William Roderick MacLennan BTh, CD, MB 1939–2021 Capt. (Ret’d) William "Bill" Roderick MacLennan age 82, slipped peacefully away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Bill was born in Glace Bay; he was a son of William and Murdena MacLennan. Bill was a man who would not give up easily and had a knack for putting people at ease with his great sense of humor which he kept right up until the very end. People fascinated Bill and he was always willing to sit and talk with anyone. He loved to interact with people and play the devil’s advocate, sometimes to the frustration of his listeners. Bill was a vivid storyteller. Children’s stories were his favorite and he always had a captive audience. Even though people energized him, Bill also liked his solitude whether it was going for a ride on his motorcycle or just sitting quietly reading a book. Bill will be remembered for his compassion for all people whether talking to an inmate serving time or to the top brass in military. They were all equal as human beings in his eyes. Bill connected with people and people connected with him. He studied theology at Pine Hill Divinity College, Halifax, Nova Scotia where he graduated in 1972 with a bachelor of theology degree. After serving several pastoral charges in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Saskatchewan, Bill felt the need to move on. He always wanted to experience life and what it had to offer. In 1972, Bill accepted a call to go back to the military as chaplain (Padre). He loved his work with the troops and loved what the military had to offer. Over his 20 years as chaplain, he served on military bases in Borden, Ontario, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Gagetown, New Brunswick and in Lahr, West Germany. While in the military Bill served on two peacekeeping tours in Cyprus (1976) and in Namibia, South Africa (1989). Continuing his zest for adventure he then went on to serve as prison chaplain in Kingston penitentiary studying crisis intervention through Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Bill then accepted a position of prison chaplain at Springhill penitentiary in Springhill, Nova Scotia. He also worked with Addictions Services Canada for several years in Nova Scotia and in PEI. Bill was awarded the Medal of Bravery In 1977 while serving in Gagetown, NB. Bill is survived by his loving wife Brenda (Williamson) of 53 years. Dearly missed by his children, Dawn (Mike), Scott and his wife Nuch; sadly, missed by his most adored grandchildren, Dustin, Kaleb, Mihn (Harry), Kai and Tarin all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his loving sister, Betty Metcalfe of Glace Bay; brother, Cameron (Karen) MacLennan of Dartmouth, and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Murdena MacLennan; brother, Bobby MacLennan and nephew, Kenny MacLennan all of Glace Bay. Bill's family was his pride and joy. We would like to thank all the doctors and nurses from Strait Richmond Hospital and from St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish for all their care and concern. Also thank you to the first responders in St. Peter’s and EHS paramedics for all their patience and care. We also thank the continuing care and home support staff during Bill’s illness. Special thanks to the palliative care nurses at St. Martha's Hospital. There will be no visitation. Celebration of life service will be held at St. Peter’s United Church, St. Peter’s, Saturday, September 18, at 2 p.m. Reverend Larry Harrison will be officiating. Burial will follow at later date. Masks to be worn inside church during service due to church protocol. Donations may be made to Strait Richmond Hospital or St. Martha’s Palliative Care in Antigonish. Bill was a ‘diamond in the rough’ but his reflection will shine on through his endearing legacy. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, St. Peter’s. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation There will be no visitation Service Information Service Date Saturday, September 18, 2021 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location St. Peter’s United Church, St. Peter's Burial Information Burial Location Burial at a later date