William Michael Egan
March 27, 1945 — June 25, 2017
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William Michael Egan
William Michael Egan
Surrounded by a circle of family and friends, Bill Egan took his final breath on Sunday morning, June 25, 2017. He passed in the familiar school he created and built with his wife Judy, the space that was the Canterbury Children's Center for 33 years.
An Irishman through and through, Bill always had a twinkle in his eyes. He wrote and recited poetry, sang Irish folk songs, loved to tell a good story and charmed everyone with his mirthful spirit. Bill was one of those unique individuals who seemed to be able to do anything. Nothing was ever too daunting for him, embracing each new project or challenge in life with optimism. Whether creating with wood, learning about timber framing, reading Irish History, restoring cars, taking photographs, repairing all things mechanical, collecting and researching antique furniture and tools, or building a house, school, barn and sailboat, he took great joy in the process of all he pursued. He lived with intention, purpose and integrity. Those around Bill kept his amazing attributes alive for him throughout his journey with Alzheimer's. Tucked inside the familiar school he loved, he felt safe, secure and respected.
Bill was born in Boston MA March 27, 1945. Named after his paternal grandfather, he was the second son of Raymond W. Egan Sr. and Phyllis M. (Berry) Egan. He was the third baby to receive a blood transfusion at Boston Children's Hospital, a procedure that left him without sight in one eye. As with all other things in his life, he never allowed this to hinder him or make him feel unable.
Bill grew up in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, Spofford, Chesterfield and Keene. He graduated from Keene High School in 1963, Keene State College in 1968, and received his master's degree in education, psychology/counseling from Northeastern University in 1972. In 1989 he was licensed as a Specialist in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning. Before the founding of the Canterbury Children's Center, Bill worked as a teacher and counselor in New Hampshire schools including Salem and later Hopkinton, where he initiated elementary counseling programs at Harold Martin and Maple Street schools.
Bill and his wife Judy met during their undergraduate years at Keene State College and were married in 1969. They shared a dream to one day begin a small independent school with the belief that the early years of a child's education could set the tone for love of learning. That dream came true when they purchased land in Canterbury and built the Canterbury Children's Center. From 1980-2013, it nurtured hundreds of school age children with hands on experiential learning within its integrated curriculum. Many former students remain an integral part of Bill and Judy's life, several being with them during Bill's final hours.
In addition to his commitment to the school, Bill was active in his larger Canterbury community. He was a two time chairman of the Canterbury Planning Board, committed to preserving wild spaces for future generations. He loved being in the woods, observing and photographing nature and hiking our New Hampshire mountains.
Judy would like to extend a thank you to Bill's wonderful hospice team who became part of their family and shared knowledge, support and good humor with each of them. It is also with gratitude that Judy acknowledges so much support for all these years from so many. Bill was a man filled with love and compassion, always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, anyone in need, and that was returned to him over and over again throughout this journey.
Bill leaves behind many warm memories with Judith (Gagne) Egan his wife of 48 years, brothers Raymond W. Egan Jr. (Rae) of West Chesterfield and Robert F. Egan (Lori) of Ocala, Florida, his sister-in-law Ruthanne (Gagne) Bergholm (Steve) of Sandown, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, Canterbury neighbors, hundreds of former students and his special felines and burros.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Canterbury Children's Center property on Saturday, September 30 at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, please take time to hold Bill in your heart and remember his friendship.
"Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."
Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)
Surrounded by a circle of family and friends, Bill Egan took his final breath on Sunday morning, June 25, 2017. He passed in the familiar school he created and built with his wife Judy, the space that was the Canterbury Children's Center for 33 years.
An Irishman through and through, Bill always had a twinkle in his eyes. He wrote and recited poetry, sang Irish folk songs, loved to tell a good story and charmed everyone with his mirthful spirit. Bill was one of those unique individuals who seemed to be able to do anything. Nothing was ever too daunting for him, embracing each new project or challenge in life with optimism. Whether creating with wood, learning about timber framing, reading Irish History, restoring cars, taking photographs, repairing all things mechanical, collecting and researching antique furniture and tools, or building a house, school, barn and sailboat, he took great joy in the process of all he pursued. He lived with intention, purpose and integrity. Those around Bill kept his amazing attributes alive for him throughout his journey with Alzheimer's. Tucked inside the familiar school he loved, he felt safe, secure and respected.
Bill was born in Boston MA March 27, 1945. Named after his paternal grandfather, he was the second son of Raymond W. Egan Sr. and Phyllis M. (Berry) Egan. He was the third baby to receive a blood transfusion at Boston Children's Hospital, a procedure that left him without sight in one eye. As with all other things in his life, he never allowed this to hinder him or make him feel unable.
Bill grew up in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, Spofford, Chesterfield and Keene. He graduated from Keene High School in 1963, Keene State College in 1968, and received his master's degree in education, psychology/counseling from Northeastern University in 1972. In 1989 he was licensed as a Specialist in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning. Before the founding of the Canterbury Children's Center, Bill worked as a teacher and counselor in New Hampshire schools including Salem and later Hopkinton, where he initiated elementary counseling programs at Harold Martin and Maple Street schools.
Bill and his wife Judy met during their undergraduate years at Keene State College and were married in 1969. They shared a dream to one day begin a small independent school with the belief that the early years of a child's education could set the tone for love of learning. That dream came true when they purchased land in Canterbury and built the Canterbury Children's Center. From 1980-2013, it nurtured hundreds of school age children with hands on experiential learning within its integrated curriculum. Many former students remain an integral part of Bill and Judy's life, several being with them during Bill's final hours.
In addition to his commitment to the school, Bill was active in his larger Canterbury community. He was a two time chairman of the Canterbury Planning Board, committed to preserving wild spaces for future generations. He loved being in the woods, observing and photographing nature and hiking our New Hampshire mountains.
Judy would like to extend a thank you to Bill's wonderful hospice team who became part of their family and shared knowledge, support and good humor with each of them. It is also with gratitude that Judy acknowledges so much support for all these years from so many. Bill was a man filled with love and compassion, always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, anyone in need, and that was returned to him over and over again throughout this journey.
Bill leaves behind many warm memories with Judith (Gagne) Egan his wife of 48 years, brothers Raymond W. Egan Jr. (Rae) of West Chesterfield and Robert F. Egan (Lori) of Ocala, Florida, his sister-in-law Ruthanne (Gagne) Bergholm (Steve) of Sandown, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, Canterbury neighbors, hundreds of former students and his special felines and burros.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Canterbury Children's Center property on Saturday, September 30 at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, please take time to hold Bill in your heart and remember his friendship.
"Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."
Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Michael Egan, please visit our flower store.
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