Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Raymond Green at the age of 82, a beloved husband, father, and cherished friend. Bill peacefully left us on December 26, surrounded by his loving family at the Health Sciences Centre.

Early Life

Bill was born on September 14, 1942, in Valleyfield, Newfoundland and Labrador. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Emma, as well as his in-laws, Edward and Elizabeth Barbour, and several siblings, all of whom he held dear in his heart.

Musical Career

A lifelong passion for music defined Bill’s life. Gifted with remarkable talents, he became the assistant organist at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at only 19 years old. Under the mentorship of Dr. Donald Cook, Bill flourished, eventually taking on leadership roles such as the Director of The Singing Legionnaires for an impressive 40 years and helming The Silver Chord Singers, a seniors' choir funded by Memorial University, for 8 years. His musical contributions extended to countless churches, weddings, and funerals, showcasing not only his skill but also his deep devotion to helping others celebrate life’s most poignant moments.

Family Life

Bill’s humility, rich heritage, and deep love for his family were the cornerstones of his existence. In 1969, he married his beloved Louise, and together they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary recently. As a father, Bill dedicated himself to raising two wonderful children, Lisa and Jonathan. The memories of adventures, family outings, and summer vacations spent sharing the Barbour heritage remain vivid in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

Artistic Talent and Humor

Beyond music, Bill was a talented artist who delighted in painting and drawing, crafting the family Christmas card with his illustrations every year. His humor was infectious; he had a repertoire of jokes for any occasion, frequently brightening up gatherings with his signature “Dad jokes.” Furthermore, Bill had a soft spot for animals, particularly the family cats, and he regularly used social media to stay connected with a vast network of friends and family across the globe.

Professional Life

Professionally, Bill trained in accounting before stepping into entrepreneurship with his longtime partner, Randell Porter. His integrity and work ethic were admired by many within the community.

Survived By

Bill's loss is profoundly felt by his wife, Louise; daughter, Lisa; son-in-law Donald Buell; son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Nancy; beloved grandchildren Rebecca and Jack; great-grandson Thomas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Funeral Details

Cremation has already taken place. Friends and family are invited to visit at Carnell’s Funeral Home, located at 329 Freshwater Rd., on Sunday, December 29th, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 30th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carnell Memorial Chapel, followed by a reception to celebrate Bill’s rich life and legacy.

Donations

In Bill’s memory, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the SPCA. Let us honor the remarkable life he lived and the love he shared with everyone he met.