With overwhelming sadness, the daughters of William Fairgrieve (Bill), 90, of Cupar, Fife, Scotland, share the news of his passing on Monday, February 23, 2026. While on his latest extended visit with his daughter and her husband in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Bill suffered a short illness and passed peacefully in their home.
Born in Buckhaven, Scotland, Bill was the youngest of nine children born to Alexander and Belle Nicol (nee Donald) Fairgrieve.
The life and soul of any social gathering, Bill was known for his hearty voice and animated singing! If Frank Sinatra or Glenn Miller started to play, look out! Bill enjoyed playing golf, dabbling in photography and travel. An avid traveller, even in his 90th year, his destinations included Hong Kong, Thailand, Bermuda, much of Canada, the US and various trips to the Scottish Highlands with Angela and Grant and many trips to Carlisle with Angela. Always at his best during time spent with family, he loved to share memories of his time living in New York state and his many camping trips “while the lassies were still young”. Known to extended family by his childhood name “Billy”, bbq’ing for everyone was his passion and he was known for his “Famous Chicken”. Music playing, tongs in one hand, a beer in the other and a delighted smile on his face!
Bill leaves behind his beloved daughters Alison (Michael) Thompson of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, and Angela (Grant) Jack, of Foodieash, Scotland; his older brother Robert “Bob”, also of Scotland; as well as his much loved nieces and nephews; and special friends and neighbours Kirsty, Lee and Cullen.
Along with his parents, Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret (nee Mears), brothers Alec and Jim, and sisters Mary, Chrissie, May, Ruby, and Bella. As the youngest and losing his mother at age three, Bill remained grateful to his sisters all of his life.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place in Canada. A Celebration of Life will be held in Scotland and there is to be no public memorial service.
All Canadian and international arrangements have been entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services. Special thanks to Mike Thornborrow who has made a very difficult and confusing time much easier to cope with.
