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Bill Estabrooks lived boldly and fiercely, and inspired others to do the same. A fighter to the end, he died on June 4th, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta surrounded by love. He was 76 years old. As he passed a beautiful, powerful wind came blowing from the west, carrying him east to his beloved Maritimes.
Since that moment, messages of love and loss from folks across Canada have been thoughtful and bountiful. Bill was loved and respected by a tremendous number of people, and we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support.
Born in Sackville, New Brunswick and adored by his Mum who called him “Billy” and his father, who was a veteran of WWII, his parents helped make him the man he was: proud of his roots, determined, hardworking and a lifelong athlete. Bill was a proud Mount Allison graduate and the first from his family to attend university. Dear friends from Mount A were always quick to remind him of his glory days as captain of the Mounties football team.
While he loved his time and the people he met in politics, it was teaching that remained Bill’s first love. Long after moving to Alberta, he continued to receive notes from former students thanking him for believing in them and sometimes even changing their lives. He loved teaching and saw the potential in every single young person he felt fortunate to teach, coach and mentor. “Not to try is to fail” was a motto Bill lived by. He made lifelong friends through his career as an educator and those friendships remained a source of strength for him.
Bill epitomised community service. It’s what made him a great teacher but also what made him a great MLA, serving the people of Timberlea-Prospect for 15 years. He was deeply honoured to be part of the first NDP government in Nova Scotia’s history and never forgot why he ran and who he represented. A die-hard Boston Bruins fan, he got such a kick out of wearing his jersey into the legislature and loved it when the Boston Globe ran a picture of him on the front page with his front teeth in a mug of Olands beer, a pre-game ritual of his. Bill was unapologetically himself – outspoken and direct – and people loved him for it. He was forever grateful for the trust that people put in him to represent them. Retiring from politics in 2013 was one of the hardest decisions of his life.
Bill was a proud member of the St. Margaret’s Bay Lions Club and played defence for the Tantallon Buzzards hockey team. Both gave him good times and good laughs. One of the last gatherings held at his home in Nova Scotia was hosted by the Buzzards and that crew of men made sure he got a good send off as he headed west.
Even as Parkinsons’ disease was taking its creeping toll in the last decade of his life, Bill continued to find levity, never lost his sense of humour and was always kind to anyone who ever knew him. He was a storyteller who loved talking to the folks he met in Edmonton about life, politics, teaching, his grandkids and dear friends back home. We are so grateful to the staff who helped take care of Bill right to the end. Their care and love for him was beautiful. We would also like to thank the numerous friends, family and home care staff who helped Bill in Nova Scotia before he moved west. Thank you.
Our dear Dad leaves behind many to mourn his passing but also celebrate his life. He was a terrific Dad; tough but kind, always reminding us to take things one day at a time. He will be deeply missed by daughters Trisha (Graeme, grandchildren Ella and Will) and Jana (Nate) as well as family and friends in the Maritimes and across Canada. He loved being a Pa and we feel so fortunate to have had him close during his final years of life. He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn, in 2009.
A memorial service for Bill will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 2 pm at the Estabrooks Community Hall: 4408 St. Margaret’s Bay Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bruins attire optional. Oland’s will be served. The Lion’s Club was near and dear to Bill’s heart. Donations in his memory can be made to the St. Margaret’s Bay Lions Club.
The wind will have done its job by now, carrying Bill home. We will be with him on the deck this summer in PEI, watching the sunsets with him. Those sunsets will be a little richer now… a little deeper, a little more colourful… just as Bill leaves this world a deeper, more colourful place for having had him in it.
Kim Dompierre says
I worked with Bill at CPA a wonderful principal loved the students and staff and we all loved him he will be missed
Jerry & Marion Pye says
To: The Family of Bill Estabrooks: I came to the legislature with Bill in 1998. We had many chats around politics and sports. In fact,I won a bet on a hockey game with Bill. Great bet, it gave me the right to use his cottage in PEI for a week. Needless to say. Marion and I enjoyed the win. I also, received an original Toronto Maple Leaf Jersey # 27.
