Parks, William “Bill” Gordon - passed away July 18, 2025, at the age of 77. Known by several different monikers, Bill, Billy or The Billy Bob, he left a lasting impression on all who met him with his unique outlook on life and sense of humour.
He was born the fourth of five sons, in Kemptville, Ontario and grew up in Ontario before moving to Nova Scotia as a teenager. He was predeceased by his mother, Hazel (Maybee); father, Douglas; and his brother, David. He is survived by his children, James “Jim Willie” (Omi) and Margaret “Maggie” (Shannon); grandchildren, Alexander and Brianna; and brothers, Ronald, John and Alan.
Bill graduated from Dalhousie University with a mining engineering degree, and then proceeded to work as a mining engineer in northern Ontario, North West Territories and Cape Breton. After two of his brothers moved to Upper Stewiacke, he followed shortly thereafter and eventually started his own business building log homes, including his own in Eastville.
Bill was a well-liked member of the Upper Stewiacke community, a nice man that rarely, if ever, had a bad word to say about anyone. Over the years he was involved in several different organizations in the community including the Upper Stewiacke Volunteer Fire Department, United Church and Masonic Hall. One might not expect it from his often quiet and reserved nature, but he was also involved in dinner theater where he would showcase his creative duct tape skills in his portrayal of Red from the Red Green Show.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing in Deyarmond Lake, canoeing on the Stewiacke River and working in the garden. His skills as a gardener and with preserves were renowned with Billy’s Dilly Beans being particularly sought after. He was always up to have a good time with his friends at the “board meetings” and camp trips. He wasn’t a fan of the cold though and enjoyed spending winters in Florida fishing, kayaking and golfing when the opportunity arose with his cousin, Ross and brother, Ron.
Towards the end of his life, he moved to Antigonish to be closer to his daughter and even though he only lived in his new apartment for a few months he made a strong impression on his new neighbors setting up a bird feeder and planting onions in the raised bed in the courtyard.
One thing you can say about Bill is that he lived his life the way he wanted to and even if his opinions and lifestyle choices may have erred on the side of eccentric more often than not, it was never in a way that pushed others away. He will remain a character that those fortunate enough to have met him won’t soon forget.
The family would like to thank the VON and the Palliative Care team at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for all their compassion, care and support.
No funeral is scheduled to take place, but a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
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