Ronald Edward Lawrence

Lawrence, Ronald Edward – Age 81 of Upper Musquodoboit, passed away April 29, 2018, in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital, Middle Musquodoboit. Ron was born in Halifax, a son of the late Russell and Marion (Christian) Lawrence.

Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara (Donaldson); his daughter, Karen Lawrence of Vancouver, B.C.; and son, Christopher and wife, Alicia Erskine, of Middle Musquodoboit; granddaughters, Karen Dolan of Halifax; Sarah Doucette of Nanaimo, B.C.; great-grandchildren, Liam and Felicia Dolan, and Romi Wright; brother, James, Bedford; sister, Lorraine Merchant, Halifax; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Ron was predeceased by brothers, George, Thomson and Russell; sisters, Helen Mullen, Madeline Stokes, Catherine Gertz and Dorothy Lawrence.

Cremation has taken place. At Ron’s request, there will be no visitation or service. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of choice.

The family would like to thank all of those who cared for Ron over the past three weeks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Ralph Clifford Arnold

Arnold, Ralph Clifford – Age 80, East Jeddore. It is with saddened hearts we announce the passing of Ralph Clifford Arnold on April 29, 2018, surrounded by his loving family in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Burton and Mary (Peckham) Arnold.

Ralph was a hard-working man all of his life. He worked from a very young age at Baker’s Fisheries, Burns Fisheries, Woodlawn Lumber & Fence, Maritime Fence, Gillis and Company, Arnold’s Repairs & Renovations, retiring in 2011 from MacDonald Fencing. He also did odd jobs for people and helped out with anything he could. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church since 1972, and attended Camp Evangeline faithfully. Ralph volunteered his time in all church projects, as well as Neighbourhood Watch. He was known as the candy man at church, giving peppermints to the young and old.

Surviving are his daughter, Madeline (Mark) Drysdale; sons, Robert (Darlene), Garnet (Suzette); grandchildren, Loretta (Robbie) Messervey, Robert Jr. (Sarah), Brian (Alissa), Jeremy, Samantha (Joe) and Alex Drysdale; great-grandson, Bentley and little girls, Summer, Lily and Rosie; brothers, George (Betty), William (Donna); sisters, Doris, Betty and Alice; sister-in-law, Linda Arnold; brother-in-law, Robert Workman; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Pauline Joyce (Jollimore) Arnold; brothers, Burton “Reg”, Russell; sisters, Mabel, Marion; five brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 2, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and funeral service will be Thursday at 2 p.m., all in Marine Drive Pentecostal Church, Pastor Scott Anderson and Pastor Aubrey Deslatte officiating. Burial will be in East Jeddore Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Marine Drive Pentecostal Church, Camp Evangeline, or Canadian Cancer Society.

Special thanks to the nurses of 4 East in Dartmouth General Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Velma Sophia Venner

Venner, Velma Sophia – Age 79, Truro and formerly of Elderbank, passed away April 22, 2018 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro, she was a daughter of the late Walter “Wally” and Dorcas (Dean) Suttis.

While her children were young she was a stay-at-home mom raising her family. Once her family was grown, she started working with the Department of Natural Resources, a career she had for 33 years, most of that spent at Dollar Lake Park. Upon retiring, she was an avid crafter, working at many handiwork items such as quilting, knitting and sewing. She spent many hours each fall making jelly and preserves.

She was predeceased by husband, James; son, Clayton James. Surviving are daughters, Tanya Lynn (Tim) Hirtle; Linda (Bill McClellan); Shirley-Gail; daughter-in-law, Susan; grandchildren, Shannon, Derek, Laurie, Lacey, Nicole, Jamie, Colton, Anthony; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Peggy (Fred) Rutherford, Joan Southern, Linda (John) Geddes; brother, Dean. She was also predeceased by sisters, Helen, Phyllis, Shirley; brother, George.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 28 at 4 p.m. in Elderbank Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Linda Yates officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Elderbank Cemetery Commission or Colchester Hospice Society.

Thank you to the staff in the Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care given to Mom and her family while she was there.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Murray George Pickles

Pickles, Murray George – Age 83, Gaetz Brook. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a caring husband, father, Poppie, and “Uncle Mo” on April 22, 2018, with loved ones by his side. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late James and Lorna (Jennings) Pickles.

