OBITUARY
William Patrick Cusack
1 May , 1933 – 4 April , 2018
William Patrick « Bill » Cusack, April 4, 2018 at home in Halifax.
Reading the obits was a morning ritual for Dad. His favourite obituary of all time was: « My father’s favourite song was ‘Fly Me to the Moon’. Today he flew.” Bill loved the humour in that and the brevity. There is no way William Patrick Cusack’s obituary can be as brief. There is too much to say. He was very loved. Loved by his four daughters, by his dancing partner, business partner and sweetheart of 64 years, Mary, his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and his long-time friends and neighbours.
Bill enjoyed simple pleasures, extending hospitality, making time for conversation, asking questions and being interested in the answers. Bill was a man who emphasized the importance of knowing someone’s name and using it. He treated everyone with an equal amount of respect.
Bill was very interested in tracing his Irish roots. Genealogy was a passion. He was a news junkie, a Trivia-buff and a Lexicon-master. He also really liked tools, or “toys”, as Mary called them. If he wanted it, he worked hard and he bought it and had great fun with boating, motor homing, and hanging out in his workshop. He also loved the latest in technology.
Bill or « Willie P. » was born to a large family in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He was one of eleven. Proud of his older brothers’ service in WWII, he chose to serve, long before he was eligible, joining the army and years later, the Halifax Police Force. He worked in mining, for the phone company but found his niche in the world of insurance. At one time he was one of the top national sales reps for Zurich Life. As a father with a young family, William decided to form his own company, W. P. Cusack Insurance Ltd., and took great pride in the service he offered his clients, many of whom became friends. He sold his business in 1999.
Bill made friends easily but truly treasured a friendship of his youth that he maintained until his death. He swore one day his dear friend « Binner » (Eugene Binns) would write a bestseller based on their adventures.
Music was a joy for Bill. He rarely travelled without a memory stick filled with songs that brought back many memories. There was always music in our home and, of course, in all of Willie’s vehicles. Mary called him « Twinkle Toes ». He could twirl her around a dance-floor in poetic motion. And although their dancing days have been limited in the past number of years, they would often reflect on that first dance at the Ashby Legion that changed everything. Bill’s daughters treasured their time dancing with their Dad from the days of first balancing on his feet to great swirls around the living room.
Most of all, his « girls » will always light up, and well-up, when “Tiny Bubbles” plays. The song he used to sing them and soothe them all to sleep. A masterful whistler…those melodies will also be missed.
The loss of “Uncle Bill” will be profoundly felt by the nieces and nephews with whom he had very special relationships. He loved you all very much.
As Bill faced his diagnosis, he was not alone. There was a steady stream of visitors to Mary and Willie’s kitchen, friends and loved ones from as far away as Ireland. Many cups of tea, and stories were shared. Bill and Mary’s door was always open and it was a revolving door – hospitality the key. There was always another place at their table.
Willie always had great one-liners. When his new doctor asked what she could do for him, without missing a beat, he said, “Could you please extend my best before date?”
Bill loved to laugh…and loved to share a laugh with others. One of the greatest decisions Bill ever made was to follow his heart and bring Bella home. His constant companion during his illness was a fluffy, knowing pup who owned his heart and he hers. Theirs was a magical connection. Bill died with Bella giving him a hug, surrounded by his loving family. You have waited a long-time to be reunited with John William, Daddy.
Predeceased by brothers, Frank, Gerald, Jack and George and sisters, Eileen, Pauline, and Carmel. Survived by Louise Coffin, Patsy Keough, and Cheryl Bildstein.
A special thanks to Bill’s grand-nephew, Dr. P. J. Landry, who was such a source of comfort and support.
Great appreciation to all of his care workers, the VON and the palliative team lead by Devon. Please know how much your compassion meant to us.
Please join Bill’s wife, Mary Isabel (nee Chisholm, Antigonish), daughters, Pauline (Barry Stuart), Vicky (late Ron Marrs), Donalda (Morrow Scot-Brown), John William (predeceased 1964), Leanne (Joel Haslam), Wayne Rostad, Rory & James Anderson, Irish « adoptees », Tish & Andrew Corbett at a Celebration of Life to be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, at 2 pm on Saturday, April 7, 2018. In lieu of flowers a donation to Holy Cross Historical Trust for restoration would be appreciated.
« Tiny bubbles…
Make me warm all over
With a feeling that I’m gonna
Love you till the end of time… »
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Patrick Cusack 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
