Bill passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on June 27, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Joy Anne Butler. Dear brother of the late Catherine (Douglas Nicholson), Jean Knickle (late Gerald), Rebecca McGuire (late Charles) and Loretta Bennett (late Gary). Dear brother-in law of the late Anthony C. Butler, Q.C. (late Eleanor) and the late Mary Jean Reid (late Warren). Bill was affectionately known as "Uncle Billy" by his fifteen nieces and nephews on the Curran side; Kevin, Janet, Paul and Cathy (Nicholson); Everett, David and Caroline (Knickle); Charles, Michael, Thomas, Sarah and Martha (McGuire); Lori Ann, Alison and Catherine Jean (Bennett). Dearly loved uncle of Kathryn Butler Malette (Yvon), Jennifer Butler, Charles Butler and the late Vaughan Reid. Dear great-uncle of David Malette (Janique) and Marie-Ève Reid.
Bill was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was the third of five children and the only son of the late William John Curran and Geraldine Loretta (Donahoe). Bill attended St. Mary’s High School and then graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree (1956) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree (1957). After graduation he worked for the Montreal Trust Company in Montreal becoming bilingual. For the majority of his career, Bill worked for Global Affairs Canada (formerly the Department of External Affairs) until his retirement in 1990. Bill’s career took him to many different countries attending various trade fairs. He had a keen mind, was well read, and was an avid history buff. He was also a man of faith and a deeply devoted Catholic.
Bill was a caring husband, brother and uncle who will be sadly missed.
Our thanks to the nursing, medical and social work staff at the Ottawa General Hospital, 6NE, who cared so well for Bill. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the caring nursing staff and to Dr. Howard Cohen at Riverpath Retirement Residence for their compassionate care of Bill over the past years.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on July 29, 2023 at 1 pm at Annunciation of the Lord Parish, 2414 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa, Ontario. The service will be live streamed on the following site: Youtube@Annunciation-Ottawa. Interment at Notre Dame Cemetery, Ottawa.
Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.