1933 - 2012

Bathurst - It is with sadness that we announce that Wilhelmus "Bill" Bongers, 78, of Bathurst, passed away Tuesday (March 20, 2012) at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst.

Born in Hoorn, Holland, he was the son of the late Albertus and Grietje (Appelman) Bongers.

Bill worked as a machinist/tool designer for Northern Telecom in Montreal prior to his retirement at which time he moved to Bathurst in 1991. He was well known for his great hobby and abilities in working with clocks and was often referred to as the "Clock Man". He was instrumental in making the Old Post Office clock operational. He also designed and fabricated many clocks. Some of his clocks are hanging at the Royal Canadian Legion, the Robert L. Knowles Veterans Unit and at City Hall. He also enjoyed meeting with students during Remembrance Day to share with them his stories of growing up during WWII. Bill was also an auxillary member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Bathurst Heritage Commission.

He is survived by his wife Eveline (Comeau) Bongers and a special niece Louise Wafer of Bathurst. Three brothers, Louis (Shirley) of Apledoorn, Holland; Albertus"Ab" (Susan) of Suriname, South America, and Gerard (Doreen) of Toronto. Two sisters-in-law, Claire (Comeau) Roy of Petit Rocher and Augustine (Comeau) Legacy of Bathurst. Several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by one brother Joep and two sisters, Greta and Reina.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012 from 2 p.m. until time of funeral at 4 p.m. from Elhatton Funeral Home Chapel, 187 St. George St, with a reception to follow. For those wishing to send tokens of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated or to a favorite charity. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.