Here in Ottawa the Bytown Railway Society has always provided a home for those interested in railroading.  Bill was very instrumental in establishing the society in its early days and remained a friend of many Ottawa railfans for years after he left the city.

Bill was a great friend to our family.  He was considerate, kind, erudite, and had the best sense of humour.  Losing him so suddenly was shattering for us and we know how hard it has been for those closest to him.  Many wonderful memories will sustain in the years to come.  It was a privilege to know Bill.  Our deepest sympathy to his family, step-family, and friends.

Sadly, from Valery and Colin and family.

Remembering many wonderful years working with Bill at Parks Canada. He was respected both professionally and personally. This photo was taken in 1989. 

I worked with Bill at Parks Canada for many years. Bill was a true gentleman, always so eager to help everyone, and to share his wealth of knowledge, along with his gentle smile, always ready to share a story and his incredible and interesting wealth of knowledge. My thoughts and condolences to Bill's family and friends at this very difficult and sad time. 
Sincerely, Marge Boutilier

I was terribly surprised to read of Bill's passing in today's paper. I extend my sympathies to all his family.

I knew Bill as I also worked for Parks Canada. He worked on a history of Kejimkujik National Park, arranging an excellent person to carry out the project which I initiated. From then on for many years I counted Bill as a good friend to turn to for constructive help and a pleasant conversation.  He was a true professional and I shall remember the good times we enjoyed.

We have been Bills neighbors for over 30 yrs, and were very sadden to hear of his passing. When my son was younger perhaps  5 or 6 . He and another neighborhood friend ventured around the block one day  and encountered Bill, working in his yard. They  struck up a conversation with Bill  and soon they  became friends. After that there were many more encounters and  conversation to the point that I finally said to my son that they shouldn't continue to  bother Bill when he is out working in his yard,  my sons reply was, BILL DON' T MIND, HE IS THE COOLEST GUY EVER! As they grew up Bill would hire my boys  to help  with small jobs around the property  and they were always eager to help  him.  The boys are men now and Bill still had an interest in their lives. He was a pleasant, friendly, funny, caring  neighbor  and  we will miss  him .

Tena and Gary Berrigan

We moved to Ottawa in 1968 and Tom was hired by the National Historic Sites Service (as it was then).  Bill was one of the first persons he met.  The research historians were a congenial lot and Bill was certainly a favourite among his colleagues.  He soon became a family friend and has remained so for 50 years.  Tom left "Parks" in July 1969 to teach at Algonquin College and with regionalization Bill moved to Halifax.  In spite of the distance, the friendship endured.  We miss him.

When Parks Canada acquired the Rideau Canal from Transport Canada, Bill and Tom canoed its length from Kingston to Ottawa.  Our son, Keith was about 2 months old, but Laura drove the two (plus Keith) to Kingston, with her canoe on top of our Fiat, and then met us in Mooney's Bay five days later.  Bill had a Parks SLR camera and shot dozens of photos which became part of an album documenting the "as transferred" condition of canal locks and structures.  

It is hard to lose a friend of such long standing.  Our very best to all friends and family.  We share your loss.

Tom and Laura

We are heartbroken at this news. Bill was such a friend to us when we moved to Halifax. We have fond memories of dinners filled with laughter, sailing in the Bedford Basin, building our house in Nova Scotia. Bill helped us in so many ways. We loved the days he would spend with us hammering nails and hanging drywall - writing his name on every finished project to make it easier, he explained, for historians of the future to trace the history of the building. We are blessed by his life and are better for having known him.

Colleen and David

I knew Bill well at the Parks Canada regional office/service centre over decades. I knew him best when he had a sailboat and sailed from the bedford basin yacht club. He was a passionate sailor and took pride in that restored sloop he had. He was a man full of life, adventure and joy. I am saddened by his passing.  

My deepest condolences.   I volunteered with Bill on the collections committee at the Dartmouth Heritage Museum.   He was a very kind person and had a great sense of humour.   

Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing, I will miss seeing him and sharing on Boxing Day at Jim's - Marilyn



To Bill's Family and Friends: 

I am  so sorry to learn of Bill's passing.  I also worked with Bill at Parks Canada and it was an honour to work with him.  You could just tell he had a passion for history.   I will miss seeing him at our annual potluck at Christmas.  I will re-read his books with fond thoughts.

May your memories of Bill give you comfort.

With our condolences,

Elizabeth Crook and Marc Hemphill



We were neighbours, one door up the hill, from 1988-92.  Mr Bill was the first person we met, "Hazen, eh.  What is your father's name?"  It was hard to believe that he was such a close friend of two of my uncles!  We got to store (and use) the beautiful machine (snowblower) for those four years and learned a lot about gardening from him.  He was truly one of God's beautiful people; kind, generous and loving.  It is with great sadness that we heard of his death.  Truly, he lives on in our memories.
Mark and Shirley Hazen

I worked with Bill for many years with Parks Canada.  He was a gentle soul, always easy to talk to and even-tempered.  I enjoyed many conversations with him during our work years and after, sometimes running into him at our local Sobey's.  He never seemed to age!   I also respected him as an historian and I have used his books as a volunteer historical storyteller.  Bill was always such a pleasant man - one of the "old guard" in my professional life. I shall miss seeing him at our annual Christmas potluck. I know how much his stepson and grandson added to his life. I am unfortunately out of the country until after Bill's service  but I wish to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of this  exceedingly decent man.  He will be greatly missed.     Denise Hansen

OBITUARY

William Drummond Naftel

1 October, 1940 – 29 April, 2018

Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home

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