Obituary of William Knodell Bambury

A son of Saint John, a proud New Brunswicker, a loving husband and an exceptional father and grandfather, Bill left us on December 12, 2020, peacefully and surrounded by love. 

Born on Pitt Street in 1930, Bill spent his childhood in the heart of the city and with his grandparents at Brookside Farm. He was known by thousands for his dedicated friendships and his ready smile. His friends from childhood remained close to him throughout his life but he was always eager to make more. He loved people for their character, their sense of humour, their kindness and their wit. He lit up the room when he saw an old friend or made a new one. 

Bill used his charisma, storytelling, and enormous amount of knowledge to the great benefit of his family, his friends, his clients and his city. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Church and intensely proud of his family’s century long connection to the institution. When he was a boy he sang in the choir, he served at the altar, and later on the vestry, finance committee, and as honorary senior warden. Bill believed passionately that Trinity has a future serving God and Saint John.

Bill was president of the New Brunswick Heart Foundation, a board member of the City of Saint John Planning Action Committee and Chair of the Saint John Parking Commission. He was a member of Carleton Masonic Lodge, a volunteer with United Commercial Travelers and a member of Probus. He was especially committed to childrens’ charities, serving on the executive Board of the former Wiggins Home for Boys and helping feed disadvantaged children through the Rotary ‘chicken noodle soup’ lunch club. 

A Chartered Life Underwriter for decades, Bill was regional group manager at Canada Life Assurance Company where he made many close friends with whom he and Frances often travelled.

He loved sailing, being on the Kennebecasis and St. John Rivers, and the Kingston Peninsula. In retirement he enjoyed the beaches of Southern Florida where he wintered with Fran. He enjoyed curling and playing bridge.  He loved animals and was happy when a new dog was welcomed into the family. 

But, the greatest love of his life was his wife of 65 years Frances and their children and grandchildren. 

Bill is survived by his wife Frances, his children Jill, Brent (Felix) and Gregory (Susan), and his grandchildren William, Elijah and Talia. He also leaves an extended family. He is predeceased by his parents William and Marion, his step-mother Marion and his sister Elizabeth (Betty). 

Bill enjoyed excellent health into his eighties and met the challenges of the past two years with bravery and humour. His family would like to thank his personal physician, specialists and especially the caregivers on the fifth and seventh floors at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Shannex Tucker Hall. 

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). A funeral will be held from Trinity Anglican Church, Germain Street, on Wednesday, December 16 at 11 AM. Remembrances in honour of William Bambury can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick or the Trinity Steeple Restoration Project. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.