The family of the late William (Bill, BJ) Larade, age 63 are saddened to announce his passing on January 14, 2019 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, following a brief illness with his loving family by his side. Born June 17, 1955 in Pugwash, NS at a whopping 12lbs 13oz, he was a large Father's Day present to Joseph and Mary Larade. Bill grew up in Oxford, NS where he received his education. He later went on, to attend Nova Scotia Institute of Technology, graduating from the cooking program. He was employed at the IGA and later the Esso Garage, both in Oxford. While working at the Esso, he completed his apprenticeship as an Automotive Mechanic, earning a red seal. While residing in Oxford, he volunteered as a Scout Leader and with the Oxford Lions Club. He then met the love of his life, Darlene and moved to Amherst, was married and began a family. In Amherst, he worked at several garages, before hanging up his wrenches due to an occupational related allergy. It was after this he found his true vocation in water treatment. He began working for Miracle Water Systems and after a couple years, made the bold move of opening up his own business, BJ's Water Service in 1987. He ran his business with the help of friend Dean Sullivan and son Tim, until health issues forced his retirement in 2005. While running his business, he also worked part time as a School Bus driver and provided transportation for children at APRCHI for weekend visits at home. He was also enjoyed volunteering for the Children’s Wish Foundation for 4 years. Bill loved his work, often saying his customers were more like friends than clients and he felt like he was leaving them stranded by retiring. His son Tim opened his own business the same year and Bill continued to work part time and consult with him until his passing. In retirement he moved to Fenwick and rekindled a love of woodworking. He built mostly out of reclaimed pallet wood or materials sourced from broken articles or renovation scraps. He made many birthday and Christmas presents for friends and family, especially his grandkids who were extra special to him. He often told everyone that the gifts he made with his hands would give everyone something to remember him by and they certainly do. Bill had a life-long love of music which he happily passed on to his kids. He also loved sitting next to the Bonfire with his family and could be seen sitting by the fire at his home many summer nights along with his family. He was a family historian and took pride in passing along his family tree. Those who knew Bill, knew him to be a family man, with a great sense of humor that included a big laugh that he kept right into his final days. Bill was predeceased by father Jospeh Alcide Larade, Mother Mary Selena (DeLong) Larade; father and mother in law, David and Albina (Gaudet) MacDonald; brother in laws, Larry MacDonald, Harley Fowler, Shirley Rushton, and Rodger Chapman, sister in law, Shirley MacDonald. He is survived by spouse of 39 years, Darlene (MacDonald), son Tim (Jennifer), daughter Michelle MacDonald (Kevin). One sister Brenda Rushton. Grandchildren, Alyssa, Riley and Sullivan, nieces, Heather (Tom) Wilkes, Marilee (Owen) Park; nephew, Larry (Cindy) Rushton, brother in laws, Ralph MacDonald, and Allison (Alice) MacDonald, sister in laws, Marilyn Fowler, Joan (Bob) MacKenzie, and Carol Ann (Gary) Doucet, as well numerous cousins and extended family.
Cremation has taken place. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm with funeral service on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 2:00 pm, Rev. Laurie MacLeod officiating all in Campbell’s Funeral Home, 98 Church St., Amherst (902) 667-9906. Family is requesting casual wear. In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the Palliative Care Unit of CRHCC or Children’s Wish Foundation. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff, nurses, doctors and especially Amy Thurston of the CRHCC Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion shown to us and Bill. Online condolences & sharing of memories can be forward to the family via; www.campbellsamherst.ca or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.