Obituary of William "Bill" Hackel

Hackel, William "Bill" John, age 76, of Centreville. It is with great sadness that we announce Bill's passing on October 16, 2015 at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, with family by his side. Born on August 28, 1939 in Albany, New York, Bill was a son of the late Max and Dorothy Hackel. He learned the watchmaking trade from the family business, J. Max Hackel & Son Jewelers in New York. Bill found his true calling as a carpenter, and was a long-time loyal member of the Local 83 United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiner of America. In 1972, Bill, Patty, and baby Minga immigrated to Nova Scotia, where they lived as back-to-the-land pioneers on 100 acres in Digby County. After moving to the Annapolis Valley, Bill honored his family with his unstoppable determination to build them a home. The stunning, one-of-a-kind wood and stone "mansion" he created still stands on the Centreville mountain. From his teens, Bill was a "basketball junkie" who took up with the local basketball scene wherever he lived, playing with an old-timers league in Wolfville into his mid-sixties. Hardworking, creative, and well-read, Bill had a passion for gardening, building, stonework, woodworking, and physical labour, evident from his rough and scarred hands. Bill is survived by his partner of 47 years, Patty Mintz; his children, Minga Mintz (Norbert Kungl), Wolf (Debra) Hackel, and Caileigh (Bryan) Grant; his grandchildren, Lily, Skyra, Max, Khadija, and Sumaya;and several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his loyal yellow lab, Mischa. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother Harry and sister Dorothy "Dotty" Hackel-Weber. Cremation has taken place, with no visitation or service by request. The family will honor Bill's life with a private gathering at the family home in Centreville. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Hwy 215, Summerville; 1-902-633-2431. Please visit our website at www.allenfh.ca to sign the guest book or send private condolences.