Bill Goodland, born on April 3, 1942, in St. John's, Newfoundland, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 83. His passing marks the end of a life filled with dedication to family, service to his country, and a passion for learning and adventure.
Bill was the beloved husband of the late Christa Goodland (Lohmann) and the cherished father of Mecki McDonald and her husband Daryl McDonald. He was a proud grandfather to Lee McDonald and his wife Deanna, as well as Kelly McDonald and her husband Mike Del Giudice. Bill's legacy continues through his great-grandsons David, Daniel, and Jack. He is also survived by his brother David Goodland. Bill was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Goodland; his brothers Justin, John, and Noel; and his sister Hope.
A man of remarkable dedication, Bill served for 34 years in the Canadian Armed Forces in Military Intelligence. His career took him across Canada and Europe, where he embraced each posting with enthusiasm and professionalism. Among his many accomplishments during his military service, he held a deep sense of pride for his time with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill had a zest for life that shone through in his hobbies and interests. In his earlier years, he was an avid skier and golfer who enjoyed the camaraderie these activities brought. Later in life, he developed a newfound interest in calligraphy while maintaining a lifelong love for watching sports and reading history. His curiosity about the world around him never waned.
Bill's sense of humor was one of his most endearing qualities. He found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured by those who loved him most.
Special thanks to all of the staff at Perley Health. The kindness and care they have provided Bill over the years was truly appreciated.
May Bill’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him as they reflect on a life well-lived. A Funeral Mass will be held on a later date at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, 20 Grant Street, Ottawa.
Digital Guestbook
Phillip Jarvis, VP, Black Watch Assn, Atlantic Branch
Robert Hatfield
Mecki, Daryl, Lee and Kelly. My heart is broken but the memories I have of Bill and Christa will stay with me forever. May they rest in peace together
Roderick MacIntosh
I served with Bill in Recce Platoon, 2nd Battalion in Germany in the early 1960s. Last time we met was at a Pacific Branch reunion in Victoria about 16 years ago. Bill was a good soldier and comrade and will be missed. My condolences to his loving family.
To the Family of William (Billy) Goodland: On behalf of the membership of the Atlantic Branch of The Black Watch Association, please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences at the passing of our comrade in arms, Billy Goodland. Bill was well known throughout the two battalions in Gagetown but, mainly for his work in the Intelligence Section of the 2nd Battalion (2 RHC) along with Paddy Hatfield, Jack Mehan and Sgt Jimmy Breau.
Bill was well respected and highly regarded by members of the Black Watch. He was a fun loving guy who could take a good humored joke as well as dishing them out. After the Black Watch rebadged to RCR in 1970, everyone kind of loss touch with each other but once we saw any former members, it was like old home week with the catching up of current findings of people we all knew. Once we were all caught up it became like we were never parted. Bill was a good and dear friend to all those who had the privilege of knowing, working and spending time with him. The family he leaves behind can take some comfort and rest assured that the name Billy Goodland will not be forgotten any time soon by people who served with him in not only the Black Watch but also is the RCR and later, in the Intelligence Corp.
May He Rest In Peace.
Phil Jarvis, CD
Vice President
Black Watch Association, Atlantic Branch
Nemo me impune lacessit
(Latin for 'No one provokes me with impunity'), Our Regimental Motto that he loved and, I am quite certain he lived by everyday like all the rest of us former Black Watchers do. Again, we send our most heartfelt condolences to all of Bill's Family.