Obituary of Bill Marr

It is with heavy hearts that the family of William “Bill” Herbert Marr announce his peaceful passing at Kingsway Care Centre, Quispamsis, NB, on August 28, 2024 with his family at his side. Bill was born January 6, 1941, in Saint John, NB, the “Little Christmas” gift of the late Fern (Robertson) and John D. Marr Sr.
 

Bill grew up in East Riverside. When he and brother John weren’t helping family or doing odd jobs, they enjoyed escapades throughout Rothesay, swimming, fishing, skating and especially the Riverside Golf Course. After his brother joined the army, Bill was always there for his mother and grandparents.
He studied welding at Voc, his lifelong trade. Much of his career was at the Saint John Dry Dock, receiving a gold watch after 25 years and going on to retire after 4 decades, just as it closed.
 

Best friend Wesley is among his predeceased. A constant voice on the other end of the phone, sharing their love of fishing, hunting and music, Bill had no end of stories to share that they had made from childhood to grandparenthood. He was always there to help Raymond and Wes at Carpenter’s. Bill was sworn in as a Deputy Constable on Halloween of 1968, volunteering with the Rothesay Police for many years and cementing friendships with Harry, Yannie, Donnie, Normie, Melvin and most of the police and fire department.

As an avid fisherman, Bill could be found on the Hammond or Salmon River with his fly rod any day he could spare, bringing in more salmon than one could believe today. He was there in 1977 as the Hammond River Angling Association began, alongside Lou, Rick, Don, Gordon, Gary and Elmer. Bill taught fly tying and even ran his own fly-tying materials shop from his home. Later, Bill took many camper trips with friend Ricky on the ‘Chi, pursuing his passion for fishing as long as he was able.
 

As he and his wife Gail raised their daughter Susan, summers were spent at his cottage on Cassidy Lake, with endless memories of trout fishing, bonfires and BBQs. Fall was for hunting, as cousins Richard and Fred will remember.
As Quispamsis built up around him, Bill bought his “farm” in French Village, where he later built his home next to neighbors and friends Terry and Eddie. Bill spent more time on his Hall Bros Kubota than off it, trying his hand at vegetables, maple syrup, Christmas trees and finally raspberries (which were sold at friends Russ and Bonnie’s farm stand in Pennfield).
 

In retirement, Bill loved his fiddle lessons with Krista, even having Allison Inch play in his home. He had many adventures travelling with Gail in their camper, hearing fiddlers throughout NB and NS, documenting all of NB’s remaining covered bridges and one last big trip to Newfoundland with long-time friends Joe and Sue.
 

His grandsons will never forget his teasing, sleepovers, trips for treats, time spent in the fields and on the beach and “Grampie”on his bright orange tractor. Susan will always have their shared love for fishing. Gail will miss her dear husband but cannot help but smile at the life they built together, from his pulling her pigtails in grade school to the quiet evenings they enjoyed together to the end.
 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Gail (Williams)Marr, daughter Susan Marr, grandsons: Lucas, Isaac (Adrienne)and Aaron (Christeanne) Bettle and Zane Crawmer, great-granddaughter Kaiza; brother John D. Marr Jr.; niece Beth-Anne Marr-Ernst (Michael), and many ‘Robertson’ cousins.  Besides his parents, Bill was also predeceased by his sister (at birth); sister-in-law Anne Marr; nephew John W. Marr, and his poodles Sugie and Taffy.
 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to so many homecare/personal support workers, nurses and doctors for their wonderful care and thoughtfulness throughout the years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB.  A Graveside Service will be held in Riverbank Cemetery on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 2:00PM, officiated by Bud Belyea.

In memory of Bill, donations can be made to the Hammond River Angling Association, Alzheimer’s Society of NB or to the charity of your choice.  Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com