Obituary of William Carter Durant

William Carter Durant passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2021, and like most things in his life as an accomplished Engineer and avid woodworker, things were exact; passing exactly 91 years from the day he was born, July 4th, 1930, as if he had planned it himself (which he may have). Born in Truro, Nova Scotia, to Irma and Mott Durant, he was proud of his Nova Scotia roots and made it routine to travel back each summer to enjoy the family cottage on First Beach in Parrsboro. After graduating from the Nova Scotia Agriculture College in 1951, and subsequently McGill University in 1953, Bill started his career with the Department of Agriculture in Fredericton that same year. Soon after, he and Grace married in 1953 and settled into their first home in Nashwaaksis before moving to Sussex In 1956 to start their family. In Sussex, Bill served on Town Council and was heavily involved with the Sussex Minor Hockey Association. In 1974, Bill and Grace made their way to Oromocto where they have since resided, only leaving in May of each year to spend their summers at the cottage. After 37 years with the Department of Agriculture, Bill retired in 1990 as he had planned. In his retirement Bill served on the Board of Stewards at Oromocto United Church and dedicated his time to the Oromocto Rotary Club, where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in 2000. Bill enjoyed his life from his early years around Parrsboro, tending the lighthouse on Cape Sharp with his father, through his later years sitting at home in "his" chair reading the newspapers… having read both The Daily Gleaner and the Telegraph Journal daily for 30+ years. Paper copy please… as he was not keen to adopt the technology, making exception for photos from the kids and grandchildren on the iPad, which he cherished very much. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Grace (Kinsman) Durant and his children; Mark (Sandra), Debbie (Tony) Spares, and Peter (Darlene), as well a his adored grandchildren, Amy (Kyler) Durant-Murphy & Carter (Carolyn) Durant, Kaitlyn & Colin (Andie) Spares, Geoffrey Durant & Raelene (Mathew) Kerner; two Great Grandchildren, Levi Durant and Kate Kerner, his sister Corynne Martin and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many, but by no one more than his wife Grace. You never saw one without the other, they relied on each other and knew each others needs, no words needed spoken. Their love and concern for each other was apparent and an example for all. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Oromocto Funeral Home. There will be a visitation open to the public on Wednesday, July 7th, from 1-2 pm at the Oromocto United Church, followed by a memorial service at 2 pm with the Rev. Bob Jones officiating. Due to current health code restrictions, there will be limited seating. To reserve a space, please contact the funeral home (506) 357-5100 or by email oromocto@mcadamsfh.com. Remembrances to the Ottawa House Museum by-the-Sea (www.Ottawahousemuseum.ca) would be appreciated by the family.