Murray worked for over 30 years with a number of moving companies. While he enjoyed this line of work, his real passion was being in the woods. A true outdoorsman, he could often be found in a deer stand looking for a buck, setting rabbit snares, or sitting on Quaver Lake catching fish. He greatly enjoyed watching curling on TV and was a devoted Blue Jays fan. He could be heard cheering from spring training all the way to the end of the season.

Surviving are his wife, Louise (Lawlor); daughter, Ada (Darren); son, Daniel; loving grandchildren, Rachel, Evan and Danielle; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Stanley, Ada and Harry.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 2-4 p.m. in the Chezzetcook District Lions Club. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Diabetes Canada.

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Gary David Lynds

Lynds, Gary David – Harmony. It is with great sadness that the family of Gary Lynds, age 59 of Lower Harmony Road, announces his sudden passing on Saturday, April 21, 2018, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro, he was a son of the late Filmore and Joan (Frizzell) Lynds.

Gary leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Pamela (Delaney); daughters, Janetta Boomer (Carlos), Ottawa; Natasha (Chris) Stokdijk, Beaver Brook; Melissa Porter, Bible Hill; son, Christopher, British Columbia; grandchildren, Kalysta, Jennica, Jocelyn, Kayden, Joshua, Rowan, Micah, Bradley, Stephen and Ryatt; sister, Shelly Lynds, Truro; brother, James “Jim”, Lower Harmony; many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own. Gary was predeceased by his brother, Kevin “Jody”.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held Friday, April 27 at 2 p.m. in Onslow Island Cemetery, Onslow, with Pastor Ken Fillmore officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Elsie Aleta (Andrews) Carroll

Carroll (Andrews), Elsie Aleta – Age 91 of Stewiacke, died peacefully on April 18, 2018, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, surrounded by family. She was a cherished aunt, sister, friend, and the most amazing mother ever.

Elsie was an amazing, strong woman who overcame incredible challenges throughout her life – like raising four strong-willed children on her own – while always lending a helping hand and an open heart to others in times of need. Widowed early in life, she was fiercely independent and lived by a set of very simple yet unshakable spiritual beliefs that allowed her to always find the wonder and beauty in this world.

Elsie loved her community, where she engaged as a volunteer and a town councillor, as well as working tirelessly on the tourism committee. She was a church Elder with her beloved St. Andrew’s United Church, where she sang in the choir – she was the one swaying joyfully to the music and not reading her sheet music while she sang. Music infused her life and she sang right up to her last hours. Elsie held a reverent love and deep respect for all of nature, and was happiest walking in the woods, gardening, watching and listening to the birds, or strolling along the beach. She loved to grow flowers and had a magic touch for growing them. Elsie was always grateful for what she had and never complained, and we are so glad that she is now reunited with the love of her life and her cherished family members who went before her. There must be one heck of a Hootenanny going on with them all.

In keeping with Elsie’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. Family invites all who wish to join them for a toast to Elsie’s life and ongoing journey at the Stewiacke Legion on Saturday, April 21st after 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you simply spend time with family and loved ones, take a quiet walk in the woods or along the beach, and take time to be awestruck by the beauty in nature.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Norma Ann Archibald

Archibald, Norma Ann – Age 78, Middle Musquodoboit, passed away April 17, 2018 in the VG Site, QEII, Halifax. Born in Noel, she was a daughter of the late Rae and Alice (Archibald) Spencer.

Norma loved gardening, cooking and baking, and was happiest when she was feeding somebody. She and Frank enjoyed camping and bluegrass music.

Surviving are sister, Vera Bakker; brother, Stephen Spencer; sons, Kevin (Grace) Baird, Donald Baird; daughter, Meredith (Ross) Rector. She was predeceased by husband, Frank; sister, Margie MacQuarrie.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Hillside Cemetery, Middle Musquodoboit. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

Thank you to the staff of 5A in the VG Hospital for their wonderful care while Mom was there. Thank you also to the Northwood Homecare workers for their support.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for the family in the Comments area below.

Marion Eleanor Kindervater

Kindervater, Marion Eleanor – Age 89, of Upper Musquodoboit, passed away April 17, 2018 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Musquodoboit Harbour, she was a daughter of the late Cameron and Hazel (Bond) Mosher.

Marion grew up in Musquodoboit Harbour, and in 1948 moved with her family to Upper Musquodoboit, where she met and married her husband, Vaughn. Following Vaughn’s death in 1966, Marion worked for Maritime Tel and Tel Co., and Holman’s Restaurant, while bringing up four boys, all of whom she was most proud. Marion moved to Hilden in 2012 where she enjoyed reading, watching deer, and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays.

