William "Bill" Alexander Quirk

William A. “Bill” Quirk

North Sydney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Alexander “Bill” Quirk age 66, beloved companion, father, brother, uncle and friend on Friday, October 5, 2018, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.

Born in North Sydney, November 6, 1951, Bill was the son of the late Michael and Marguerite (King) Quirk. Bill resided in Florence for more than 40 years, raising his family there and building life-long relationships with neighbors. This past year he moved back to his hometown of North Sydney to begin a new chapter in his retirement.

Bill was employed with Marine Atlantic, aboard the vessels, for over 30 years. He worked as chief steward, cook, and many other roles. Some would say Bill made the best seafood chowder around and for sure, those on board, crew and customer alike, raved about it. Add to that his ability to make bread and fat archies and you had one heck of good guy to have around. No one left his home hungry and the neighborhood kids always knew where to go for a treat.  After his Marine Atlantic retirement, Bill chose to work in Alberta for several years. In Kearl Lake, he enjoyed the work and the people he met but was always happy to come home to Cape Breton.

Bill was a strong family man who always put needs of others before his own. He had a heart of gold and a real love for people. He especially enjoyed spending quality time with his companion Sheila, his children Tanya and Billy, and his grandchildren, the pride and joy of his life.

Bill loved to ride his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, especially on all the road trips planned with his good buddy Max Sehl. In the past four years they travelled to New England and Newfoundland and brought home some interesting tales from the road, especially Mount Washington. 

Bill is survived by his companion Sheila Styles, his daughter Tanya (Leigh), Sydney Mines, son Billy (Ashley), Florence, three grandchildren Seanna, Shyanne and Natalia , his brothers and sisters Carol Quirk, North Sydney, Linda Phillips, Greenwood, Marlene (Dave) Farrell, George’s River, Wayne (Pat), Kentville, Florence (Leo) Oakes, North Sydney, Glen (Heather), Oromocto, Maggie (Roy) Sawler, Bridgewater, Albert (Mary), Leitches Creek, Roger (Janie), North Sydney, Terry, Dartmouth, Alex (Karen Jean), Truro, also by many loving nieces and nephews, and his extended Brown family, who stayed close in heart after his first wife Nona’s passing.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his first wife Nona (Brown) Quirk, his second wife Willena (Buchanan) Quirk, nephew Monty Farrell, brothers -in-law Gary Phillips and Paul Sams.

Visitation for Bill will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2018 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018 at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating.  Burial to take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney. 

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of choice.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

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