January 5, 1950 – May 2, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Welman John Liston, 76, of Grand Bay Westfield, New Brunswick, on May 2, 2026, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Welman was born on January 5, 1950, in Saint John, New Brunswick, to Darrell Liston and Aurelia Liston (née Thompson). He lived his entire life in Grand Bay Westfield.
Welman trained as a carpenter, attaining Master Craftsman Level 3. After a few years building houses, he joined the maintenance department at the Workers’ Rehabilitation Centre (WorkSafeNB) in 1977 and remained employed there until his retirement at age 62.
Throughout his life, Welman was known for being able to build anything with wood and for being a general handyman and fix it guy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Welman became the Cubmaster for the Grand Bay Cub Scouts, especially enjoying building Kub Kars and racing them with the other Cub fathers.
Welman enjoyed snowmobiling, playing guitar, antique cars, old western movies, and old time country and rock ’n’ roll music. He will be remembered for offering help to others and always keeping himself busy with some new idea or the next project. In his later retirement, Welman took on the role of caregiver to several semi feral cats, ensuring they were well fed and loved and, of course, building them their own special cat homes. He went on to adopt one of these cats, Billy, who will miss his human greatly.
Welman is survived by his wife Bonita Kirk Liston, stepchildren Andrew Bostwick (Cara) and Wendy Bostwick; step grandson Jayden (Makayla), and former wife Patricia Steeves, as well as their children Brian Liston (Jennifer) and Sheila Liston; brother David Liston (Cheryl); and several nieces, nephews, step nieces, step nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister in law Marilyn Williams.
Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 6, from 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM. A Celebration of life to follow at 2:00 PM. A reception will take place following the service.
In lieu of flowers, Welman’s family requests remembrances to his father’s charity:
Darrell Liston No Child Left Behind Fund for Camp Tulakadik
c/o Grand Bay Baptist Church
77 Woolastook Dr.
Grand Bay Westfield, NB
E5K 1S3
The Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family extends their gratitude to the medical staff of 4B and 5B South, the Saint John Regional Hospital oncology unit, as well as good family friend Floyd Scott.
Copyright © 2026 by the family of Welman John Liston
