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In Memory of

William Mark "Bill" Parenteau

1959 - 2023

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Thursday

October

Visitation

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday, October 19, 2023

McAdam's Funeral Home

160 York Street

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

5064589170

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Friday

October

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 am

Friday, October 20, 2023

St. Dunstan's Catholic Church

120 Regent Street

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

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Friday

October

Interment

12:15 pm

Friday, October 20, 2023

Forest Hill Cemetery

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

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Donations

Kehkimin Wolastoquey language immersion school (Kehkimin.org)

Thomas Gallagher posted a condolence

Thursday, July 11, 2024

I knew Bill and his family growing up just across the street. His older brother I considered my best friend. I learned of his passing just a week ago while visiting home. His entire family were like my family. His parents were wonderful parent figures. A wonderful family. I left my home town in 1977 for military service, but I thought of him and his brothers and sisters all the time. My condolences to his wife and daughter and brothers and sisters

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Joan M Schwartz posted a condolence

Friday, March 22, 2024

I am saddened to learn of Bill's passing just now (22 March 2024) when I thought to contact him about giving a lecture. I worked with Bill at the National Archives of Canada. He was a brilliant colleague and we were sad to see him leave for UNB. much as we were pleased for him and the recognition the appointment to the History Department he so deserved. I followed his writing and assigned it to my students. I think of Bil every time I hunt down an article I wrote because we shared space in The Archivist, the National Archives magazine. I send condolences to his family and his colleagues at UNB. He was the epitome o the gentleman and the scholar, and he is and will be missed.

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Jeff Holder posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

I am just learning of Prof. Parenteau's passing now. My sincere condolences to his family. I remember taking one Atlantic Canadian history course from Prof. Parenteau because it fit in my schedule. He was inspiring, kind, funny and had a deep interest in the history of New Brunswick. It was this one course with him that provided me with an entire new direction in my university career. It was then that I took every course he offered and beyond that he mentored me in almost every other aspect of all three of my UNB degrees; including allowing me to interview him for Master's degree project for which I will be forever grateful. He was always available. I remember fondly one night he invited a number of us from one of his classes to his home for dinner. What an amazing cook and host. For those students and others whose lives you touched with kindness, humour, and pushing us to love history just a little bit more...Thank you!

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Bev Hennessy posted a condolence

Friday, October 20, 2023

Helen and Mia, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have very fond memories of times spent together many years ago. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Bev Hennessy

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Erin Morton uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 20, 2023

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Solidarity forever. I will miss you my friend. Thank you for always supporting me. I learned so much from you about how to challenge power. I will miss your kindness and humour —and your bbq skills — forever. ❤️

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Donna Chauvin posted a condolence

Friday, October 20, 2023

My sincere condolences to Helen, Mia, and family. You learn so much about a person from their obituary. We saw Bill in the Pharmacy now and then, but never knew his many talents. There will surely be a large void in the lives of many. Be strong and cherish the memories. Donna Chauvin BScPharm

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Leonard Madsen posted a condolence

Friday, October 20, 2023

Bill was an absolutely great friend. One of the best human beings I have ever met and remarkable in so many wonderful ways. A great, good, generous man with with devastating charm, wit and intelligence. I will forever carry the best of him with me in all the interactions we had, and will cherish all of the advice and guidance he provided. Leonard Madsen

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SAIBEI ZHAO posted a condolence

Thursday, October 19, 2023

I am very sad for Bill passed away. He had done so much for the Chinese society, and our union strike in 2014. He didn't talk much, just stood up whenever, wherever needed. I will miss him.

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Krista posted a condolence

Thursday, October 19, 2023

I am saddened to read this tonight. The three of you made an unforgetable impression on my heart that will be forever present. I was privileged to have met and known Bill and have the three of you in great memories of a portion in my life story. I cherish having had the opportunity to add to Mia's childhood. He was a GREAT example of a genuine, kind and humble human being. Had I known sooner, I would have attended his visitation tonight to show my condolences to you. HUGS to you both, Helen and Mia! Love, Krista ❤️

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Gary Waite uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, October 19, 2023

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Bill was a wonderful colleague and friend who will be deeply missed. His contributions to his department were innumerable; always someone who would pitch in when needed. A passionate voice who stood up for justice and fairness, and who was not afraid to confront those in power. I will miss his convivial presence and humour; here is an image of Bill and I cooking up a mess of curries for a department event in 2008. Both Kate and I will miss Bill, and send our deepest condolences to Helen and Mia and Bill's family.

