Obituary of Hal Graham Billiard

The family is sad to announce the passing of Hal Graham Billiard on January 21, 2024, at his home in Rusagonis, New Brunswick surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 23, 1947 in Saint John, he was the son of the late Geraldine “Gerry” Cusack, adopted son to Alfred and Gertrude Billiard, and loving husband to Joanne (Lord) Billiard.

Hal was born and grew up in Saint John, eventually graduating from Simmonds High School. Following high school, he joined the Saint John Fire Department and began proudly serving his community as a firefighter for 31 years, retiring in 2002 as a lieutenant. He belonged to the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club for 40 years, a group for firefighters to support each other and help their communities (and ride their motorcycles!).

Hal was a true outdoorsman. He was a passionate trapper, camper, woodworker, and loved driving his “toys”: the tractor, lawnmower, motorcycle, and most especially his baby, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2X4.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he would be the first to lend a hand. From helping his neighbours build a deck, or plow out the driveway in the winter, he would be there helping however he could.

Hal will be missed by his wife, Joanne (Lord) Billiard; children, Tracy Lourenco (Fernando), Robert James (Jill), Tim Billiard, Shelly Colpitts, Joseph Billiard (Brennah), and Andrew Billiard; brothers, Stephen Cusack (Florance), Billy-Joe Cusack, Jack MacDonald (Elizabeth), and Dave MacDonald (Jan); sister, Bev Shewbridge (Jim); 7 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family wish to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff in the Oncology Department at the Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital, in particular Dr Galvis, and to the Oromocto Extra-Mural nurses, for their kindness and caring for Hal over the last few months.

A service of remembrance will be held in the spring.

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choosing in Hal’s name would be appreciated by the family.