William J. McAlister
1943-2019
Bill McAlister passed away suddenly on December
8th, 2019, just after celebrating his
76th birthday at home in St. Andrews,
NB.
Bill was born in Strathroy, Ontario on December 7, 1943, the
oldest of William and Helen (Goldsworthy) McAlister’s
children. After five years in the Royal Canadian Navy, much of it
aboard HMSC MicMac, he followed generations of McAlisters to work for
the Canadian National Railroad, first as a coal stoker and later an
engineer, before joining the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in
1970.
After 25 notable and colorful years, Bill retired from the
OPP as a Detective Sergeant in 1995. He moved to St. Andrews to attend
the NBCC boat building program and stayed.
While in Ontario, Bill enjoyed sailing, raising draft horses
and staying in touch with railroad, navy and OPP friends. In St.
Andrews, in addition to continuing his passion for woodworking and old
friendships, Bill was an active member of the St. Andrews Wharf Board,
the St. Andrews Kiwanis Club and a Chair of the St. Croix Estuary
Project. His efforts were recognized with the town’s
Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007. In his last year, he
was a lively resident at Passamaquoddy Lodge. Bill was also
an active member of the Ontario Provincial Police Veterans
Association.
Bill is survived by his wife, Georgette, of St. Andrews, son
Brian (Christine) of Lefroy, ON, grandchildren Jesse, Joey (Rachael),
Brittany and great grandchild Sophia, all of Lefroy, ON. brother Don
(Diane) of Burlington, ON, sister Patricia McAlister (Barry Cohen) of
Redbridge, ON,
He was pre-deceased by his parents, brother Eddie and beloved
daughter Cathy.
A celebration of Bill’s life and interment will
take place in the spring. Condolences and donations to the charity of
one’s choice can be directed through The S.O. Mehan
& Son Funeral Home, 23 Main Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 1Y9,
tel. (506) 466-1844.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William J McAlister 19432019..
Death notice for the town of: St-Stephen, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick