Rev. William Matthew Roach

Born in Scotchtown, he was the son of the late Simon and Mary (MacInnis) Roach. Father Bill graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University in 1950. He entered Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Antigonish on June 12, 1954. In the years that followed his ordination, Fr. Bill’s notable leadership ability was evident in his role as pastor, spiritual advisor, educator and social activist.

His first pastoral assignment took him to St. Anthony Daniel Parish in Sydney and St. Anne’s Membertou. After several years, Fr. Bill was appointed to the St. F.X. Extension Department. In 1965, while on study leave from Extension, he obtained a Masters Degree in Sociology from Boston University. For a number of years, he taught Sociology at Xavier College. In 1973 he was granted leave from the Extension Department to work with the Nova Scotia Housing Commission. He was involved with many housing developments in Cape Breton and on the mainland. Uppermost in Fr. Bill’s life during all these years was his commitment to economic and social development in Cape Breton, as was witnessed in 1967 when he played a significant role in organizing Sydney’s March of Concern to offset the pending steel plant closure.

In 1977 Fr. Bill resumed full time pastoral ministry at St. Lawrence parish, Mulgrave. In 1980 he was appointed parish priest at Sacred Heart Church in Sydney, and in 1992 he became parish priest at Immaculate Heart Parish, Mira Road. For health reasons, Fr. Bill retired from active parish ministry in 1998. From that time until his most recent illness, he continued his dedicated life of service among his many friends.

In his early years, Fr. Bill greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing; later he became an avid golfer and walker. While his reputation as a “take charge” person followed him throughout his life, Fr. Bill’s “behind the scenes” caring and compassion endeared him to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Fr. Bill is survived by his sisters, Ellen (Mrs. James Smith) Gainesville, Florida and Eileen (Sr.Marie Simone CSM), Antigonish, as well as his brother, Bernie (Jackie), Ottawa. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Patricia (Tom), Halifax and Lucille, (Angus) Ottawa and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sisters, Catherine, Sadie (Mrs. Joe Gillis), Christina (Sr. Mary Celesta SC) and brothers, Henry, Angus, Tom and Dave. He was also predeceased by sister-in-law, Evelyn (Henry) and brothers-in-law, Joseph Gillis and James Smith.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Monday at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel, and then from 7-9 p.m. at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St., with the Prayer Service and Vigil commencing at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with Bishop Brian Dunn presiding. Following the funeral, a reception will be held at St. Theresa’s Hall. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Donations in Fr. Bill’s memory may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society or the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.