William Gilbert Schnare

 SCHNARE – William “Bill” Gilbert, 87, of Charleston, Queens County, passed away peacefully in the QEII Halifax Infirmary, on Friday, December 13th, 2024.

 Born and raised in Charleston, he was the son of the late Alfred and Francis (Manthorne) Schnare. He was raised by his grandparents Ben and Hattie Schnare.

 Bill met his wife Goldie when they were children and became husband and wife on October 14th 1961when Bill was 24. Together, they built their home in Charleston, where Bill was one of the founding members of the Charleston Fire Department. Together, they raised their daughter, Brenda, who later married her husband David in 1987. Before their first wedding anniversary, Bill, and Goldie’s first grandson Matthew was born followed by Justin and then Nicholas. Many wonderful family memories were made in the home that Bill and Goldie shared for almost 54 years before her passing in August of 2015. 

Bill started his working career at Steel & Engine and then moved on to Bowater Mersey Paper Company Ltd. as a pipe fitter. During the warmer months when he wasn’t working, Bill and Goldie enjoyed time at their cabin on Ponhook Lake that they built together and enjoyed for 25 years. When Bill retired in 1992, they bought an RV and attended many Bluegrass festivals around Nova Scotia and PEI and enjoyed taking trips with family. They also made three trips to Newfoundland and took a bus tour to Nashville. 

Over the years Bill enjoyed many hobbies such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and carpentry. He often told stories about deer hunting, with his favorite being about the day he shot a deer, cut it up and put it in his backpack so that he could carry it to the car. Bill also had another hobby, which was buying and trading vehicles! Throughout the years Bill owned over 50 new vehicles, and if you asked him what vehicle he owned in 1989, he’d be able to tell you all about it including the name of the salesman and the price he paid!

Bill was a jack of all trades and could build anything from a regular fence to a turning rumoli board. He also loved playing cards, having a game of crib, doing puzzles, reading the paper and most of all spending time with his family and friends. Over the last several years, two great granddaughters, Bennett and Parker, were born and brought him much happiness especially during their visits to great Grampy’s. 

 Bill is survived by his daughter Brenda (David) Plummer of Danesville; grandchildren Matthew (Nichole) Plummer of Danesville, Justin (Caitlin) Plummer of Charleston and Nicholas Plummer (Amanda) of Red Deer AB., his great-grandchildren Bennett and Parker of Charleston, his sister Maxine Rafuse of Liverpool, many nieces and nephews and special friend Adelaide Rafuse.

 Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his wife Goldie (Anthony) and his sister Betty Parks.

 Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandler’s Funeral’s Home, Liverpool, N.S.

At Bill’s request there will be no public funeral. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Dr. J. C. Wickwire breakfast program or any other charity of your choice of charity. Online condolences may be made below.