Father Bill’s Obituary
Passed peacefully away at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Center, Botwood on January 23, 2022, Reverend Father William (Bill) Pearce of Norris Arm at the age of 72.
He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Norah Pearce; brothers, John, Joseph and Jerry; sisters, Mary and Julie; sister-in-law, Maggie; brother-in-law, Terry. Left to mourn his passing with fond and loving memories are his siblings, Esther (James), Richard (Pat), Bridget (Nick), Florence (Andrew), Marion and Pauline; brothers-in-law, Mario and Greg; sisters-in-law, Philomena, Andrea and a very large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Public visitation will take place from Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home, 262 Main Street, Lewisporte, NL on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 12 – 4 PM following COVID government regulations.
The funeral mass for invited guests will take place from the Cathedral Of Immaculate Conception, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 11 AM. The NLVaxPass along with a photo ID will be required when entering funeral home and church. The interment will take place from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Cemetery, Norris Arm, NL.
Father Pearce was a Roman Catholic Priest for 16 years. He began his studies for Priesthood late in life at the age of 54 years. It was not uncommon at that time for men who were seeking a second career, to begin studies for the priesthood. Father Bill was the first seminarian, from the Diocese of Grand Falls, to be ordained as a late vocation; he was 57 years old when was ordained. The Most Reverend Martin Currie, Bishop of Grand Falls, ordained him a priest in November 6, 2006. Since Father Bill was ordained, many more men in the diocese offered themselves as possible candidates for priesthood. Father Bill has been an inspiration to others.
As a priest he served most of his years from the parishes of Harbour Grace, Fogo Island, and Gander. From Grand Falls-Windsor he served filling for different parishes as needed, and also acted as chaplain in the hospitals within the Diocese. One of his greatest gifts as a priest was his ability to preach. No matter how large the congregation, each person felt Father Bill (most people referred to him as a Father Bill) was talking personally to him or her. His gift to speech touched the hearts of all who heard him.
His accomplishments were many. He served as minister for many years in the hospital at Grand Falls-Windsor. He was a great friend to all and he was loved wherever he went. He loved his parishioners. He always encouraged his parishioners to appreciate and love who they are as human beings.
He loved his Priesthood and always remained a faithful witness to Christ in the world. He loved life and wanted to live it to the fullest. He loved to learn and viewed all people and experiences in his life as opportunities to grow in love, wisdom, and understanding. He became very popular with people from surrounding communities for they often came to hear him speak and to seek his advice. He loved children and believes that they are the world’s most precious resource. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund in Norris Arm.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home, 262 Main Street, Lewisporte, NL.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Father Bill Patrick Pearce April 01 1949 January 23 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Lewisporte, Province: T-N