BORN

1950

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

JA Snow Funeral Home

339 Lacewood Drive

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Bill Freedman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 29, 2015.

Dr. Bill Freedman, a lifelong naturalist, conservationist, and highly respected Environmental scientist, died at his home in Halifax on September 26, 2015. He was 65.

His keen interest in nature began as a young child living among the wooded ravines of Toronto. A young Bill would often bring home snakes, frogs, and other creatures that he would care for. His love of nature continued; eventually leading him to study biology at the University of Toronto and thereafter would touch every aspect of his life. While Bill's profession focused on the devastating toll of humanity on the environment, his optimism for change remained and encouraged all those who worked with him.

After graduating from University of Toronto, Bill began teaching at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He conducted research; led field studies and taught environmental science in the Department of Biology and in the School for Resources and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 1979 to 2015. Upon retirement, in 2015, he was appointed professor emeritus in the department of Biology. Bill served as Chair of the Department of Biology from 2000 to 2007. He held the George H. Campbell Chair in biology from 2007 to 2010. In 2006 he received a Canadian Environmental Award, Gold Medal Level in the category of Community Awards for Conservation from the Canadian Geographic Society. In 2007 he received a Career Achievement Award from the Canadian Council of University Biology Chairs.

Bill was a prolific writer, publishing ten books, among them, the first Canadian Environmental Science textbook; the 6th edition soon to be published by Oxford University Press. He also wrote countless refereed journal articles, reports for both government and private enterprise, as well encyclopedia entries. One of his final efforts was coordinating a comprehensive multi-authored volume on Sable Island, a place he loved and frequented.

For the past 26 years Bill was a volunteer with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). His knowledge and enthusiasm led to the Conservancy electing him as chair of the national board. Bill also served on the Atlantic board of the NCC. Bill's scientific knowledge and infectious love of nature were always present. John Lounds, president and CEO of the Conservancy described him as "a mentor, wise counsel and friend". Bill recently authored 'A History of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, tracing the organization from its roots to its present status.

Bill had many passions, one of which was bird watching. He rarely missed a Christmas count and most spring migrations found him with friends at Point Pelee National Park. His interest started in high school and eventually led to globetrotting birding trips, usually with his long time friend, Ilan Neuman. Some of these escapades will be included in Bill's book of personal essays, soon to be published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside. He was also passionate about native species. Always one to practice what he preached, Bill naturalized his own urban yard by planting native species in associations similar to those found in the natural environment.

Recently the Nature Conservancy honored Bill's contributions, renaming a 150 hectare coastal reserve in Prospect, Nova Scotia as the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Reserve. As well, the NCC has created a science-in-conservation internship in his name. The internship will be awarded annually to a Dalhousie student to work with NCC.

Bill was born in Toronto on January 20th 1950 to Sarah and Ely Freedman, immigrants from Eastern Europe. He grew up in Toronto and attended Lord Landsdowne Public School and Harbord Collegiate. He went on to study biology at the University of Toronto where he received his PhD.

Bill married the love of his life, George–Anne Merrill in 1993. Together they raised two children, Jonathan (Adrienne Haik), and Rachael (Daniel Kovacs). Rachael gave birth to the family's first grandchild, a girl, Luthien, on September 20 2015.

Bill had a mischievous sense of humor. Meet a friend, colleague, or casual acquaintance and they will have a funny anecdote. He was an avid collector of folk art, books, decoys, ginger beer and other bottles, art and anything else that caught his curious eye. Even in recent weeks he was still helping George-Anne install new art and displays in the house.

Bill's and George-Anne's generosity has been enjoyed and appreciated by many. Their beautiful Victorian home was often the place of gathering for their countless friends and colleagues from the university. Together, they hosted dinners for Nature Conservancy members; they held numerous holiday celebrations and many spur of the moment gatherings that were remarkable for George-Anne's delectable food and the flowing wine. Their warmth and hospitality was well known, enjoyed and appreciated.

Bill is deeply missed by his sisters Doris (Bernard Sztybel), Rita (Irving Rosenfeld), his brother and sister-in-law Bryce and Margaret, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Donations in memoriam may be directed to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. www.natureconservancy.ca Bill had many special projects in the Atlantic region.

A celebration of Bill will be held at a date to be announced.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

38 Entries

November 11, 2015

Laurie Andrews

With fond memories of Bill such an intelligent, great and funny human being! George-Anne you had the best! Your undeniable love affair has left beautiful foot prints on your heart, and you will never, ever be the same.

Remembering you both with memories of happier times with Margaret and the kids back in Clayton Park.

