1959 – 2026

After a 19-year battle with work-related cancer, it is with broken hearts but relief to announce that Brian “Barney” Williamson left our world on April 3, 2026, surrounded by family who loved and adored him. His wishes were and I quote – “try to expire efficiently, with as little trouble as possible, peacefully with dignity and in our home.” A man of his word, he succeeded.



After a 39-year career with the Moncton Fire, he retired with the rank of Captain from the “Class of ’86.” He loved what he did and loved all those he work alongside of. His “Barney rants” will go down in history, maybe even missed and remembered by the crews who were witness to them.

Before his illness got the better of him, when he wasn’t running into burning buildings, playing golf, fishing, playing hockey, having beer at the Chris Rock with good friends or watching his Blue Jays play ball, he was running into his much loved “G’rage” to create masterpieces and listening to the blues. He was an exceptional carpenter who had every battery powered tool, hand tool, cement mixer, other big manly machines known to man and of course his much loved authentic hot dog maker and beer keg. He especially loved the time spent working on many projects with son  Andrew in his cave. Barney was also the “Martha Stewart” of their home envisioning things Heather couldn’t. Recently, he drove Heather crazy with doing his part to save the earth. It was his wish and strong passion to have all things battery and solar powered,
compostable, rechargeable and earth friendly. In the last several months the electric car and solar panels became reality for him and successfully checked those off his bucket list. Another thing on “the list” was a Jays game.  This time it would not be with his Albert County buddies but with his Grandson Vinnie at his very 1st baseball game. Of course Andrew, Kristin and Heather tagged along too.  The trip was his last but meant the world to Barney.

Barney loved to salmon fish. The annual fishing trip to the Miramichi with his very good, close still to this day friends from his Riverview High School days, Greg Dennis, Andy Ross, John Kelly, Keith Rigby, Terry Melanson and the greatest fisherman of all… Bill Dennis. They were all like kids at Christmas the morning of departure and it was always THE biggest event of the year.


We would like to give many thanks  for the unbelievable, unwavering, compassionate care given to Brian by Dr. Karlyne Dufour and RN Jennifer Steylen for going above and beyond their call of duty ALWAYS. Dr. Natalie Sheehan stepped up without hesitation and saved the day many times as well. Dr. John Igoe deserves our thanks for going above and beyond for Brian. We never would have gotten through the several complicated dilemmas all these years without you 4 wonderful humans. They made “things” happen. Brian also had THE best, exceptional care from the MANY Extramural Nurses that came weekly or at a moments notice. You have no idea how much we appreciate what you have done for Brian.
we love you all. 

To brother Gerry “BoDerek” Williamson for being the “perfect 10” donating his stemcells and gave Brian 9 extra years of life.  We are eternally grateful.

To my sister by heart Cindy and husband Brad, Mike Garland, Tanya Haslam, Bobbi and Larry Rain, Don Estabrooks, Cathy and Paul Beardsworth, Greg Dennis, Andy Ross, the Moncton Firefighters, Heather’s “Sista’s” Karen Dennis, Renita Ethelston, Wendi Lunney, Christine Cahill and The Blue Bar Babes – thank you for always being there and lifting spirits and supporting Brian and Heather through the many difficult moments and enjoying the good times too.

To the Class of ’86 for gathering yearly at our place over the last several years when Barney could no longer do the usual…you guys were so important to him and Heather.

To Angela Horton, nurse extraordinaire, great neighbor, daughter we never had, dear friend whom we love.. .. you have always gone above and beyond your call of duty for Barney and Heather. You are truly an amazing woman. Thank you for making Barney’s wish a reality and helping him to leave us peacefully and with dignity. 

To Glenn Miller for arranging assistance and the Riverview Fire Rescue crew responding -Peter Trueman, Thomas Griesbaum, Dave Murray, Tom Babineau – you didn’t hesitate to respond and assist us on Barney’s final call. Your kindness, respect, professionalism meant more than you’ll ever know. 

To Kurt Cobb and staff at Cobb’s Funeral Home….thank you for all you have done and continue to do, not only for the Williamson Clan through this difficult time, but for our community as well.


Thank you everyone for the phone calls, emails, text messages, visits, sleepovers, the tons of food but especially your love and support during this great time of loss for us. We thank you and love you all very much.



THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!

To David Ford and ALL his amazing staff at Riverview Jean Coutu Pharmacy. We are especially grateful for your prompt action to the urgent situation on Brian’s last day with us.  You all were always there for Brian and Heather without hesitation. Your  guidance, kindness, support and friendship will always be remembered.

Brian was an amazing, loving Husband, Son, Dad, Grampy, loyal friend, doggy Daddy. He is survived by his wife Heather (Bell) Williamson; mother Ruth Williamson; brothers Gerry & Nancy Williamson, Wayne & Jean Williamson; his 3 sons Phillip Williamson, Andrew & Kristin Williamson and Derrick McGougan; Grandbabies whom he adored – Vinnie and Teddy Williamson, his fur babies Harry and Meghan, many nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his baby sister Pam Jardine (2023), father in law Wallace Bell (2012); mother in law Hazel Bell (2013) and sister in law Joan Bell (2019).

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be very much appreciated and we encourage anyone to wear plaid or camo to our informal gathering of love in honor of Barney at Cobbs Funeral Home On Saturday April 11th from 3 until 6.

Fly high with the birds my baby..I am so lost without you but I’ll see you at Waterside…*More*


-Heather xoxo



“Carpe diem, memeto mori. I wish I had more time to say hello before I had to say goodbye.”


-Phillip



“Brian was a good and kind man that loved his family and friends very much. I will always feel privileged to have known such a man.”


-Derrick

“Every time the sun shines, I’ll think of you.

Every time I teach something new to the boys, I’ll think of you.

Every time I spend way too much time and money building something that could have easily been bought online, I’ll think of you.

Every time I make a mistake and chalk it up to ‘adding character’ like it was intentional, I’ll think of you.

Every time I put my tools away where they belong, coil up the extension cord, crack a satisfaction beer and bask in the glory of my ridiculous creation and feel that ball of pride in my chest, I’ll think of you.

I’ll be doing these things for the rest of my life, so you’ll always be with me.

p.s. – Your death on Good Friday was intentional. We all knew what you were up to. Don’t deny it.”

– Andrew