Many may not know this, but Bill was one of Jerry’s 3 boys hahaha. Like everyone, we all have chats that will only remain with each other. Thanks Bill, for the Olands Schooner.
“Let it be known” that Bill served his community and province well. “Please accept our deepest sympathy on his passing.” In Faith: Jerry&Marion.
Joanne Lamey says
Dear Bill’s Family. Some of Bill’s former NDP colleagues gathered at the Midtown Tavern in Halifax yesterday afternoon (one of the old haunts) and we raised an Oland’s to toast Bill. We shared lots of memories and stories. Some wore t-shirts that featured Bill. He meant so much to so many people in so many ways. Love & Solidarity, Joanne (Lamey), former NS NDP organizer who worked with Bill and his constituency volunteers for years.
Gail Sklapsky says
Dear Family of Bill (Honourable Bill Estabrooks) as known to us at the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation in Halifax N.S.
I worked directly in the Minister’s Office and Bill’s thoughtful kind demeanor meant you never had to be any one other than yourself in his presence. There was always time for a story or two to carry us through the day. I was in Bill’s office from the time he came to us until his retirement. The days were pleasant and the human element was always present. Many changes had taken place especially with the sudden passing of Bill’s wife Carolyn. This took a bit of the magic away from the gentleman who treasured times with his wife. Then Bill started to experience noticeable ill health effects. His kindness to others never changed ~ who he was never changed. And so, we are left with good memories of happier days to cherish well into the future. Thank you Bill!
Diane Bernard says
I am so very sad to hear of his passing. He was an amazing boss, who was actually more of a friend there. It is comforting to know he moved closer to family, he was always so very proud of them. I will think of him and smile when I go to PEI, he loved his cottage there. 🕊️Rest peacefully Bill🙏🏻
Jim Young says
Easily one of the finest men I have met in my life!
Too bad he was a Bruins fan :):) I remember an occasion where
I talked him into wearing my Leafs Jersey and taking a picture of him 🙂 with Santa Clause of course, at a fund raiser for the Community:)
Can’t take the smile off my face:):)
He was a True Friend and my heart swells as being and so proud to have shared my time with him as an opponent and a team mate. I Hear Ya Billy Boy❤️
Darcey Blackburn says
So sorry to the family for the loss of an absolute wonder man. I had the pleasure of knowing bill, from brookside jr high. He was the vise principal there, also had the chance to have bill coach me playing ball..
All the best to you guys
Love Darcey Blackburn&Shannon Maclean
Fly high Mr estabrooks fly high💙
Carmen Johnstone- Chapman says
Bill is remembered fondly by Wayne Chapman and I as a wonderful man, excellent teacher, vice principal , politician, community volunteer and family friend. We have many funny and sometimes shocking memories of him that we won’t share here!! He was special-funny- full of life- and left his mark on us and many others. We are all better having known him.
Laura Pellow says
Mr. Estabrooks was a wonderful teacher, an awesome vice principal and an amazing politician. Mr. Estabrooks will always be remembered as a great man.
Sending you all love and support as you navigate this loss.
Mindy says
I’ll always remember Bill he was a pretty awesome guy. I’m so very sorry for you loss.
Allan Wilson says
You couldn’t meet a nicer man than Bill Estabrooks he,ll be missed
Jerry Lawrence says
Bill was a champion of the community, an amazing human, funny as hell and the biggest B’s fan ever… I remember many debates on whether his Bruins or my Rangers would win the cup that particular year. Rest easy my dear friend.
Jerry ‘Jer Bear’ Lawrence
KRISTA WHEADON- BELL says
Dear family
I just want to say how much I respected and loved Mr. Esterbrooks ! I was not as great at sports as my older sisters or younger sisters but he always tried to encourage me , and that made me proud ! He has always been and always will be a household name our family will never ever forget ! ❤️
April butler says
If Bill were here today I’d thank him for being a friend to everyone, a great community leader , a sponsor to many young athletes and an honest MLA with an open door policy.
