Obituary of William Joseph MacGillivray

Click here for Funeral Mass recording

William “Bill” Joseph MacGillivray died peacefully at home, February 19, 2025.

Born January 31, 1940 to Colin and Mary (Cameron) MacGillivray in Fraser's Mills, he headed to Toronto at 18, where he lived for seven years where he met and married his beloved wife, Catherine. They returned to Nova Scotia and there they stayed and raised their four children. Bill was an avid gardener of anything that would grow, loved to go fishing with Catherine, was a great shot back in the day, and never complained about chopping and hauling a cord of wood for the furnace, or shoveling a long driveway. He loved to be outdoors, but when he wasn't, he could be found with his nose in a book or a word puzzle, or, for better or worse, as a lifelong, loyal fan, watching his Maple Leafs on TV. He was a hard-working and dependable part of a Stora forestry crew for 25+ years, and everyone he worked with knew him as a friend. He was a well loved member of his community and church, and a dear friend and neighbour.

He was an adored big brother to John Archie MacGillivray, Janet Sullivan, Kay Hart, Anne Byrne, Colleen Keating, and Liz Taylor (who predeceased him), all with whom he shared a lifetime of laughter and treasured memories. He was the greatest Dad to Helen (Chris), Kevin (Katrina) and their children Olivia and Owen;  Bernie; and Dale (Maureen) and their children William and Finley. They will deeply miss his steadfastness, his gentle presence, his quick wit, and his boundless love and affection more than they can express. And he was the cherished husband to Catherine, of very nearly 60 years. In tough times and times of joy, they went hand in hand through it all, with the love, respect, humour and support we all hope for in our lives. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday February 27 at 2:00 pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton Church, Reverend Gary MacPherson presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.