Singer, Irvine Wallace – With deep sadness, the family of Irvine Singer, age 74, of Shubenacadie East, Nova Scotia, announces his peaceful passing on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Middle Musquodoboit, Irvine was the son of the late Wilfred and Pearl (Conrad) Singer.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Shelley (Taylor), and his younger brother, Donnie (Marion). He is survived by his children, Andrew (Anna), Shubenacadie East; and Nicole (Adam) Baden-Clay, Antigonish; grandchildren, Maddison, Christopher, Matthew, Emma, and Cameron; sisters, Katherine (Rick) Joedicke, Dartmouth; and Jean Singer, Hamilton, ON; as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends who felt like family.
Irvine’s formative years were shaped by Scouting, where he developed lifelong friendships—especially with his Scoutmaster, Donald Scott—and earned the prestigious Queen’s Scout Award. An avid athlete in his youth, he excelled in basketball and softball, and was named Male Athlete of the Year upon graduating from SCHS.
Throughout his working life, Irv was a heavy equipment operator, a career that took him to mines and worksites across Nova Scotia. He was known for his hard work, skill, and the countless stories he shared from those years on the job.
Irv’s passions were simple and rooted in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing at the “old church” in Lower Caledonia, where many cherished memories were made over decades with family and friends. Growing up on the Shubenacadie River fostered his lifelong connection to the water; he spent much of his adult life fishing near the Stewiacke Fish Shack. Equally dear to him was his garden overlooking “his” river. A dedicated gardener with a true green thumb, he produced an abundance of vegetables each year—especially his well-known dill pickles, which he delighted in sharing with others.
A welcoming host, Irv loved having neighbours, friends, and family drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. In his later years, he deeply appreciated the companionship of regular phone calls and the support provided to both him and Shelley by dedicated caregivers. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Maria from Earth Angels; the Continuing Care nurses from VON, who supported Irv for many years; and the ICU staff at CEHHC for their compassion in his final days.
Irv had a warm sense of humour and a playful spirit. He loved to tease and be teased in return, especially by his grandchildren, who were his greatest joy. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and generosity, and will be missed by his children, grandchildren, sisters, extended family, and lifelong friends.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative. As per his wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held with family in Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to SPCA or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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