William "Bill" John VanGorder

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of William “Bill” VanGorder, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and one of Nova Scotia’s most dedicated community advocates, who passed away at the age of 83 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Bill spent his lifetime championing the well-being of others. He was a force to be reckoned with in the charitable and not-for-profit sectors, leaving behind an indelible mark on his province and country.

Bill will be missed dearly by his wife of 28 years, Esther VanGorder; his daughters Elizabeth VanGorder (Allan) and Tamara Cox (Stephen); his extra special grandchildren, Megan and Owen; his sister Margo VanGorder (Valerie); and a wide circle of friends, colleagues and community members whose lives were made richer by his presence.

Dinners with family, and perhaps a glass of fine wine, were among Bill’s greatest delights. He cheered in the stands for as many of his grandkid’s games as possible, whether it was ringette, hockey, lacrosse or baseball. Perhaps we won’t mention the time he was ejected from the stands at a baseball game for his overenthusiastic critique of the umpire’s calls. Bill will be remembered for his big garden packed into a small space, his inability to keep a musical beat, and for inventing Kermit the Easter Frog for his kids, because the bunny just wasn’t exciting enough.

For nearly three decades, Bill dedicated himself to the YMCA, serving as the Atlantic Area Director. He later spent 16 years as the President and CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. In his later years, Bill became an advocate for senior citizens across the Maritimes. As the Advocacy and Education Director and past Chair of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) Nova Scotia, he fought tirelessly against ageism, working to secure healthcare equity and financial security for older adults.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a man of diverse passions and infectious energy. Alongside his wife, Esther, he co-founded Nordic Walking Nova Scotia, sharing his love for fitness and the outdoors with hundreds of people. He was a fixture of the “Wednesday Crew” at the Theatre Arts Guild where he served on the board of directors and as producer, director or lighting designer for many, many shows.

Bill was also a lifelong magician, bringing joy and confusion to audiences as a member of local magic club Conjuror’s Court Ring 316 (International Brotherhood of Magicians) and the International Psychic Entertainers Association. He put himself through university in the 1970s at Waterloo Lutheran (now known as Wilfrid Laurier) working as a magician and running summer camps for the YMCA in Hamilton and Kitchener.

In keeping with Bill’s vibrant and sometimes silly spirit, and his explicit wishes, there will be no formal or somber funeral service. A party in honour of a life well-lived will take place later this year. Details for this gathering will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to

the Theatre Arts Guild, Spay Day House, the Bide Awhile Animal Shelter, or Special Olympics Nova Scotia.

Finally, the family would like to thank the staff at the Halifax Infirmary, especially the nurses of units 4.1 and 5.2.