April
Harry Awalt says
bill was a great person teacher vice principal was honoured he was my teacher an vice principal at sir john a always up for a great talk even after he left john a. was our guest speaker at our graduation he was a great mla always trying to help RIP bill was a honoured to have met u an call u. a friend
Marie G Boutilier says
I want to thank you Bill and let you know that you were an amazing person! A wonderful teacher n vice principal and an all around number 1 politician, you will be sadly missed by us and always remembered! Rest easy my friend…….
Wayne Pickering says
My sincere condolences to the Estabrooks family, our community will not forget his passion for everything he did in life.
Sandy and Merv Mcculloch says
Merv and I are so saddened by the news of Bill’s passing. He was such a huge part of our teen years and beyond. Teacher, hockey coach, confidant and soooo much more. We were young teenagers and he helped us through a rough time in our lives. At 17 we got married (still are), had a little girl…who is 51 now…he was supportive beyond words. Our hearts are truly broken. RIP Bill.
Sandy and Merv McCulloch
Charlene Cheverie says
Such a great man. Always tough but caring as a Vice Principal. Then I had the pleasure of seeing him daily when I went to work at the Rec Centre in Lakeside where he had his MLA office. He always made me smile and often had me chuckling at his sense of humour. He will definitely be missed in this world. Condolences to his family. ❤️
Donalda Gass says
Bill, you once saved my daughter from being bullied in school, thanks for that. She is now a teacher, a very good teacher, it her turn to help save and guide students. Your life is well done.
Shannon Keefe says
Beautiful tribute to Mr. Estabrooks.
He was a great man who had a tremendous influence on so many. So glad I had the chance to get to know him as a vice principal, a coach, and a bit of a comedian. Condolences to his family.
Catherine Hopkinson says
Heaven has gained a special angel and I’m sure he is still wearing all his Bruins gear! He was an exceptional man and will be missed by all the lives he has touched❤️🙏🏻
Tanya Bundy says
Sending my condolences to Bill’s family he was always a special teacher who stood out at sir John a high never discriminating who you were or what community you came from you were treated all the same and he spoke to you as a human being and encouraged you to do your best. He will be sadly missed
Linda Walker says
So sorry for your loss. Bill was an amazing man and your Mom was a friend as well. I babysat Trisha and Jana when they were little. Bill loved you girls so much. He brought so much to the Community. May he Rest in Peace. Hugs and Prayers. Linda Walker
Louise Ginsburg says
I was a teacher with Bill at SJA High School. Yes, Bill was a dynamic personality in and out of the classroom. He supported his staff and was there for the students pushing each of them to achieve their goals and be proud of themselves. Well done Bill. Rest in peace and watch over those Bruins.
Peter McKenna says
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Bill Estabrooks. I got to know him a bit as a constituent when I lived in Timberlea and then when I was teaching politics at The Mount. I remember fondly when I would talk to him in the backyard and when he came to visit with my students at Mount Saint Vincent. He was a terrific MLA and guest speaker. He called them as he saw them. I have often thought about how he was getting along. Bill always impressed me with his summertime visits as he went through his district. He was special for sure, cared about his constituents and was kind to me. I always appreciated his sage advice. He will certainly be missed. May his memories be a blessing.
Peter McKenna, UPEI
Colin Campbell says
I can attest to everything others have said, as I was a colleague of his you years at Sir John A High. He was a great and positive influence on his students and he was also a great role model for me as a teacher. Goodbye old friend. You lived life large!
Marie Gower says
Bill was an amazing man & he always had a smile on his face until you gave him a reason not to. I had the pleasure of knowing bill when I was a student at Sir John A MacDonald High School. He had the respect of everyone that knew Bill. My thoughts & prayers are with the family. RIP Bill.
Marie Gower
Heather Armsworthy says
Not to try is to fail- Sackville High Scool class of 1986. It was amazing to be a student under is leadership.
John Conrad says
RIP Wild Bill!
With Great Admiration and Love,
The Conrad (s)
Cranberry Lake
Timberlea, NS
Tammy Scott says
My sincere condolences.