I know you will find solace in your family and friends that all share the wonderful stories and times with "Bill"

November 2, 2015

Chris McCarthy

Bill was a marvellous man who kept the right balance in all that he did. His humanity and his ecological insights will continue to guide many of us. He lived a good life and we know he will be well rewarded for his kindness and care for others.
Chris and Karen McCarthy

October 19, 2015

Dear George-Anne, Mike and I always greatly admired Bill and his engaging enthusiasm on
Our Nature Conservancy Tours. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Mary Catherine and Mike O'Brien

October 7, 2015

Maria Muszynska

Bill was a high school friend with whom four others and I traveled across Canada on motorcycles. We camped by rivers, laughed a lot and generally had a great time.
The world and I will miss you Billy. May your memory live in all who loved, respected and most of all laughed with you. I am proud to have been able to share some part of my life with you. Thank you.

October 6, 2015

Heike Lotze

Bill was such a strong and inspiring force of - and for - nature that will be deeply missed. Thank you Bill for the determination, humor, insight, optimism and love you shared with so many of us! My deepest sympathy for George-Anne and the family.

October 3, 2015

Milton Vacon

I was fortunate enough to meet Bill as I work for a publisher which published one of his many textbooks. My passion for the environment made it very easy to connect with Bill. I found him always willing to help and give suggestions on matters. His passion for teaching was always active,even outside the classroom.The world needs many more like Dr.Freedman

October 3, 2015

Cathy MacDougall

Dear George-Anne, Mike and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family on Bill's passing. What a wonderful pair! You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the tough days ahead.

October 2, 2015

Boris Worm

Thank you Bill for everything you have done for me personally, our anarchistic department, and the world at large. You exemplify for me the insight that it is not humans versus nature. It's humans WITH nature. You will be missed by everyone and everything you touched. Warm wishes for George-Anne and the family. - Yours, Boris

October 2, 2015

Dawn Ferris (Korn)

Bill was a wonderful, friendly and funny man. I enjoyed working with him in Biology. I was very sad to hear of his passing, my sincere condolences to his family and his friends. He leaves a wonderful legacy in his work and dedication to the environment.

October 2, 2015

His love of nature and respect for the beauty it provided was always at the heart of every conversation I ever had with Bill . The world needs more people like him . Rest in peace my friend. Jim Butt ( Middleton , N.S. )

October 1, 2015

Jillian Woods

My condolences to the family of Dr. Freedman.

I was fortunate to have attended a few of Dr. Freedman's classes during my undergrad at Dalhousie University, and was always eager to hear about his adventures - especially his bird watching trip in Peru.

I will forever appreciate his guidance and letter of reference when I decided to pursue my Master's degree. I would not be the person I am today without his positive influence on my life.

October 1, 2015

Rita Kindl Myers

Blessings for the safe passing of your soul, Bill. He was cheerful, funny and great fun to talk. He was an extremely generous person. My condolences to family and friends. May you hold each other close. Rita Kindl Myers

October 1, 2015

Lindy Weilgart

I will always remember Bill's wit, his frankness, and his passion to do right by the environment, as well as his humaneness. I am so very sorry for your loss, G-A. He will be very missed. Lindy Weilgart

October 1, 2015

Martin Willison

Bill was a great colleague and true friend. His contributions to the academic aspects of ecology were matched by his concern for the real world of practical conservation. His smile and humour often lifted my spirits on a dull day. I miss him greatly.

October 1, 2015

Tyler Grant

Bill was an inspiration to many. He was so dedicated to teaching and educating. I will remember his lessons for the rest of my life. A true naturalist and inspiration to us all. Thank you Bill, rest well.

October 1, 2015

I loved your guy George-Anne, and will miss him greatly.. Ian McLaren

October 1, 2015

Sandy Sellers

My heartfelt sympathies to all of Bill's family. I first met Bill as a biology classmate at U of T in 1969: even then it was clear he would make significant contributions to the field--and in the fields!

September 30, 2015

Karen Maley

Our hearts go out to your family for the loss of a husband and father. As both he was exceptional. He was also a kind and gentle soul. The results of his work will live on and multiply over the years. The people he has educated and the parts of our province that can remain for nature. Dennis, Colin, and Shaun Cann and Karen Maley

September 30, 2015

Karen Beazley

George-Anne, I will always remember Bill, very fondly and with immense respect. Passionate, thoughtful, witty, brilliant, tenacious, generous, and at base, warm and compassionate. As a mutual friend has said, 'a force of nature and a force for nature'. He will be sorely missed by many.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.

September 30, 2015

George-Anne, Judy and I are so very sorry. I learned so much from Bill and am honoured that he used so many of my photos in his books. He was generous in other ways too - I once mentioned my interest in lighthouses and within hours he gave me a wonderful book of lighthouses in Atlantic Canada.

And I loved his humour - he heard I liked frogs and his response was "Flies are fun when you have the time".

I will soon be following in his footsteps at NCC - I can only hope I can do half as well as he did.