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Dion Durnford posted a condolence

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Dear Helen and Mia; So sorry to hear about Bill. My condolences to you both and the rest of the family. I hope you find comfort in family and friends during this difficult time. Dion Durnford

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Jinhua (Jenny) Zhang posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Dear Helen and Mia, we are deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Our most sincere condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are wit you during this difficult time. Jenny, Richard and Donglei Du

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Doris Wu posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Dear Helen, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Bill. We are very lucky to have known him. He was a talented yet modest man and one who was always a true gentleman. Bill’s memory will live on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you and Mia at this time of sorrow. Stay strong and know that friends and loved ones are thinking of you. Cheng and Doris Wu

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Nancy Janovicek posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

I first met Bill when he had his postdoc at Carleton and I was in the MA program in Canadian Studies. He was the first friendly face I saw my first day in the History Department for my postdoc at UNB ... a day that included a long evening at the Snooty Fox. A great scholar and a kind man who will be missed.

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Kirk Niergarth posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Bill was a mentor and a friend while I was doing my PhD at UNB. As journal editor at Acadiensis, he taught me so much about writing and scholarship as he helped my first article make it to print. I am forever grateful for his wisdom and guidance. But it was the person, not the professional that left the most lasting impression on me. He was incredibly generous and a hell of a lot of fun to spend time with. Gone far too soon. My sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends.

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Tabatha Armstrong uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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I was fortunate to get to know Bill a bit over the past few years through his close friends Kevin and Linda. He had such kindness and humor about him and was an excellent and very generous party host (along with his fabulous wife Helen). I feel especially lucky to have a t-shirt featuring one his original funky folk art designs. Bold colours and a great message! I'll think of him and smile every time I see this colourful piece. To Helen, Mia and all of Bill's loved ones, I am so sorry for your loss. I know there's not much that can be said right now that offers comfort but know that he will be dearly missed by many and all the good he put into this world will linger. Take care.

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Jennifer Slauenwhite posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

I knew Bill during grad school and have many fond memories of those wonderful times. I can picture him vividly over lunches at the old Grad Club and also playing softball with the usual gang of History and English grads. Although I remember him as earnest in his principles, my strongest memories are of Bill laughing and telling stories about his colourful life. When Bill and Helen were still courting, he once told me that Helen was the most intelligent person he’d ever met. How wonderful that you found each other. Sending love to you Helen with hopes that your grief will be softened by tender memories and the support of your friends and family. I’ll play some Ramones and think about Bill.

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L Wysote posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

I had Dr. Parenteau for a single class back in 2007 or 2008 and he had such a kindness about him that I remember him even after all these years. He had an incredible depth of knowledge about Indigenous history and listening to him speak was incredibly captivating. My sincerest condolences to his wife, daughter, and extended family.

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Nicole Lang posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Bill était un historien très respecté mais, d'abord et avant tout, il était quelqu'un de bien. Je conserve de très bons souvenirs de Bill. My sincère condolences to Helen, Mia and all of Bill's Family.

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Sean and Lisa Kennedy uploaded photo(s)

Monday, October 16, 2023

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Bill was always a great host and wonderful at bringing people together. We will miss him greatly.

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Ed MacDonald, UPEI posted a condolence

Monday, October 16, 2023

After spending 16 post-doctoral graduation years in the museum world, I found myself a newly minted history professor in 2000 at UPEI. When I went to my first Atlantic Canadian history event, I knew no one, felt like an imposter, certainly an outsider. The first two people to shake my hand and welcome me were Bill Parenteau and Del Muise. I will never forget that kindness, nor the friendship that Bill extended to me ever since. He was funny, generous, perceptive, caring, the very model of a public intellectual. Our paths didn't cross so frequently, yet when they did, we always found much in common and much to laugh (or sigh) about together. I am grateful for having known him, grateful that he made me his friend. My heartfelt condolences to his family and to his circle of loved ones.

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Helen Tai Posted Oct 17, 2023 at 6:50 AM

Bill always looked to seeing you, Ed, at history events. He always mentioned you and how much you shared his sense of humour and outlook.

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Patricia Blakney posted a condolence

Monday, October 16, 2023

Remembering Bill and Helen’s wedding (it was the first wedding I was invited to attend as a teenager and I thought they were so cool— like rockstars!) I’ve loved hearing updates on Bill, Helen and Mia through my Mum and Ve over the years, and was sad to hear of his recent illness. What I didn’t know was his efforts towards supporting Indigenous land claims— well done, Bill. Sending condolences and hoping many happy memories are giving you comfort during this sad time. With love, Patti B.

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Helen Tai Posted Oct 17, 2023 at 7:07 AM

Thanks so much for your condolences, Patti. Your mom had met Bill at the UNB library even before he started dating me and she gave me her okay;) Bill always appreciated how friendly and helpful she was to him as a graduate student and later as a professor. His life touched many people and was touched by many. Love, Helen P.S. It was always fun babysitting you.

