randy and I hope that our Thoughts and Prayers and your cherished memories will help you as you face the days ahead. God Bless.
From: Randy/Rose Berkshire (nee Hollahan)
So sorry for your loss David…
From: George Boudreau
I just recieved notice of Bill's passing and offer my belated and heartfelt condolences to his family. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bill during our sojourn at Louisbourg and in addition to his outstanding contribution to our administration, he was a man of great character in every respect. He will not be forgotten.
From: George Van Dusen