2022-02-09

Tributes come in for ‘Champion of the village’

Chester recently lost a respected local government leader and "champion of the village." Bill Nauss, chairman of the Chester village commission, died Jan. 26. He was 69.

The Municipality of Chester (MOC), the area's volunteer fire department, and the civic politician whose constituency includes the Lunenburg County village were among those saluting Nauss's dedication to efforts to benefit his home community.

Municipal Coun. Derek Wells, who was friends with Nauss, paid tribute to him during a recent MOC council meeting and on social media. "Bill was an example of a true and faithful public servant, a genuine friend, and a loving family man," Wells said in a social media post. "That is how I will remember my friend Bill Nauss, who has left us too soon."

Wells mentioned Nauss's "strong support and leadership to anything that would help the citizens of the village, as well as to the Chester volunteer fire department."

On social media, firefighters referred to Nauss as "a faithful public servant: a champion of the village, a passionate believer in providing the best fire and emergency service possible, creative, and fearless to do right as he saw right."

The MOC commented that Nauss will be remembered and admired. He was "pragmatic, straightforward, and had the interests of villagers in his heart," the municipal government said on social media. "His drive was genuine and unpretentious, something to be commended."

A funeral service at the Chester United Baptist Church was planned for Feb. 4 while a celebration of life is intended for a later date. Donations in his memory to the church, South Shore Work Activity Program (SSWAP) or the Chester volunteer fire department are encouraged.

Before entering village commission politics, Nauss was a Red Seal Machinist, entering the trades from a career that started in the banking industry. A published obituary said Nauss's younger years were filled with hockey, golf, hunting and fishing.

Nauss is survived by his wife and four children.

"Before children they enjoyed canoeing, bonfires on Lynch Island, seeing the countryside of Norway and relaxing on beaches in PEI while enjoying lobster boils and feasts of mussels," said the obituary.

"He spent winters in rinks and summers on the edge of the soccer fields, cheering and loving every minute of it."

As he moved on to the village commission, Nauss worked closely with volunteer firefighters and also took a role with SSWAP.

Nauss left no doubt of his love of Chester and its amenities. "There is no other community that has the charm, beauty, islands, and history of sailing," said the welcome message attributed to him that is posted on the Village of Chester's web site. "There is no more perfect place to relax after a round of golf at Chester Golf Club than in their clubhouse while enjoying another round and an evening sunset."