Obituary of Bill Joyce

It is with profound sadness that the family of William E Joyce announces his passing, Wednesday October 14, 2020, at Shannex, Tucker Hall, Saint John, NB.

Bill Joyce was born in Saint John, NB, on October 28, 1934.  He was the son of the late Raymond M Joyce and Leotta (Campbell) Joyce.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Lou (O’Brien) Joyce, his brother Harold G Joyce and two special cousins, Paul Boone (Barb) and Pamela Yearwood (Paul), as well as many other close cousins, relatives and friends.

Bill attended Holy Trinity Elementary School, St Vincent’s Boys School and Saint John Vocational School from which he graduated in 1953.  He also attended summer sessions at the University of Maine, Boston University and NBCC Moncton .  In the 1970’s he received his Bachelor of Teaching from the University of New Brunswick.  He received the A. B. Lumsden award for excellence in business education.  Bill was a member of CABET (Canadian Association of Business Education Teachers) and often attended their conferences.

Bill had a 40 year career at Saint John Vocational School.  He was student, teacher, Business Department head, and Vice Principal. He respected his students and they respected him.  He was a great believer in their motto “Train mind and hand, learn to live”.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed volunteering in his community.  He delivered Meals on Wheels for over twenty years, and manned the kettle fund for the Salvation Army.  He belonged to the ICCA (Irish Canadian Cultural Association).  In its early years he was a board member and secretary/ treasurer of the Alzheimer’s Society.  Bill enjoyed singing and was a member of many choirs in the city.  He loved the galas at the Imperial Theatre and helped form the Shamrock Singers and loved the Irish culture.  He and friends presented concerts to eleven nursing homes during Irish week and always had treats for the residents with him.  He enjoyed travelling and attending social gatherings.  He always cherished his family and friends.  He had a deep personal faith and was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church and was also a choir member.

“The best part of a good man’s life are the many little unnamed and unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” William Wordsworth.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visitation on Monday October 19, 2020 from 2 to 6 pm.  Guests are asked to enter the funeral home using the courtyard entrance, where staff will greet and assist you with Covid-19 protocol.  Masks are mandatory with physical distancing measures in place.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 360 Dufferin Row, Saint John west on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 12:00 noon.  For those unable to attend, please visit www.brenansFH.com, where a livestream of the funeral will be available on Bill’s obituary.  Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.  For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Saint John Vocational School/ Harbour View High School Scholarship Fund, Romero House or Our Lady of the Assumption Building Fund or to a charity of personal choice. www.BrenansFH.com.