Bill VanGorder, a well-known Nova Scotia advocate, has died. He passed away on Sunday in Halifax at the age of 83. VanGorder served as the Atlantic area director for the YMCA for nearly three decades, spent 16 years as president and CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia and held several roles at the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) Nova Scotia for almost two decades. He retired from his formal roles at CARP in April. “But titles could never capture what Bill meant to us. He was wise, generous, funny, endlessly curious and always ready to help. He had an uncanny ability to meet someone from virtually anywhere in Canada and immediately discover a connection to their hometown, their YMCA, their theatre, their Rotary club or someone they both knew,” the association said in a statement. Just last month, VanGorder received a Lifetime Achievement Award at a gathering hosted by Nova Scotia Lieutenant-Governor Mike Savage. VanGorder’s obituary says he will be missed by his wife, daughters, sister and grandchildren. “In keeping with Bill’s vibrant and sometimes silly spirit, and his explicit wishes, there will be no formal or somber funeral service. A party in honour of a life well-lived will take place later this year. Details for this gathering will be announced at a later date,” it reads. In lieu of flowers, VanGorder’s family requests donations be made in his memory to the Theatre Arts Guild, Spay Day House, Bide Awhile or Special Olympics Nova Scotia. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
