Obituary of William Bartlett

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William ‘Bill’ Charles Bartlett passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on December 7th, 2024, at the age of 77. Bill was born on June 10, 1947. He is predeceased by his parents William Prescott Bartlett ‘Charlie’ and Katherine McLean Bartlett. He is survived and remembered by his wife Myra McFarlane, and stepchildren Dan (Holly), and Eryn (David). Bill, affectionately known as ‘Dinosaur Bill’, was a devoted and cherished grandpa to Zeke, Pearl, Abby, and Abby’s soon-to-arrive little brother. He is also survived by his cousin Edgar Hooper (Rosina) and their family, as well as his lifelong friend, Jim Hayes.

Bill graduated from Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 1969 and went on to earn his law degree from Queen’s University Faculty of Law in 1975. Before discovering his true passion as a lawyer with the Public Service, Bill practiced private law in Brantford.

His distinguished public service career began at the Library of Parliament, where he provided invaluable legal research for Members of Parliament. In 1989, Bill became one of Canada’s foremost experts on gun control, and his groundbreaking work continues to shape policies aimed at limiting gun violence, especially violence against women. Bill’s career then took him to the Justice Department, where his career focused on policies related to violent crime and terrorism—areas of work that still influence legal frameworks in Canada and abroad.

Bill was a cherished mentor to many, including Matt Taylor, Paula Clark, and Claude Richer, among others. Having a scotch or dark rum in Bill’s memory after a day of hard work is a tradition that lives on in Ottawa. Co-chairing CCSO with Betty Ann Pottruff and Jacquelyn Nelson was also a professional highlight for Bill, one that he greatly valued.

Outside of his legal career, Bill was an avid traveler and adventurer. Known for his signature hat and sunglasses, he explored many continents, immersing himself in the culture, savoring local food and wine, and doing his due diligence reading every single plaque at museum exhibits. One of his greatest joys was relaxing on a patio, sipping a local drink, and observing the world around him; never in a hurry, Bill was truly a man who could live in the moment. His love for travel was complemented by his fondness for outdoor activities, including scuba diving, hiking, mountain climbing, parachuting, and horseback riding. However, he didn’t need to venture far to find happiness. Walking his dog, Shiloh, along the Rideau River during his retirement was a quiet pleasure that brought him much joy. In recent years, Bill and Myra moved to Guelph, Ontario, to be closer to family, and Bill enjoyed exploring the Eramosa and Speed rivers from the doorstep of their new home.

Bill was a firm believer in giving back and sharing his good fortune with others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ottawa Food Bank, a cause he supported with great generosity. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Brombal Funeral Home (1 Delhi Street, Guelph, Ontario), followed by a shiva-lite at Bill and Myra’s home.