William HORNER

HORNER, William Bill Norval P. Eng. 75, passed away peacefully following a strong fight with Cancer, on May 18th, 2003. Born June 14th, 1927 in Clarendon, Pontiac County, Quebec, he was the youngest child of Margaret May (Sally) and Frederick Argue Horner. He is survived by his wife Marjorie (Little) Shortts Lake; daughter Deborah and her children Miranda and Morgan Elliott, Wolfville, Nova Scotia; sons David and wife Bianca (Lauria) and children William Billy and Bryce, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia; Daniel and wife Sharon (Mitchell) with children Sam and Emma of Calgary, Alberta; and Douglas and his companion Melinda, Bangor, Maine. His sisters Lois Elliott, Montreal; Quebec, Mayfred and husband Don Dods, Shawville, Quebec; brother F. Keith Horner, Shawville, Quebec and many nieces, will also miss Bill. His sister Shirley Horner and his brother Dr. E. Bruce Horner predeceased him. Bill was a Professional Engineer who set the highest standards for himself and those around him. Starting his career as a construction surveyor in the Canadian Arctic, he developed a respect for engineering that carried through his attendance at Acadia University, Mount Allison University and finally the University of New Brunswick, where he obtained his engineering degree in 1958. As a student Bill worked with the Associated Designers and Inspectors Ltd. consulting firm, and following graduation, with Imperial Oil in Sarnia, Ontario. Shortly thereafter he joined M.F. Schurman Co. in Prince Edward Island as Contracts Manager. In 1963, Bill moved to Truro, Nova Scotia with his family and started his own consulting engineering practice. Since 1963, the firm W.N. Horner and Associates Ltd. has stood for excellence in engineering services to communities across Atlantic Canada, specializing in water / wastewater treatment and building design. The consulting practice allowed Bill to embrace his appreciation for historical restoration and take on special assignments such as the Balmoral Grist Mill, the Sherbrooke Village Sawmill, and the Kings Landing Sawmill for which he won a Canadian Consulting Engineering Award in 1975. Bill mentored many engineers during his thirty-four years of practice, and developed many long standing friendships. He established a reputation among clients, contractors and peers for engineering professionalism. In 1995, Bill received the Engineering Award from the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia in recognition of his integrity, and personal service to that organization. In 1997, Bill sold his practice to ADI, and acted on their Board of Directors for two years. Bill remained close to his former staff, visiting often, sharing stories, and assisting with client development. In Bills personal life, he enjoyed and was very proud of his Morgan and Quarter horses, showing them throughout the Maritime Provinces in riding and driving competitions with his children and granddaughter. Bill and his wife enjoyed travel to Europe for holidays as well as skiing with the family in New Hampshire. Summers were spent on Shortts Lake for the family to enjoy summer sports and cottage life. In retirement, Bill built his home on the cottage property. He was dearly loved and sadly missed. At Bill's request cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A private family memorial will be held on the Brule Hill of the Horner family homestead in Clarendon, Quebec.