GATTINGER, William "Bill" George

69, of Bridgewater died suddenly on Monday, March 9 at the Halifax Infirmary. A recent retiree, Bill settled in Bridgewater with Lila, his wife, where together they enjoyed all the nature and nurture that Nova Scotia and its people have to offer. Born October 22, 1950 in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, only son of Louise (Fafard) and Martin Gattinger, both deceased. Bill spent his formative years in Calgary, AB, where a family business morphed in a life long career in marketing. This led Bill to many opportunities in both Canada and the US. Together with Lila, they moved with every opportunity and gathered many friends along the way. In 2015 a cottage stay in the LaHave Islands sealed the deal and Bridgewater became home. Many travels throughout Canada and the US with winters in Ecuador still left The South Shore as his favourite landing spot. Bill was a birder, a gardener, a wordsmith, a voracious reader with an incredible thirst for knowledge and news. A spiritual man, Bill was aware that perhaps cancer would shorten his life. He was brave, pragmatic and positive to the end. He was forever learning, including recent research into immunotherapy treatment. Bill was loving, kind to a fault, curious and steadfast and will leave a huge void in many. He read every word he could find on the subject of immunotherapy . Survived by his loving wife Lila Catherine, daughters, Stephanie and Carla, step children Donna Maxwell, her husband Chris and sons Owen and Gavin of Winnipeg. Also step son Jeff Schulz, his wife Dawn and granddaughter Beatrix of Calgary. Kidney Cancer CA was a cause he championed, donations would be welcomed. Many, many thanks to The immunotherapy team and Dr. Sarah Tennant at South Shore as well as Dr. Hughie Fraser and Dr Peter West. Also Dr. Benno Lang, Dr. Ross Mason and Dr. Muryan Thana and Hilary. They all went to bat for Bill in such a huge way. Consummate professionals. I, and also on Bills behalf want everyone of them to learn from this sad conclusion. Make Bill proud! Rest in Peace my darling Bill. GO CHIEFS! A memorial will be held when it is appropriate and safe to do so.