Condon, William Harold, age 80, of Pictou Landing, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the Aberdeen Hospital. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Harold and Kathleen (Moore) Condon.
Survivors: wife, Mary (Wilson); sons: Shaun, Alberta; Billy (Elizabeth), Sylvester; grandchildren: Max, Kelly, Sydney, Jake, Justin and Tyler; sisters-in-law: Jeanne Bowman; Nancy Boutlier; brothers-in-law: Jim (Donna) Wilson; Gordon Wilson, Bruce Wilson, Erick (Beverley) Wilson; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased: brother, Carl; sister, Patricia.
Bill was a devoted husband to the love of his life, his wife, Mary. For 56 years these are his words, "I spoiled her, gave her everything she wanted." The greatest joy in his life are his two sons, Shaun and Billy. He taught them how to hunt and fish. He taught them to swim and to row a boat. He coached Shaun’s hockey team for a couple of years. There were many happy adventures with Shaun and Billy and their dad.
Bill was a proud grandfather of Max, Kelly, Sydney and Jake. He was so very proud of every accomplishment they ever made, from their first steps to the young men and women they have become today. He loved when they came to visit and spend some time with him, telling him what’s going on in their lives. And they always left with a little something slipped in their hand to put in their gas tank. His face would light up whenever he saw them coming through the door.
Bill also had a special place in his heart for a little girl from Belarus. He and Mary sponsored Natalia for two summers and the two of them had lots of fun teasing Mary and trying to get her into the lake before she had her coffee.
Bill’s happy place was the camp. The first time he saw it he was about 14 years old when he went with McPherson to their camp for a weekend. From then on, he always said, "I’m going to own that someday." That someday came and he and Mary were able to purchase that property. Every summer vacation was at the camp; every hunting season was spent at the camp. In the early days, the camp was opened the long weekend in May and wasn’t closed until the last weekend of hunting season. He enjoyed the happy times with family and friends and barbecues and swimming. But he also enjoyed the times when there was just the two of them there and they would sit out on an evening having a glass of wine, watching the sunset and listening to the loons; there was no other place he would rather be.
Bill was a member of the Pictou Landing Fire Department for many years and the Fire Chief for five. He made many good friends while he was part of the Fire Department.
Bill became part of the PALS group about six years ago. He was one of the first members to be part of the group. He really enjoyed going out every Wednesday and meeting with other people who were battling cancer or who had successfully defeated cancer. Many people in the group would say, "We love Bill so much. He is so genuine and he’s so tell-it-like-it-is." He never complained. Life is life and his most favourite saying was, "It is what it is. You can’t do anything about it, so deal with it." While Bill dealt with cancer, he was brave. He was stubborn and just wouldn’t give in. Bill battled cancer for 17 years, 17 years Bill did not think he was going to get. His first prognosis, with his type of cancer, is usually six months. But, he wasn’t done yet. He just kept fighting. He just kept taking treatments and he just hung tough like the tough guy he was.
Bill worked at Michelin for over 30 years, one of the first to the installation, setting up all the machines. Then, in maintenance where he kept them running.
Special thanks to the Aberdeen Hospital staff in Out Patients and ICU for their excellent care and compassion at this most difficult time. Thanks to the Palliative Care team who were there during many years of treatment and the VON nurses who came on board recently. Your smiling faces and understanding were very much appreciated.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation 4-7pm Wednesday, January 14, R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral 2pm Thursday, January 15, Bethel Presbyterian Church, Pictou Landing, with Rev. Barb Fotheringham officiating. Family flowers only please. Donations in his memory may be made to PALS c/o Pictou County Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice.
Bill’s mischievous smile, sparking brown eyes and quick sense of humour will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.