MEREDITH — William “Bill” Pond passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2024, at the age of 88. His resilience and grace at the end were unwavering and a source of comfort to his family and friends. His gratitude for the dedicated and loving members of his care team was clear and heartfelt.
Bill was born at Lower Durham, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1936. His lifelong love and respect for the natural world began in the wood lots, streams and fields of his youth. He was a true and avid outdoorsman and remained so throughout his life.
He moved to New Hampshire in 1955, where he worked clearing space for electric lines until several moves later, he settled in Ashland, Massachusetts, with his beloved first wife Janice Van Dine. For 22 years, Bill served on the Ashland Police Department with dedication, compassion and courage, reaching the rank of sergeant.
Bill was a civic- and service-minded person as was evident in his work on the Meredith Historical Society, serving as president for six years. He was also a trustee for the First Congregational Church and a past master at the Chocorua Lodge of Masons. Long fascinated by American Civil War history, he shared his knowledge with organizations throughout the Lakes Region.
Bill was many things to many people: a patriot, storyteller, role model, and good neighbor. He was much loved and admired by his immediate family and many friends. As a steadfast “pet whisperer” he shared a special bond with his beloved childhood beagle, Sassy, his Russian blue cat, Smokey, and his grand-dog, Sawyer.
Bill is survived by his daughter Gina (Pond) Patten and son-in-law Lucas Patten; his son-in-law David Morrison; his stepson John Bird and daughter-in-law Judi Bird; his stepdaughter Martha Bird and daughter-in-law Ginny Walsh; his stepdaughter Sarah Bird and son-in-law Rob Roriston; 14 grandchildren; and many cousins and nieces, including Deb Nordahl.
Bill is predeceased by his brothers, Max and Tal; his first wife, Janice "Jan"; his second wife, Pat; and his son, Gilman. He believed strongly that he would see them again. And he will.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the First Congregational Church, UCC, 4 Highland St.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Meredith Historical Society or to the First Congregational Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, visit mayhewfuneralhomes.com.
(1) entry
My family knew Bill for many years, as his first wife, Jan, was our cousin. We spent many happy times together with Jan and Bill and their children George and Gina during our summers in Meredith. Bill was a lover of antiques and a great collector.
He and Jan renovated my grandfather’s old barn and turned it into unique and lovely home where he and Jan and the children lived for many years before Jan’s death.
Later he moved into my grandparents’ house where had and his second wife Pat lived.
Bill remarked to me that he felt so fortunate to have been married to two such wonderful women.
Bill remained loved antique cars and history. He was a student of the American Civil War and became very knowledgeable. He was also an avid gardener and maintained a lovely garden, including the old blackberry patch for as long as he was able.
His last years were challenging, as he suffered a stroke which left him completely blind. When we visited him at Golden View, he regaled us with some of his many stories from the past. He was so proud to have shown his antique gun collection to our nephew from Germany, even though Bill could speak no German, and our nephew spoke no English! And yet they understood each other.
Our family misses Bill.
Sarah, Uwe, Russell, Priscilla and Nathan Krebs
Sign the guestbook.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.