He will be remembered fondly for the rest of our lives - and we shall think constantly of you during the tough time you must be having.


Bill and Judy Caulfeild-Browne
Tobermory, Ontario

September 30, 2015

A great neighbor on Cherry St many years ago. A warm and generous gentleman - Wally and Mary Schlech

September 30, 2015

Sandra & Brian Smith

George-Anne
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Bill was one of the really "good guys"

September 30, 2015

Lorna Steele

Sincere condolences to George-Anne and family.

September 30, 2015

Diane Griffin

I love the work Dr. Bill did for the nature Conservancy of Canada to help protect so many special natural places. He will be sadly missed by so many people.

September 30, 2015

Margaret Kelch

George Anne, Had the special experience of working with Bill on NCC's Conservation Committee. Always witty, always thoughtful, always challenging of becoming complacent, completely committed to the conservation cause in Canada. Bill will be missed. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Margaret Kelch

September 30, 2015

Betty Hodgson

I has the good fortune of knowing Bill through Biology at Dal but more importantly as a mentor and friend to my late husband Colin Stewart and to the environmental community in Nova Scotia. He made a great contribution. My condolences to the family, Bill died far too soon, but Jonathan and Rachael can be proud - Bill made a difference.

September 30, 2015

Nathalie Zinger

Dr. Bill was an inspiration, a model, a mentor for many of us. He was generous in sharing his passion for nature and will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to George-Anne and all the family.

September 29, 2015

Loman Ayer

Met Dr Freeman at a convention several years ago. Most impressive and down to earth man.Condolences to his family and friends.

September 29, 2015

Jennifer McCann

Jon,

My deepest condolences on the passing of your father. By all accounts he was an incredible mentor and highly respected educator and conservationist whose loss will be acutely felt not only in Halifax, but across the country. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

September 29, 2015

Lisa Rahn

I had the pleasure of briefly knowing Dr. Freedman when I was at Pearson Canada. Bill made a substantial and an incredible contribution to post-secondary studies in environmental science and ecology. He enriched the lives of many undergraduates through his publications. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

September 29, 2015

Toni Chahley

I had the great pleasure of working with Bill on his Ecology textbook. He was an incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and hard working author, and will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family. I am holding you in my heart and thoughts.

September 29, 2015

Aimee Pelletier

My condolences to Bill's family and friends.

September 29, 2015

Aimee Pelletier

I had the fortunate experience of having Dr. Bill as my graduate supervisor at Dalhouse University from 2007-2009. Dr. Bill was a wise and knowledgeable mentor who was very generous with his time and expertise. I remember many-a-meeting in his office, surrounding by is amazing collection of folk art. I often left with more questions than I came with, but that was Dr. Bill's way--he really encouraged critical and holistic thinking and my graduate experience was all the richer for it. I remember fondly a particularly lovely field trip we took to my research site in Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. The whole time we walked, Dr. Bill was rattling off the names of every species of plant, bird and animal we encountered. His knowledge of the natural world was encyclopedic and his conservation ethic inspiration and impactful in Nova Scotia and beyond. I remember him often telling me about how he had naturalised his yard to include native species as they would be associated in nature--he was a passionate advocate for urban ecology and green spaces. It is a neat coicidence that upon completing my graduate degree, I became employed by Parks Canada in Victoria, BC to do just that---restore native species to natural areas. Bill's passing is a tremendous loss to the conservation community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

September 29, 2015

We offer our condolences and prayers to the family. We knew Bill since he started at Dalhousie and shared his love of nature. We hope to attend a future celebration of his life.

Chris and Christina Corkett

September 29, 2015

Vivan Tectonides

I am very sorry to hear about Bill.

September 29, 2015

Michael Biro

Dear George-Anne, your love affair with Bill will never wear off ! What a match! Your words & his translated to actions like smooth poetry that flourishes in souls near & far, and nurtures the causes dear to your hearts. A few days ago, Bill & I, seated on our respective back patios, were exchanging notes about the seasonal trickle of migrants in our yards. I told him he'd be along vicariously on every birding trip I take in years to come. He said "I'll like that".
Love & deepest condolences to you, Jonathan, Rachael, Luthien and your entire family from Michael, Crystal & our whole family.

September 29, 2015

I was very sad to hear about Bill's passing. I met him a couple of years ago with Adventure Canada. His personality and knowledge were impressive and he was highly respected by all of us. He will be missed but not forgotten. Audrey McLaughlin, Yukon

September 29, 2015

Jim Matsui

It is very sad to read that Bill has passed away at such a young age. He will be missed by all he knew. It was great that we reconnected in Halifax after all those years.since public school and high school in downtown Toronto. He brought back many memories of our youth on those long walks along the seashore that helped me step away from the stresses of election campaigns. Thanks for the good times when we were kids and over the years.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

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