Roasting Pacey

Bill Thorpe was a native of Fredericton and was active in his community from his youth, participating in Boy Scouts, team sports and the militia. He held a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree from the University of New Brunswick. He was the recipient of a Beaverbrook Teacher's Overseas Scholarship in 1964.

In his career as a teacher at Fredericton High School, he influenced many young people both in the classroom and through his leadership of extra curricular activities that ranged from sports to model parliament. He returned periodically to the schools to assist in the Remembrance Day commemoration. He also taught at the university level in the Faculty of Arts at the University of New Brunswick.

As an avid rugby player and a coach, he was responsible for the survival of the sport at Fredericton High School, for the foundation of the Fredericton Loyalists Rugby Club and the New Brunswick Rugby Union and served on the executives of these organizations. For his rugby contribution, he was inducted into the Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame in 1997.

He exhibited strong vision and persistence in his push for the development of a trails system for Fredericton that is heavily used by citizen and a much-praised attraction by visitors to the city. He was also active in the development of the trails system throughout New Brunswick and is the author of a book on the Fredericton trails.

Bill has been dedicated to the preservation of much that is important in the community and the fabric of our city. He was a member of the Fredericton Heritage Trust since its formation and held the office of President and chaired a number of committees. For many years he has been an active member of the Military Compound Board. Also in the heritage area he was a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee that edited and published W. Austin Squires' manuscript history of Fredericton for the city's bicentennial. In addition, he chaired the committee to receive the tapestry hangings in City Hall woven by Dr. Bill Crowell, based on paintings by Gertrude Duffie. On a volunteer basis he curated an exhibit on New Brunswick's participation in World War II that was a popular exhibit at the Provincial Archives and was invited to the city of Dordrecht in the Netherlands. He has been a guest lecturer at the Provincial Archives and for other organizations contributing to public programming initiatives and life-long learning for citizens.

Bill was chosen by the provincial department of heritage, and unanimously endorsed by members of Fredericton Heritage Trust, to guide Prince Charles throughout the heritage area of Fredericton and developed a "driving tour" for the purpose.

As a member of City Council for two terms, 1977-1983, and Deputy Mayor, 1980-1981, he went above and beyond, as many councillors do, what the office might reasonably expect. He was very knowledgeable about Fredericton and an enthusiastic supporter of initiatives and businesses in the city, whether they be ventures of former students or long time associates, or of new members of the community.

Bill was an avid fan of rugby and reader of history and biography. He was the proud father of a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Jennifer, as well as a young grandson, Sam.