William "Liam" Mark Petrie

Liam passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. Born and raised in Glace Bay, NS, he was the son of the late William Mark “Bill” and Aileen Monica (née Campbell) Petrie. He is survived by his dear wife, Roberta Clarke, of Halifax, and his brother, Brian D. Petrie of Halifax and sister-in-law, Joan (née MacMaster), and nephews, Neil (Colleen) and Daniel (Lai) Petrie and their families, and Roberta’s niece, Laura Kolasky (Owen) and nephew, Ryan Clarke (Theresa Atherley), of Edmonton, AB, and their families. In addition to his parents, Liam was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Eleanor Claire Anita Petrie (Roy Thompson) (June 2023), of Halifax, and parents-in-law, Derry R. and Jean Clarke, and brother-in-law, Bill Clarke, all of St. John’s, NL, and special cousin, Mona Petrie Bateman.

Liam graduated from St. Michael Senior High in Glace Bay, where he was Student Council President, and after basic training in Chilliwack, BC, headed to Antigonish to study at St. Francis Xavier University. While there he worked at “The Wheel” perfecting the art of tossing pizza dough. He graduated from St. FX in 1974 and studied Public Administration at Dalhousie. He then did renovations and similar work with his friend, Rob McKelvie, before working at the Petrofina bulk plant. Liam enjoyed a stroke of good fortune when he was hired initially to work with Dr. Ron Trites at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography as a research technician. Working in Coastal Oceanography brought him so much pleasure, particularly cruises on the Hudson and other ships. His favourite research expeditions were to the oceans of Canada’s North. After retiring from BIO in 2011, Liam enjoyed 15 years working in the Pro Shop at Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club in Eastern Passage.

Of all the jobs that Liam had, however, the best was being Eleanor’s Dad. She was his greatest joy in life as they shared a special bond.

Liam was actively involved in a breakfast program offered by St. John’s United Church for students of Oxford School, and often a leader of the preparations for Saturday breakfasts at Brunswick Street Mission when it was St. John’s turn. He was, for a time, chair of the church’s Social Action Committee.

Liam was a great story teller, no detail spared. A regular at the Old Port, he had fun organizing cribbage tournaments there. Vacations at Milford House with Roberta and Eleanor, and family dogs, as well as in more recent years, trips to Portugal, were a delight. Liam was a member of the original Black Street Aces hockey team as well as their softball team. He enjoyed playing basketball, but in the early 80’s he turned to golfing, mainly at Brightwood and Hartlen Point.

Liam always appreciated time with family and his wide circle of colleagues and friends. He will be missed. Special thanks to the many physicians who cared for him over the years, especially Dr. Jonathan Trites, and most recently, Dr. Liam Mulroy who gave him more months than expected at the end, as well as the doctors and staff of the Palliative Care Unit. Thanks also to the MAiD program nurse-practitioners, who were only on call, as it turned out.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation on Tuesday, May 26 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with memorial service on Wednesday, May 27 at 2 p.m., all at Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, with reception to follow. Service will be live-streamed with details on the Home’s website.

No flowers by request. Should you wish to make a donation in honour of Liam, please consider Brunswick Street Mission or a charity of your choice.