William Robert Mantle

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Husband, Brother, Father and Grandfather William “Bill” Mantle on March 11th, 2019. Bill passed away with his loving family by his side at the VG Hospital Palliative Care Unit after a long hard fight with Cancer,

Bill was 71. Born in Truro he was the son of the late Stanley and Ada Mantle (Fifield).

Bill lead a full life, and life with and around Bill was always amazing and adventurous. One never knew what was around the corner when with Bill!

Bill attended both Elementary and High School in Lower Truro Elementary School, Onslow NS. He then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree from Acadia University, Wolfville NS, in 1972, a Bachelor of Engineering from Acadia University in 1974. While operating his first business Bluenose Lighting he obtained a MBA from Dalhousie University in 1981.

Bill was involved in many things throughout his life. Growing up on a farm he was used to hard work and proved that every day of his life.

Bill pursued many passions throughout his life. At a young age he was a member of the Sea Cadets and was awarded the highest rank in the squadron. At age 8 he won the Tractor Pulling Contest in Truro. He loved wrestling and was a member of the Acadia University Wrestling Team. Bill was awarded Arm Wrestling Champion in NS for many years. Bill loved Hockey and shared his love with his sons and grandsons. He played Goal in the men’s League for over 30 years. Bill took part in the Highland Games and loved the competitive nature of the Games. Antique Cars and Trucks were also one of Bill’s passions and was the proud owner of many.

Bill loved to Motorcycle and he and his wife Deb enjoyed many “road trips”-although Deb usually didn’t know where they were going but usually it involved a job! Of his many motorcycles, Bill especially loved his 1994 Harley Davidson Electra Glide. He and Deb shared many trips on that bike most notably to Laconia, International BMW Motorcycle Rally, Annapolis Royal NS, but their favorite and most attended was The Bluenose Rally in Billtown NS, one of the longest running Motorcycle Rallies in Canada. Bill and Deb were known to hop on the bike and just go and his love of the open road was quite evident if you ever rode with him.

Bill was a past member of the IEEE-Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and a member of the Professional Engineers of NS. Bill was very involved with the Sign Association of Canada, having recently been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bill started Bluenose Communication Contractors which is now Bluenose Lighting and Alarm back in 1980 and it is still in operation today. He was also the owner of Tremblay Signs (1987) for 32 years. Bill put his heart into both companies, employing many people throughout the years. He worked tirelessly to ensure his customers would always receive the best he and his crew could give.

Bill will be forever missed and in the hearts of his beloved wife Debra “Deb” Williams (Dinelle), his daughter Marielle Mantle, Halifax NS, his son Dylan Mantle, Dartmouth NS, his step daughter Bailey Williams, Phoenix, Arizona, his step sons Mitchell Williams, Toronto, Ontario, Dean Williams, Halifax NS, Sam Williams, Petawawa, Ontario. Bill was very proud of Sam’s service with Military, where he is presently on a peacekeeping deployment in Mali, West Africa.

A true example of unconditional love was shown throughout Bill’s journey by his siblings Dianne Mantle, Truro NS, Linda Weatherbee (Mantle) (Ross), Truro NS, Barbara Molly (Mantle), Port Alberni BC, and Harry Mantle (Debbie), Truro NS. Their love of Bill was so evident with all the trips back and forth from Truro and Barb’s stay away from her home and family for many months.

Bill loved his 6 grand children Aaron Mantle, Dayna-Rae Mantle, Lucas Mantle, Dustin Mantle and Billie-Rose Mantle, all of Halifax NS and Olivia Mantle of Hubbards NS.

He loved his several nieces and nephews and appreciated all the visits and times they sat by his side and held his hand. Bill is also survived by his Mother-in Law Barbara Dinelle, Sackville, NS, his Sister-in-Law Katherine Osborne (Dinelle) (Adam), Halifax NS and his Brother-in-Law John Paul Dinelle, Devon Alberta, his son-in-law Gerald Dacey.

Bill was predeceased by his nephew Aaron Weatherbee, his Father Stanley Mantle, his Mother Ada Mantle (Fiefield), his Brother-in law Daniel Molly and his Father-in Law John Dinelle.

Bill wanted to Thank the following people for all their support during his illness:

• All of the Nurses at the Chemo unit at the VG Hospital.

• The Palliative Care Team at the VG Hospital.

• Devon Hennigar Paliative Nurse VG.

• Glenn and Peggy Lucas for their spiritual support and guidance.

• My sister Barb who left her home in BC to assist my wife with my care.

• My sister Linda who helped me with my spiritual journey.

• My Nieces who visited many times, brought meals and sat by me.

• My nephew Anthony Weatherbee for his calls and visits from Florida and for officiating at my service.

• My sisters Dianne, Linda, Barb and brother Harry and his wife Debbie-your unconditional love and support meant more than you will ever know-and of course for all the food.

• My son, Dylan who looked after Tremblays in my absence.

• Rajko Obradovic who watched over the financial health of my businesses during my absence.

• Donald McLaughlin for looking after Bluenose Lighting and Alarm in my absence.

• All of my employees for their hard work and support during this time, especially to Gerald & Clinton.

• Heather Robinson for all your visits and trips for supplies.

• To all those in the Sign Industry for your support and work during this difficult time.

• Graham Sweett, Dianna Burns and John Dillon for their professional advice and support.

• My Mother-in-Law Barbara for organizing the reception food.

• “My Italian Son” Ciro Comencici for all of his spiritual support and enduring love.

• My Sister-in-Law Katherine for all your visits and support.

• To all of those who read to me and held my hand in bed.

• My beautiful wife Deb you supported and cared for me through out my journey. I can not imagine doing this without your Love and Care!

• All of the friends and family who dropped by for a visit and called. If I have left anyone out it was not intentional, I appreciated everyone who helped.

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 399 Lacewood Drive, Halifax NS Friday March 22nd 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm

Funeral will be held 2 pm Saturday March 23, 2019 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 399 Lacewood Drive, Halifax NS. A private committal to follow at Truro Heights Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Halifax, https://hospicehalifax.ca/donate-now/ , P.O. Box 27151, Fenwick, Halifax, NS B3H 4M8

or

QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation Palliative Care - https://qe2foundation.ca/ways-give/donate-qeii 5657 Spring Garden Road, Park Lane Mall, Suite 3005 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R4

Roll, roll me away

I'm gonna roll me away tonight

Gotta keep rollin', gotta keep ridin'

Keep searchin' till I find what's right

And as the sunset faded I spoke

To the faintest first starlight

And I said next time

Next time

We'll get it right

Bob Seger