Condolences from across North America have been received, after the loss of a long-time City Planner for Moncton.
Bill Budd passed away on February 10 at the age of 58, after a sudden illness.
Moncton City Councillors and staff paid tribute to Budd during this week’s Council meeting.
“Bill was a consummate, calm, fair professional, always totally unflappable and a highly trusted voice. He also was an optimist and creative problem solver, always thinking of how to overcome a challenge, ” Mayor Dawn Arnold described.
She also remembered fondly the times Bill would poke his head into her office with an idea, how dedicated he was to this community and how he positively affected so many lives.
“We’ve received condolences from across the country and North America actually, remembering Bill and the difference he made in urban planning circles, but also the difference he made through his personal leadership and his down-to-earth humanity. He was an open book, and his kindness and passion radiated through everything that he did,” Arnold said.
Chief Administrative Officer Serge Doucet spoke on behalf of the administration, about how Bill will be missed at City Hall for his larger-than-life presence, calm demeanour and the pride he took in his work, and his team members.
“He was a mentor to many, a source of information and knowledge on all things planning, a colleague who always had a smile on his face. We are very grateful for the many years we’ve had with him. We are all better for it,” Doucet added.
Deputy Mayor Paulette Theriault also offered a few words and memories of the past 17 years she worked with Bill.
“I remember our conversations around heritage. He understood the difference between tangible heritage and intangible heritage. When the citizens of the Sunny Brae neighbourhood, started mentioning their concerns about the demolition of their area and its history. He understood the importance of preserving the history and heritage of that area and that neighbourhood.”
Bill worked for the City of Moncton for 20 years.
A moment of silence was also held during the Moncton City Council to honour Bill, and to reflect on the memories.