I’m a resident of Hubley and I always remember your dad helping my family when we could not get our Christmas tree secured on our car. Your dad didn’t even know us he said where do you live? I’ll bring that tree to you. This was 20 years ago and I’ll never forget that act of kindness.
Tammy Scott
Lorraine Glendenning says
I was very honoured to work with the Nova Scotia NDP from 2005 – 2008 and to be Bill’s “first Irish woman research assistant” during his years as the Education critic. He took me under his wing immediately and introduced me to everyone in Halifax.
Many’s the day we wandered up to the Department on Brunswick St to spar with the Deputy Minister at the time, a fellow New Brunswicker.
During those years I wrote many speeches for Bill to read in the House of Assembly, all of which he ignored despite my protests, preferring to deliver his message in his own Inimitable style.
Ní bheidh a leithèad anseo arìs.
My deepest sympathies to the Estabrooks family. I will never forget Bill’s friendship, his care for an immigrant finding her way in a new home, and the joy with which he moved through the world every day.
Claire Reinhardt says
Sincerest condolences to Bill s family. I always felt indebted to Bill from his teaching and Vice Principal at Sir JA, as a mom, as Bill helped with our daughters. My late husband, Wilson was also a Lion and friend of Bill. Enjoyed his company at Lion dinners, always acknowledging everyone. He was a great man to the community, politics, etc. etc. May he Rest in Peace. Claire, former resident of Timberlea.
Stephen Doughty says
He was one of the biggest Mentors in my life and helped me pursue my dreams of becoming a military pilot. I loved being his Chief of Student Police which taught me leadership qualities I would use in my military career. I was honoured to play on his fastball team and travel to PEI in 86 but will never forget his 3 rd baseman drill of standing in a hockey net and having the team throw balls at me and he would yell 1 lap around the field for everyone that goes in. Bill you left an impression on many people and you will be missed dearly!
Susan Oliver says
Bill was my history teacher and VP in the 80s. He was the first teacher that ever made me truly think critically and form my ideas into opinions that I could use to debate. I became a teacher and always spoke of his teaching style throughout my teaching career. Now I mentor teachers in training and I continue to coach them “to be like Bill”. He has impacted so many people during his life. Susan Oliver SHS Class of 85
Coleen Stevens says
To All of Mr. Estabrooks’ Family,
My sincerest condolences – and many healing thoughts – are sent out to you all. The loss of such a strong patriarch is a heavy one indeed, to be sure. As his family, who knew him best, your hearts are heavy now, but you can certainly take much pride in the public life he led and in the legacy he has left for the thousands who were touched by him. Not many can say that.
Mr. Estabrooks taught me grade 11 European History during the mid-1970s, at the now defunct Sir John A. MacDonald High School in Five Islands Lake. He was an inspirational superstar at that school and my most memorable teacher! His fame (or is it infamy?) spread down the hall of the Social Studies wing every Friday morning, as his class “debated” (read: screamed and hollered) and defended their thoroughly researched chosen positions (which pitted two sides against each other) during the weekly seminar, as arranged by Mr. Estabrooks to challenge various arguable points of view in European history. I was chief among those screamers and hollerers – and I loved it! Mr. Estabrooks taught me to stand up for myself, take a position on things and defend my point of view vigorously. Those skills have served me well in my working career and I owe much of the referent power that I gained there to Mr. Estabrooks. Beyond The Divine Right of Kings, and something or other special about the year 1848, I cannot remember much about European history – but I certainly know how to argue a point! Thank you, Sir!
Rest easy, Mr. Estabrooks, your strength and your spirit are living on in your grateful students – strong and strident because of you!
Once again, my condolences to the Estabrooks Family,
Coleen Stevens, M.Sc.
Chris Tufts says
Mr. Estabrooks changed my life. There was no way I would have graduated SHS in 1984 without him. Grade 12 was a little too much fun for me but in the winter of graduation year he made me buckle down and was the person to call me and let me know I made it through. I was lucky enough to cross paths with him several years ago and said Mr. Estabrooks, it’s Christine Graham calling, do you remember me and he laughed and said how could I not! I told him if he didn’t push me I don’t know where I would have ended up. I owe my path to him. My condolences to his family. He was a great man!