She leaves behind sons, Blair (Sally), Australia; Brock, Calgary; Mark (Martha Leah), Brookfield; Dale (Felicia), Trenton; grandson, Jeremy (Kathleen), Calgary; brothers, Weldon, Roy; sister, Ruby (Arthur) Dahr; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides her husband, Marion was predeceased by brother, Kenneth; sisters-in-law, Eileen, Dorothy, Maxine; nephew, Anthony in infancy.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 19, 6-8 p.m., and funeral service will be Friday, April 20 at 2 p.m., both in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit, Mary Jo Harrison officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Christ Church Cemetery, Lantz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Colchester East Hants Health Foundation – Palliative Care Unit; Colchester East Hants Hospice Society; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice.

The family would like to say thank you for the kindness shown to them during Mom’s hospital care, especially to Dr. Smith, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Berghuis, and the Palliative Care team.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Leah Lillian (Smith) Myers

Myers (Smith), Leah Lillian – Age 91, passed away on April 16, 2018, in The Birches Nursing Home, Musquodoboit Harbour. Born in Musquodoboit Harbour, she was a daughter of the late Gibson and Bessie Smith.

In her early years, Leah worked in the peg factory and the clam factory. She had many favourite hobbies, including quilting and knitting. There were many socks, dish cloths and quilts given as gifts over the years. Leah loved to bake, and always made sure there were sweets on hand for family and friends when they dropped by for a chat. She loved family visits, especially with the grandchildren, and also enjoyed working on Lexicon puzzles. Leah was a long-time member of St. James Anglican Church.

Surviving are her sons, Larry (Karen), Ronald (Darlene), Weldon (Charlene); her daughter, Krista (Chris) Mason. She was a grandmother of seven and a great-grandmother of four, who were all loved dearly. Also surviving are her sisters, Edna Chambers, Francis DeYoung; brothers, Gordon and Doug. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Robie; twin children, Allen and Janice; sisters, Jessie, Eva, Ivy, Irene and Winnie.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 24th from 7-9 p.m. in St. James Anglican Church Hall, 66 Dolby Hill Rd., Head of Jeddore. Service will be Wednesday, April 25th at 2 p.m. in St. James Anglican Church, Rev. Andrew Mortimer officiating. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church Building Fund, St. James Anglican Cemetery Fund or charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for the family in the Comments area below.

Shirley Eileen Harrison

Harrison, Shirley Eileen – Age 87 of Upper Stewiacke and formerly of Brookfield, passed away April 12, 2018 in Vimy Court, Bible Hill. Born in Truro, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Daisy (Johnson) Croft.

Shirley was a hairdresser for 34 years. She taught drama in many schools in Nova Scotia, and was a founding member of Hubtown Theatre. In her leisure time she enjoyed dancing, skiing, shopping, and just being around people. She and Rex enjoyed spending many weekends at their camp in Burnside.

Surviving are her son, Craig (Leah) Hamilton; daughter, Sharon (George) O’Leary; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; many extended family members. She was predeceased by her first husband, Rex Hamilton; second husband, Roy Harrison; brother, Gerald Croft; a sister in infancy.

In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, her body has been accepted to Dalhousie Medical Research. Memorial service will be Wednesday, April 18 at 2 p.m. in Knox United Church, Brookfield, Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. The family will meet friends for a reception in the church hall following the service. Burial will be at a later time in Eastside Cemetery, Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knox United Church General Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for the family in the Comments area below.

John Edwin Gault

Gault, John Edwin – aka “Jack Wild”, aka “The Man in the Red Hat”. John passed away peacefully on April 9, 2018, at the home of his daughter, Kimberley, after a short battle with cancer. Born in Upper Musquodoboit, he was one of five children of the late Sinclair and Nina Gault.

At the age of 19, he joined the Navy and proudly served for 13 years on the Algonquin, the Nipigon, and the Kootenay. After leaving the Navy, he pursued a career in auto mechanics. John loved going to car shows and had hopes of some day once again owning his dream car, a 1965 Starfire convertible. He finished off his career at Crossley Karastan where he worked for 25 years, proudly never missing a day of work. He was a kind and generous soul and was always thinking of others. He would often leave notes on cars telling people that their tires were not safe or recommending that they check their air pressure as he was genuinely concerned for their safety. He would even go so far as to offer to buy them tires.

