OBITUARY
William Drummond Naftel
1 October , 1940 – 29 April , 2018
Naftel, William D. Age 77 of Halifax passed away on April 29, 2018. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved brother, step father, friend and man William D. Naftel.
He was born on October 1, 1940 in Edmonton Alberta. His primary education was SS#6 – a one room school South of Goderich Ontario. He then attended Tower Road school in Halifax, Cornwallis Jr High, QEH, then Kings College and Dalhousie University.
Bill had a distinguished 30 year career as a senior historian and regional manager with Parks Canada in Ottawa and Nova Scotia. He authored many historical commemorative plaques throughout Halifax, and also authored numerous books chronicling historical events in Nova Scotia. His book “Halifax at War” received the Dartmouth book award for non-fiction, the Democracy 250 Atlantic Book award for historical writing and the Evelyn Richardson award for non-fiction.
He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Ruth Naftel.
He is survived by his sister Carolyn Naftel, nephew Ben ( Wendy) Higgins and great-niece Marlo Higgins.
Step son Jered Matthews (Sarah Matthews) grandson Jace and his beloved cat Edmund.
Bill was a very active member of his church St. Georges’, and enjoyed a large circle of lifelong friends and neighbors whom he loved spending time with. His favorite times were playing with his grandson, taking trips on trains, and tending to his gardens.
Bill touched many lives with his kindness, humour and generosity of spirit. We will carry your memory in our hearts.
A visitation will be held on Sunday May 6th at 2- 5pm in Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax
Funeral service will take place on Monday May 7th at 10am at St. Georges’ Church, 2222 Brunswick. St. Halifax.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. To send an online condolence, please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com
“No person is ever truly alone. Those who live no more, whom we loved, echo still within our thoughts, our words, our hearts.”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Drummond Naftel 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be missed
So difficult to find the words to express our sorrow, Bill left those who knew him with a wonderful legacy -to take an interest in each person we meet and to share the historical knowledge of the beautiful country we live in. He spent so much of his time doing that in his life and writing ; for him it truly was a labour of love!,To Bill’s family my deepest sympathy. God grant you comfort and strength in the days ahead .
I was so shocked and saddened to learn about Bill’s recent death. He had been a co-worker and friend of mine for over 30 years. After retirement, he braved a pool full of beautiful women to take acquasize and this week, his spot far over to the edge of the pool was so empty. It will always be Bill’s spot! We all felt very sad! In years gone by, Bill and I used to go to the old YMCA and weeks coming up to Xmas we braved the freezing cold to fundraise for the Y and sell Christmas trees together. Bill was always kind, reserved, full of wit and dry humour. He could always make me laugh so much. My husband Brian enjoyed working with Bill on a number of projects over the years with Parks Canada and was very fond of Bill as well. My sincere condolences to the family and I pray that Bill finds serenity and peace now! God bless!
Saddened to hear of this news . Bill was indeed a wonderful neighbour and friend when we lived in Rector st . His delight in So many things was infectious. Our thoughts are with Jared Sarah and Jace in this difficult time . We are so grateful for the time we had in such close proximity – a friend and neighbour in Bill – never forgotten
Sue and Wendy