MAC: In Memory of Bill Thibeault, a true friend
By Joe DeFeliceBill Thibeault, former Canton executive secretary and a Navy veteran and one of MAC’s best friends, died unexpectedly last Thursday after collapsing on Memorial Day at the American Legion Hall. He was 74 years old.
Bill came to Canton in 1974 from Beverly, Massachusetts, by way of Derry, New Hampshire, his hometown. Bill adopted Canton as his new hometown and never left.
In addition to working in Canton, Bill was the former town manager for the town of Whitman and was a special administrative assistant to the state representative from the 6th Norfolk District (Randolph).
Bill was well known as a writer, and in MAC’s opinion, he was prolific and brilliant. He could sit down and write on any subject. For many years, Bill wrote a newspaper column titled “In My Opinion,” and his opinion, whether you liked it or not, was usually right on the money. Bill had his distractors, but he told it like it was and many people enjoyed hearing what he had to say.
Bill had his own weekly schedule. On Monday nights, you could find him at the Canton Knights of Columbus playing cribbage. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it was Bingo. On Thursday nights, it was band practice at the Canton American Legion Hall. Bill delighted in playing his tambourine for the Legion band. (It was at the Legion on Memorial Day in his band uniform that Bill collapsed and was rushed to Norwood Hospital). On Friday night, it was tradition for Bill to dine at the Italian Club in Stoughton. On Saturdays, Bill would travel the yard sale circuit looking for that special Canton memorabilia or book to add to his vast collection of interesting and somewhat obscure items.
On Sunday mornings, it was usually breakfast with MAC at Queen Anne’s on Route 138 in Canton where the topic of conversation among MAC, Bill, and often Queen Anne’s owner, Frank Sampson, was always the town of Canton.
Bill worked many years as a part-time payroll clerk for Adams Cleaners in Stoughton. After work, Bill would drop in at Hal Hanlon’s Barber Shop on Washington Street in Canton Center to pick up the news of the day in Canton, which was certainly helpful for the MAC column.
With the passing of Bill Thibeault, the MAC column will be a little lighter on Canton news. Bill knew Canton as good as anyone, including lifelong townies. Bill’s collection of Canton memorabilia was well known, and among his prized possessions was every Canton Town Report from 1880 to 2011.
MAC will really miss Bill Thibeault, as will his many friends, family, and other people who were fortunate enough to know him.
Bill was one of MAC’s best friends. When MAC needed help, Bill was always there. He assisted in any way he could, any time, any place. Bill Thibeault was a great man and a true friend. MAC sends his sincere condolences to his family.
True friends are the sunshine of life.
This is all for now folks. See you next week.
Joe DeFelice can be reached at manaboutcanton@aol.com.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=5778
Posted by Joe DeFelice
on Jun 8 2011. Filed under Featured Content, Man About Canton, Opinion.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