John was a loving brother of sisters, Joyce (Earl) Taylor, Alberta; Gloria (Calvin) Brown, Truro; Linda (Gordon) Black, Tatamagouche; brother-in-law, Ben Harnish, Hilden. He was a loving father of Kimberley (Doug) Cross, Lesley (Al) Webster, Shane (Sherie Green) Gault; devoted grandfather of Joshua, Drew, Madison, Olive, and Natasha. He recently celebrated his 75th birthday surrounded by his family. John was predeceased by sister, Della.

The most important relationship in his life was with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His faith was very important to him and carried him through his final days.

In lieu of flowers, get your tires and oil checked; Dad would have liked that. In keeping with Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will have a private celebration of his life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for the family in the Comments area below.

Thelma Agnus Rogers

Rogers, Thelma Agnus – Age 90 of Coldstream, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2018, in Wynn Park Villa, Truro. Born in Riverside, Colchester County, she was a daughter of the late Foss and Nettie (Brimicombe) Rogers. Thelma was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She was very active in several outdoor activities and enjoyed many pets. Most of Thelma’s working life was in Ontario, and she retired back to Nova Scotia in 1985.

Surviving are many nieces and nephews, locally and in other parts of Canada. She was predeceased by siblings, Charlie, Henry, Bernice, Mary, James Bernard, John, Clyde, Harold, Gerald.

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Thelma’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to a local SPCA.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Wynn Park for the wonderful care Thelma received over the years.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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William “Bill” Fisher

Fisher, William “Bill” – Age 69 of Stewiacke, passed away April 5, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family and friends. Born in Truro, he was a son of the late Adams and Blanche (Gourley) Fisher.

Bill was a patient and kind teacher who positively impacted so many. He taught people how to be a firefighter, how to change a tire, and even how to be a better person. He was always the first to come to people’s rescue and help when needed the most. Bill was a lifetime member of the Stewiacke Fire Department and Nova Scotia Wood Turners Guild. Bill was a beautiful soul, whose love and caring lit up our world. He will be dearly loved and greatly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (McKillop); “his girls”, Natasha McKillop (Tim Smith), Maitland; Vanessa McKillop (Maddie Doiron), Dartmouth; sisters, Margie Robinson, Wittenburg; Jean (Bob) Hall, Paradise; Karen (Denvert) Levy, Stewiacke; Juanita (Jim) Withrow, Prince George, B.C.; Charlotte Flemming (Robert Scullion), Chaswood; brother, Lee, Wolfville; sisters-in-law, Ruth, Spryfield; Marianne, Bayhead; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Franklin, Alden; sisters, Shirley, Janet; sister-in-law, Pam; brother-in-law, Jim.

Cremation has taken place. A reception will be held Thursday, 2-4 p.m. in St. Andrew’s United Church hall, Stewiacke. A family burial will be held at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Stewiacke East. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Stewiacke Volunteer Fire Department or QEII Foundation, T 752 Brain Research Account, Dr. Adrienne Weeks, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Park Lane Mall, Suite 3005, Halifax, NS B3J 3R4 would be appreciated.

The Fisher family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Daphne Barr, for without you Bill would not have been able to fulfill his wish to come home and be with his family. We would also like to thank Dartmouth Dodge and Stewiacke Fire Department for going above and beyond in their support of Bill and the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

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Florence Jeanette “Jenny” Thompson

Thompson, Florence Jeanette “Jenny” – Age 90 of Elmsdale, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2018 at home.

Jenny loved her family and looked forward to summers spent at the cottage in Port Howe. In 1948, she married Laurie and together raised their family, Shirley (Clinton) Hines, Norman (Linda) Thompson, Joyce (Alan) Brown. She is also survived by grandchildren, Tabatha, Dwight, Michael, Lori, Jamie; great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Morgan, Jenna, Thomas, Ethan, Evan, Kyle, Casey, Keith. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Edith (Polson) Partridge.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Sunday, April 8, 6-8 p.m., and funeral service will be Monday, at 2 p.m., both in St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church, Elmsdale, with Rev. Beth Mattinson officiating. Burial will be in Elmsdale Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Many thanks to the VON and Palliative Care team for the amazing care Mom received.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.

Please feel free to leave a message of condolence for the family in the Comments area below.