In Memoriam: William "Bill" Giggie 1942-2023

William "Bill" Giggie

August 4, 1942 — September 10, 2023

After a valiant health battle, Bill has left us to reunite in heaven with his beloved mother, Isabel, & father, Robert Giggie. Left to mourn are his much-loved sister Rosalie Blackmore (late Robert) of the Miramichi, his cousin Dawn Goodridge in Ottawa, & extended family. He will be sorely missed by his best friend, Tom Simpson. 

Bill was a long term Computer Programmer at Canada Post & remained active in the Federal Retirees Union for many years. Bill also offered his time and talents to many organizations, as a proud member of Eastview Branch of the Canadian Legion, the Ottawa Masonic Lodge, Tunis Shriners, Dominion Chalmers United Church & served for many years on the Board at Chateau Vanier. After retirement, he volunteered in a variety of charitable organizations. 

Bill had a deep Christian faith that embraced everyone. He had an amazing, deep belly laugh and a unique perspective on life but one that respected other points of view. He will be missed by so many, 

A Celebration of Bill's Life was held at Tubman Funeral Homes, Garden Chapel, Ottawa. Interment will be made in the Miramichi, New Brunswick. Donations to the United Church of Canada would be appreciated.

By 1993, Bill Giggie was already a PIPSC legend, having served as a steward since 1972. He received the PIPSC Service Award in 1989 and the PIPSC Life Membership Award in 1993.   Bill started his stewardship as an employee of Canada Post (which in 1981 became a Crown Corporation).

Before 1981, Bill chaired the CS Group and the CS Bargaining Team three times.  Between 1981 and 1993, he was the CPC-CS Group and Bargaining Team Chair.

Bill may well standout as the longest serving member on the PIPSC Board of Directors, serving from 1977 to 2001, which included the position of Vice-President from 1981 to 1988. 

Over his decades-of long devotion to the Institute and its members, Bill chaired most PIPSC National Committees including the Group Advisory Committee (5 years from 1985 to 1990), Bylaws (2 years), Finance (2 years) and Member Services.

He has been a member of the Retired Members Guild since its inception.  Bill has also served on the RMG Executive since 2003, ascending from Treasurer to President in 2006.  

Among many other issues, Bill continues to devote his energies to defending our pensions, pushing for health and dental improvements and supporting PIPSC members who are facing formidable, ongoing challenges in the workplace. 

Retirement from public service never slowed Bill down.  A dedicated union activist for decades, always a gentleman but tough when needed, Bill has been at the forefront of the PIPSC movement, fearlessly fighting the good fight, and defending the rights and interests of members and retirees, for some 46 years.