By Andrew Macdonald
During my recent one-week vacation, news came that former New Democrat member Bill Estabrooks had died at age 76 in a care facility in Alberta.
Estabrooks served as a minister in the NDP government of Darrell Dexter
He never lost an election in the provincial riding of Timberlea, first winning in 1998 and holding onto the seat until his resignation in 2013 due to health issues related to Parkinson’s disease.
Premier Tim Houston offered condolences to Estabrooks’ family and friends.
“Bill approached everything he did with compassion, kindness and humour. He was unwavering in his dedication to his community and the province,” said Premier Houston. “My deepest condolences go to his family and close friends.”
Estabrooks was first elected to the Nova Scotia legislature in 1998 as MLA for Timberlea-Prospect. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2009. He served as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and Minister of Energy before retiring from public service in 2013.
He was also a recipient of the Governor-General’s Medal of Bravery.
His occupation was as a school teacher before he began his political life.
Wiki states he was a native of Sackville, New Brunswick and attended Mount Allison University where he graduated in 1969. He taught at various schools in Halifax, including Sir John A. Macdonald High, Sackville High and Brookside Junior High. adds Wiki.
“He was involved in local chapters of the Lions Club as well as volunteering with local hockey and football teams. He was also a recipient of the Lions International Presidents’ Recognition Award,” notes his bio on Wiki.
“In 2015, the Hubley Community Centre was named the Estabrooks Community Hall in his honour for his years of dedication to the community,” his bio states.
Bill Estabrooks was MLA for Timberlea from 1998-2013, and a NDP Highways minister. Family photo