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Jeff Webb posted a condolence

Monday, October 16, 2023

Our condolences to Helen and Mia, from me, Dale and Megan. We were profoundly saddened to hear the news. My debt to Bill and Helen is more than I can briefly express. I first met Bill at the Atlantic Canada Studies Conference in Edinburgh and when I was accepted to the PhD program at UNB wrote Bill asking for suggestions as to a place to stay. He phoned me and suggested I could share an apartment with him. He picked me up at the airport and I lived with him for more than a year. His friends became my friends, and Bill and Helen did more to make my time in Fredericton a happy one than anyone would have ever would have had the right to expect. Everyone who knew him will understand when I say that Bill was one of the most generous people that I have known. Generous to his friends, his colleagues and his students. Having gotten to know his family in Rhode Island a little, I can see where his many positive qualities came from. Distance has meant that I didn't see as much of him as I would have wished over the last 30 years, but I continue to value his friendship and kindnesses to me. He was a better man than me, and I miss him. I am so sorry for your loss Helen and Mia.

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Helen Tai Posted Oct 17, 2023 at 7:13 AM

Jeff, Bill referred to you as his penultimate roommate. We had fun times with you and Dale during your years in Fredericton. It was great to meet Megan on your visit to Fredericton years later. Hoping to stay connected with you in the future.

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Julie Root posted a condolence

Monday, October 16, 2023

I'm so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Bill had a big influence on my development in my academic years during my undergrad and again as my Masters supervisor. My career achievements can be attributed to the research, writing and analytical skills I developed while having Bill as a professor. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my heartfelt condolences go out his family during this difficult time.

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Helen Tai Posted Oct 17, 2023 at 7:22 AM

Bill would always say “Julie is one of my greatest grad students.

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Nicholas Tracy posted a condolence

Monday, October 16, 2023

Bill was indeed one of the good ones - a true scholar and gentleman. I am saddened by his passing at such a young age. The death of friends is one of the greatest curses of old age.

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Lee Ellen posted a condolence

Monday, October 16, 2023

My deepest condolences to Bill’s family. Bill was a great light in the History department at UNB. I was a refugee from English and he was welcoming and forgave my shortcomings in Atlantic history. He was incredibly funny and caring and always took the time to check in with students on their progress. I missed him when I left NB; I’ll miss him again as he has left all of us for the aether.

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Greg Marquis posted a condolence

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Sad news. I met Bill in the early 1980s and although I did not have the privilege of working with him directly, I appreciated his friendly nature and sense of humour, His contribution to UNB and to Atlantic Canada history were significant. Condolences to his family from UNB Saint John.

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Del Muise posted a condolence

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Ernie introduced me to Bill shortly after he arrived in Fredericton to pursue his PhD there. We became good friends; both instructed in Ernie’s fishing and hunting expeditions. When we were preparing Atlantic Canada in Confederation, we immediately engaged Bill to coordinate all the illustrations; he contributed much more than that to the volume. When Bill came to Ottawa, I was happy to host his post-doctoral fellowship and to get to know him and Helen throughout his almost decade there. He was a good friend and a close collaborator. He made an incalculable contribution to regional scholarship and was a constant companion as I passed through Fredericton on the way to and from Cape Breton. I miss him already his many friends will have a hard time adjusting to his absence. My deep condolences go out to Helen and Mia and to the other two amigos, Jim and Dany.

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David A. Charters posted a condolence

Sunday, October 15, 2023

I am deeply saddened by Bill's passing. I enjoyed having him as a colleague and as a friend. We discovered and shared our mutual enthusiasm for crime thrillers. I will miss Bill's wry sense of humour and his cheeky grin.

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Bonnie Huskins posted a condolence

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Michael and I send our most profound condolences to Helen and Mia. We will miss Bill’s self-deprecating wit and our animated conversations over the years about everything from Acadiensis to scotch. His commitment to Indigenous and environmental history will be a lasting legacy. We like to think that he and Elizabeth are somewhere together talking about social justice ! Bonnie Huskins and Michael Boudreau

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Janet Mullin posted a condolence

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Helen and Mia, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill was one of the good ones: witty, warm, kind, a stander of no nonsense, and so, so smart. And he loved you both so much. I'll be keeping both of you, and all your family, in my thoughts, and hope that loving memories will soften the sharpness of your grieving. Janet Mullin

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The family of William Mark Parenteau uploaded a photo

Sunday, October 15, 2023

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160 York St.
Fredericton, NB
E3B 3N7
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