It is with great sadness that the family of William James Yerxa announces his passing on June 17th at Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton.

Born on March 10th, 1938, Bill was the son of the late Edward and Grace (Goodine)Yerxa. He grew up in Garden Creek and Kingsclear, on the outskirts of Fredericton, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and a great passion for hunting and fishing.

Always an eager student, Bill graduated with honors from Fredericton High School in 1956 in both the industrial and academic courses of study. His interest in learning and growing continued throughout his life and lead to a diverse and progressive career.  He began work as a lineman and later as an engineering assistant with NB Power; Industrial and Certification Officer for trades in the Provincial Dept. of Labour and Training and Development Coordinator with The Civil Service Commission. Bill was highly respected and valued as a Management Consultant, helping teams address challenges and reach their full potential.  After 29 years of service and five career changes, Bill said at his retirement celebration: " I have decided I am not retiring ... I am making a transition."  And indeed, he did. He went on to establish his own business "Yerxa Consulting" and when  he eventually closed his practice, he spent his time enjoying his other passions, namely vegetable gardening, fishing, hunting and reading.

Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Green; her daughters Nicole Carroll (Donnie) of Boiestown, NB and Heather MacIsaac (Rick) of Rusagonis, NB, and granddaughter, Chelsey; his daughter Kelly Yerxa (late Trevor Clough) of Ottawa, ON and grandson Spencer; and his son Shawn Yerxa of Ottawa, ON, and grandson Tom, granddaughter Annalee and great grandchildren. Bill will be greatly missed by his sister Winifred Botma in Halifax and her children who all loved their Uncle Bill.

Bill will be fondly remembered by all who knew him, including his former colleagues and the men and women he mentored throughout his career. He had a quick sense of humour, was intelligent, kind, compassionate and always ready to share his beautiful garden produce. He would not want us to mourn but rather to remember how fully he appreciated and enjoyed his long life.

There will be a visitation at Bishop’s Funeral Home & Crematorium, 540 Woodstock Road (506-458-1885) on Wednesday June 24/26 from 2-4pm. For those who wish, donations can be made to the charity of their choice.