Obituary of William James Rodgers

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, William James Rodgers "Bill" of Noonan, NB on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Born in Blissfield, NB on May 4, 1937 to the late Harry Rodgers and Elizabeth Colford.

Besides his parents, Dad was predeceased by our mother, Wilma, his twin brothers Gerald and Raymond and daughter-in-law, Trina Rodgers.

Dad is survived by his four children, sons Neil (late Trina Kirby), David, and daughters Kelly (Vince Sturgeon) and Lana. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren Michelle, Matthew, Thomas, Connor, Turner, Jakob, Samantha, Hunter, Michael, Cole, Derek, Lauren and Jenna, several great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends that will miss him dearly, Basil Hurley and Ellen Bell.

Dad spent his early years in his father’s home-town of Stanley, NB before returning to Blissfield.

On November 10, 1962, Dad married the love of his life, Wilma Sturgeon, and they spent 47 happy years together before her death in 2009.

Dad took pride in being a provider for his family and together with Mum worked tirelessly and sacrificed to provide a better life for their children. Dad was a rare man whose passion and vocation were the same thing. Dad began working at an early age and followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by becoming a Grader Operator. Dad worked all over NB and built many of the highways, facilities and airports we now enjoy. Later in life, Dad realized his dream of owning and operating his own construction company, WJ Rodgers Construction.

Besides working, Dad enjoyed family get-togethers, telling jokes and stories, dancing with Mum and taking his family on drives across NB, NS, PEI and Maine. While Mum was alive they never missed the Branch #4 Legion dances.

The Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 pm and the Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 11 am. Both services will be held at the York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB. Burial will take place in Dayton Cemetery following a reception after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.