William M. Rice

On Thursday, December 20, William “Bill” Rice (63) of Canterbury, NH died after a prolonged illness with cancer. Bill was born in Yonkers, NY, on January 26, 1949, the only child of William and Edna Rice. His family moved to Clearwater, Florida, where he graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry.

Bill fell in love with New England while receiving his Master’s in Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire in 1974. Bill met his future wife Kathy in 1977 in Durham. They married in 1978. After living and working as a Quality Control Organic Chemist for two years in New Martinsville, WVA, Bill and Kathy moved to Canterbury in 1981 where the family still resides.

Bill worked at NH DES for 10 years. After working for two years as an organic chemist, he was promoted to the Lab Director after two years. In 1988, Bill and Kathy started their environmental laboratory testing business Aquarian Analytical, Inc. in Canterbury, which is still in operation to this day.

One of his passions was becoming a private pilot. He loved giving aerial plane rides for friends, family and clients. Aerial photography became another important hobby. His other passions were computer programming, electronics, snowmobiling and boating with friends and family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of thirty four years, and his three children, William, Robert and Virginia all of Canterbury.

Calling hours will be from 4-8pm on Friday, December 28 at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 29 at 12 Noon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church,

180 Loudon Road, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Memorial Giving Program, 2 Commerce Drive, Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110 or the Robin Hood Foundation.org which currently assisting the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.

Messages of condolences may be offered at www.bennettfuneral.com