Bill Freedman

His keen interest in nature began as a young child living among the wooded ravines of Toronto. A young Bill would often bring home snakes, frogs, and other creatures that he would care for. His love of nature continued; eventually leading him to study biology at the University of Toronto and thereafter would touch every aspect of his life. While Bill’s profession focused on the devastating toll of humanity on the environment, his optimism for change remained and encouraged all those who worked with him.

After graduating from University of Toronto, Bill began teaching at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He conducted research; led field studies and taught environmental science in the Department of Biology and in the School for Resources and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 1979 to 2015. Upon retirement, in 2015, he was appointed professor emeritus in the department of Biology. Bill served as Chair of the Department of Biology from 2000 to 2007. He held the George H. Campbell Chair in biology from 2007 to 2010. In 2006 he received a Canadian Environmental Award, Gold Medal Level in the category of Community Awards for Conservation from the Canadian Geographic Society. In 2007 he received a Career Achievement Award from the Canadian Council of University Biology Chairs.

Bill was a prolific writer, publishing ten books, among them, the first Canadian Environmental Science textbook; the 6th edition soon to be published by Oxford University Press. He also wrote countless refereed journal articles, reports for both government and private enterprise, as well encyclopedia entries. One of his final efforts was coordinating a comprehensive multi-authored volume on Sable Island, a place he loved and frequented.

For the past 26 years Bill was a volunteer with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). His knowledge and enthusiasm led to the Conservancy electing him as chair of the national board. Bill also served on the Atlantic board of the NCC. Bill’s scientific knowledge and infectious love of nature were always present. John Lounds, president and CEO of the Conservancy described him as “a mentor, wise counsel and friend”. Bill recently authored ‘A History of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, tracing the organization from its roots to its present status.

Bill had many passions, one of which was bird watching. He rarely missed a Christmas count and most spring migrations found him with friends at Point Pelee National Park. His interest started in high school and eventually led to globetrotting birding trips, usually with his long time friend, Ilan Neuman. Some of these escapades will be included in Bill’s book of personal essays, soon to be published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside. He was also passionate about native species. Always one to practice what he preached, Bill naturalized his own urban yard by planting native species in associations similar to those found in the natural environment.

Recently the Nature Conservancy honored Bill's contributions, renaming a 150 hectare coastal reserve in Prospect, Nova Scotia as the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Reserve. As well, the NCC has created a science-in-conservation internship in his name. The internship will be awarded annually to a Dalhousie student to work with NCC.

Bill was born in Toronto on January 20th 1950 to Sarah and Ely Freedman, immigrants from Eastern Europe. He grew up in Toronto and attended Lord Landsdowne Public School and Harbord Collegiate. He went on to study biology at the University of Toronto where he received his PhD.

Bill married the love of his life, George–Anne Merrill in 1993. Together they raised two children, Jonathan (Adrienne Haik), and Rachael (Daniel Kovacs). Rachael gave birth to the family’s first grandchild, a girl, Luthien, on September 20 2015.

Bill had a mischievous sense of humor. Meet a friend, colleague, or casual acquaintance and they will have a funny anecdote. He was an avid collector of folk art, books, decoys, ginger beer and other bottles, art and anything else that caught his curious eye. Even in recent weeks he was still helping George-Anne install new art and displays in the house.

Bill's and George-Anne's generosity has been enjoyed and appreciated by many. Their beautiful Victorian home was often the place of gathering for their countless friends and colleagues from the university. Together, they hosted dinners for Nature Conservancy members; they held numerous holiday celebrations and many spur of the moment gatherings that were remarkable for George-Anne’s delectable food and the flowing wine. Their warmth and hospitality was well known, enjoyed and appreciated.

Bill is deeply missed by his sisters Doris (Bernard Sztybel), Rita (Irving Rosenfeld), his brother and sister-in-law Bryce and Margaret, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Donations in memoriam may be directed to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. www.natureconservancy.ca Bill had many special projects in the Atlantic region.

A celebration of Bill will be held at a date to be announced.