Darrin Verge says
My sincere condolences to the family at this time. from SHS 78 Darrin Verge
Derrick Peverill says
I would just like to say how sorry I was to hear of Bills passing. As my vice principal at sackville high school he was a great influence on my years there. He always provided great guidance and always showed a caring attitude to me and other students. Bill was truly a great man and instilled in me the qualities of compassion and true humanity. All my best to his family in this tough time. He will be greatly missed here in Nova Scotia.
Don Holloway says
Bill. You will always be special to me. The best friend we all wish we could be. The many experiences we shared are forever implanted into my brain. Who knew going to Mt. A would bring such riches to a young Montrealer like me. Thanks for your love and friendship. I will forever love you and respect you. Uncle Goat has a home in my family. Love you and I will miss you.
Don Holloway
Pam Comeau says
A legend! Bill made everyone feel special, like they could take on the world and become whatever it is that they desired. Most of all, he made us (SJA Students) feel like family, a big family with heart and desire to help one another in time of need or celebration. He was a great man, adored by many and will forever live in cherished memories.
Elaine Wilkie says
i appreciated having Bill as VP at Brookside junior High.He was a great man in whatever he did.My condolences to the family,
Allen MacNeil says
REACHING OUT TO HIS FAMILY TO SHOW OUR CONDOLENCES .BILL Was always there for the people he represented in his community. We always supported Bill when election came around and he would always stop by to visit mother and dad a true neighbour and friend he was rest high you will never be forgotten for all you done for our family bill while living a few doors down the road GodBless the MacNeil uppertantallon ns .
Rev. Brian Stevens says
Bill brought energy and a most special presence to the students at Sir John A. He challenged us to be as authentic and as passionate as he was. He was not one to sit quietly on the sideline. He encouraged students to get out there, dig in and do their best. We were so very blessed with an amazing compliment of teachers, like Bill, who cared about their students.
Paula macausland says
my condolences . to the family .
al crawley says
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bill. I spent several years working for the late Honorable Gordie Gosse. Bill and Gord were the best friends. Their endless stories were something to behold. They are both up above now laughing and joking about old times. It was an honor to have spent time with you Bill. RIP my friend.
Beth (Fisher) Giberson says
Trisha, Jana and family
Your dad, our Mr Estabrooks. He was and is a legend. He was our school spirit, school support, and school strength. Sir John A and our local community was where he influenced so many of us. You are so right – he was outspoken and direct, but in the best way. His sense of humour was tapped like a beer keg, ready to overflow with pressure and force. It helped us all laugh, cry, and want to be our best undiluted full proofed self. Thank you for all the years you shared him with us and the community.
Alison Burke says
He was the most wonderful person and such a huge part of our children’s lives. He was so positive and encouraging ! We think of you . Kevin and Alison Burke and Family
Dawna Gough says
My deepest condolences to the family. I never had Mr Estabrook as a teacher but, he was at Sackville High when I was there. I am a Boston Bruins fan as well.😊 My prayers are with each and everyone of you. God’s Blessings 🙏🏾💕
Dan O'Connor says
Bill comes to mind first whenever I want an example of how to seek election, how to get elected, how to serve your constituents and how to keep your head amidst all the pressures of politics. I was NDP chief of staff in Nova Scotia and had a front row seat for Bill’s political career. He was a true leader who did it for the good not the glory. Bill told me once how a friend advised that he would never be chosen as a school principal because he put his students first (not the wishes of the senior administration. I deeply regret missing the celebration of Bill’s life, due to crossed wires and excess commitments. Supporting Trisha’s campaign in Edmonton Centre is my way to honour Bill’s legacy of service.
Susanne Moreton says
From across the Atlantic… my sympathies to Bill’s family. I was a grad student at McMaster 1969-70 with Bill. He gave me and other Brits a great welcome to Canada. His enthusiasm and warmth are part of my best memories of that time. These qualities obviously helped to make him a valued member of his community and a loved family man. I am sure he is very much missed.