Obituary of William James Woodroffe

The death of Bill Woodroffe, of Lakeview Drive, Saint John, East, occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Wednesday, September 24th, 2003. Born in Saint John, NB, he was the husband of Doreen (Mills) Woodroffe and son of the late Raymond and Helen (Sewell) Woodroffe. In his early years he worked as an insurance adjuster with Hope Adjustment and later Adjusters & Appraisers Ltd. Bill had an active political career, beginning in 1965 with his election to the Simonds Parish Council where he served as the last Chairman then later as a member of the first Amalgamated Common Council of Saint John. In 1967 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly with the Hatfield Government, representing the riding of Saint John East and later Saint John Fundy for three consecutive terms. He served as Speaker of the House for many years, and traveled to England, India and across Canada as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He was proud and honoured during this time to be presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on three occasions, which he always remembered as a highlight of his career. Retiring from political life in 1978, Bill served with the Provincial Fire Marshall's Office as Fire Prevention Officer before his official retirement in 1996. Throughout his life Bill was active in his community; a member of All Saints Anglican Church and St. James Anglican Church, and the Simonds Lions Club. Bill will always be remembered for his love of life and family; for his enthusiasm and dedication to the service of others. Most of all, the many people he touched throughout his life never forgot his incredible sense of humour and love of laughter. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife and three children; his son, Gary Woodroffe of Halifax, NS; daughter, Barbara White and beloved grandchildren Nicholas and Alison; daughter, Andrea (Gary) Glenn of Pickering, ON; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Duncan Woodroffe. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506)634-7424 with visitation on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. from St. James Anglican Church, Lakewood. Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens. Remembrances to the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation or Huntington's Society of Canada.