William "Bill" Norman Hines

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bill Hines, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, who died peacefully at home in Nictaux West on May 5, 2026. He was 81. Bill was born in Halifax in 1944, when the city was a bustling home base to many naval families, including his own. He spent his childhood in Port George, on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. Port George remained his heart’s home throughout his life. It was a place of family, cousins, cottage days, beach fires, and cherished memories. Bill attended Acadia University, earning Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees before returning to Middleton Regional High School, where he spent his entire teaching career. To generations of students, Mr. Hines was a favourite teacher: kind, funny, patient, and generous with his stories. He had a gift for seeing the good in people and knowing who needed a little encouragement or a kind word. His influence stayed with many students long after they left his classroom, shaping their confidence, their sense of possibility, and, for some, their own decision to become teachers. Bill was a lifelong champion of Acadia University and a familiar face at Acadia Axemen hockey games. He was also a devoted Boston Red Sox fan; a passion deepened during summers spent with family in Boston during his university years.Service was central to Bill’s life. He was a commissioned Captain in the Reserves, held leadership roles with the Air Cadets at CFB Greenwood, and was a 50-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He served for many years on the Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, as well as the board of the Annapolis County Seniors Safety Program. A lifelong Liberal, Bill believed deeply in community and civic engagement, serving in executive roles with local, provincial and federal Liberal associations for much of his life. Bill was deeply proud of his daughters, Kristan and Allyson, and happiest at the family cottage in Port George, near the people and places that shaped him. He was the keeper of family stories and local lore and made sure his daughters understood their roots and their connection to this special part of the world. Bill’s wife, Janette, was his constant companion, best friend, and caregiver. They shared a love of family, the cottage, politics, and a good laugh. Her strength and devotion carried him through his final years, and he was deeply grateful for her love and care. Bill was predeceased by his daughter, Allyson, and by his parents, Louise and Russell Hines. He is survived by his daughter, Kristan Hines, her husband, Chris MacInnes, and their daughter, Grace; his loving wife, Janette; his stepdaughter, Tracey Boates Ecker, and her husband, James Ecker; and his stepson, Darren Boates, his wife, Lori, and their children, Daniel and Bella. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Chaplain Rev. Leon Langille officiating. A private burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Port George, where Bill will take his place among generations of his family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kevin McGuire, Janet Welton and the VON Palliative Care team and Family 1st Medical for their care, support, guidance, and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HMCS Sackville – Canada’s Naval Memorial Trust.