1935 – 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we the family of the unforgettable Bill Connor wishes to announce his peaceful passing on March 5th, 2026.
He was born in September of 1935, spent his formative years in Magog, Quebec, before joining the navy in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and then settling in Riverview, New Brunswick.
He was a one of a kind – an original, and he could be a good mentor, and he could be a rascal. His irrepressible humor was undeniable. He left no one indifferent.
A true Renaissance Man, Bill was well read with a wide span of interests including singing in the choir, playing the piano, chess, swimming, and scuba diving. He was often seen either cycling or running as he “cantered through the community”, and he completed triathlons well into his sixties. He was a pioneer of marathon swims and was the first swimmer to ever swim his cherished 42 km Lake Memphremagog, earning the moniker of “Windmill Willie”. Please click here to read more about his feat!
Dad’s mind was encyclopedic; he was the original siri, and loved to share his vast intelligence on a variety of topics. If (rarely) he didn’t know, he could take creative liberties. His colorful raconteur-ship was legendary.
His varied career spanned from the Navy to financial agent, cabbie for “Car 32 coo-coo”, to his work at the Moncton City Hospital, where he brightened the halls whistling a tune.
Dad had an incredible generosity and kindness of spirit. He could be fierce in defending the underdog and marginalized. He was a friend to anyone – prince and pauper alike. Those who met him had a meaningful exchange, a chuckle, and an admiration for his sly wit.
He will be deeply missed by his beautiful, loving, and devout wife Shirley, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, hardship, happiness, forgiveness, and renewal over 62 years, and who steadfastly stood by him through good times and bad. He was rightfully deeply grateful for her.
He was a supportive father to his children, taking them on outdoor adventures- sometimes precarious that often ended with “don’t tell mom”. He encouraged them to be authentic.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Margaret and John Connor, as well as his brother Jack (Nicole). He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Shirley, their son Michael, and daughters Christine (Leo) and Gale (Larry), as well as his grandchildren Tony, Patrick (Keisha), Zackary, Nicolas, Sierra, Madeleine, Ethan, Emmanuelle, Jacob, Dylan, and Grace, and three great-grandchildren Jackson, Abigail, and Cameron, as well as his sister Audrey, and his lifelong friend Alfie.
Dad was in triple overtime. His final journey was agonizing but still filled with exquisite moments of love, laughter, and reflection. He resigned himself to his situation without complaint, showing remarkable courage and conviction to his Faith, and keeping his unique sense of humor intact.
He and his family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the multitude of caregivers, fellow patients, residents, and visitors.
Bill’s family will receive friends and relatives at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd, Riverview (506-869-2007) on Tuesday, March 10th from 6 – 8pm with Parish Prayers at 7:30pm. The funeral mass will be at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Riverview at 11am on Wednesday, March 11th with a reception at the Dan Bohan Centre.
You are welcome to share stories or memories or to make a donation at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca
In lieu of flowers, a donation where your heart is compelled would be appreciated.
As he would say, “So we’ll CYA”.
