Vincent “Randy” Drysdale

Drysdale, Vincent “Randy” – Age 54, of Stewiacke and formerly of Halifax, passed away suddenly at home on June 28, 2017.

Randy enjoyed sports; he was an avid golfer and a die-hard Canadiens fan.

He will always be missed by his wife, Mediea (Richards); his four-legged babies, Zoya, Zeus, and Bleu. Also surviving are his mother, Marina MacDougall; sisters, “Sissy” Jean Drysdale, Paula Webb (Blaize); niece and goddaughter, Mikayla George; godmother, Lois Harnish; mother-in-law, Wendy Richards; aunts, uncles and many cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Allen Webb; grandparents, John and Ida MacDougall, James and Pauline Webb.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Stewiacke Baptist Church, Pastor Joseph Mitchell officiating. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Stewiacke Baptist Church or Oops! Puppies!

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

“Until we meet again on the waters off Peggy’s Cove.”

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Gary David Horne

Horne, Gary David – It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary David Horne, age 79, of Lake Echo, on June 23, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Gary began his career at Fairey Aviation and was employed there until they closed. While there, he received a letter of commendation from management for his work on the bear trap project. Over the years he worked at IMP, Volvo, and then operated Horne’s Irving in Lake Echo for many years where he sponsored many youth hockey teams. Gary was a Charter Member of Lake Echo Lions Club.

He was a loving husband, of 58 years, to Marjorie (Sutherland); father of Heather (Glen) Parsons and Greg; grandfather of Jennifer, Jillian, Laura and Alexis; great-grandfather of Mira, Lyla and Carter. Besides his immediate family, Gary will be missed by sisters, Helen Chappell, Shirley Smith, Linda Horne (Kipper), Brenda King (Donnie); brothers-in-law, Donnie Petersen (Stella), Karl Petersen (Debbie); and many nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Grace (Sawlor) Horne.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, at 2 p.m., in St. David’s United Church, Lake Echo, with Rev. Kym Burke-Cole officiating. A reception will follow in Lake Echo Community Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. David’s United Church.

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

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Aaron “Reagh” Canning

Canning, Aaron “Reagh” – Age 93, Upper Musquodoboit, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2017, in Braeside Home for Special Care, Middle Musquodoboit, with his family at his side. Born in Maccan, he was a son of the late Ernest and Rebecca (Brown) Canning.

Reagh was a proud veteran of the Second World War, where he served overseas. Upon his return to Upper Musquodoboit, his working life was mostly as an accountant for Mosher’s Limestone. He enjoyed ball and had been a Scout leader for many years. Every summer he could be found in the berry fields picking whatever was in season. He was involved in many community activities, whether it was the various committees he served on with the church or the community hall.

He will always be loved and missed by his children, Chris (Cathy), Marsha, Andrea (Todd); nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; sister, Rebecca. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Laura Logan; daughter, Gloria; granddaughter-in-law, Leann; brothers, Ernie, Donald, Leonard; sisters, Mildred, Helen, Hattie.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be Friday, at 2 p.m., in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit, Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will meet friends for a reception downstairs in the church following the service. Memorial donations may be made to St. James United Church or Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Braeside.

A huge thank you to “Reagh’s girls and one guy” at Braeside for the wonderful care our Dad received.

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

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Charles Daniel Beattie

Beattie, Charles Daniel – Age 84, of Truro and formerly of Maitland, passed away June 18, 2017, in Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro. Born in Maitland, he was a son of the late John and Gladys (Archibald) Beattie.

Most of his working life was spent with the Department of Highways. He had a great love of horses.

Surviving are his brother, Dawson (Claire); sisters, Linda (Laurie), Helen (Henry), and Caroline (Gus). He was predeceased by his wife, the former Helen Norman; sister, Thelma; brothers, Clifford, Murray and John.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

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

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Frances Gwendolyn Archibald

Archibald, Frances Gwendolyn – Age 91, of Truro, passed away on June 15, 2017 in The Mira, Truro. Born in Windsor, Ont., she was a daughter of the late Charles and Charlotte (McDowell) Archibald.

Frances grew up in Oxford and trained in accounting following high school. She worked at Goodspeed’s Auto and Blaikie’s in Truro in their accounting departments. She was a long-time member of St. Andrew’s United Church, Truro and a life member of St. Andrew’s UCW. She served as treasurer for many years. Frances enjoyed playing golf and curling, and in later years was an avid television sports fan. She had been a resident of Townsview Estates for the past five years.

She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Sziron, Truro; nephew, Jack Sziron; several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Donald.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, in St. Andrew’s United Church, with Rev. Boyd Vincent officiating. Reception will follow. Committal will be in Amherst Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s United Church, or a charity of choice.

Special thanks to the staff of Townsview Estates for their loving care and friendship for the past five years, to the staff of Colchester East Hants Health Centre Intensive Care and Long Term Care for their care and service for the past six weeks following a stroke, and to the staff of The Mira for their kindness and care for the last week of Frances' life.

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

Elnora Elaine Clark

Clark, Elnora Elaine –Age 66, Jeddore Oyster Ponds, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2017, following a lengthy illness, in Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Musquodoboit Harbour, with family at her side.

Elnora was an avid horse person who participated in many equestrian events. She was known for her quick smile and infectious laugh.

She was a truly amazing wife and mother, and will always be missed by her husband, Rupert; daughters, Rosalee and Rebecca; grandchildren, Savannah and Evan; brothers, Donald (Isabel), Wilford (Mary); sister, Betty (Russ); sister-in-law, Sue; extended family members, and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her Nana; and brother, Robert.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, at 2 p.m., in Marine Drive Pentecostal Church, Jeddore, with Pastor Scott Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to Marine Drive Pentecostal Church, or The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia would be appreciated. 

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.

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Doucette

Doucette, Thomas Joseph "Tom" – Age 68, Middle Musquodoboit. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tom Doucette after his battle with cancer. Tom passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, June 9, 2017. Tom was raised in the North End of Halifax by his grandmother, "Nanny" Forbes, who taught him invaluable life lessons.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Lorna; sons, Andy (Deanna) and Steve (Heidi); brothers, Gary (Colleen) and Eric (Marian); granddaughters, Avery, Claire and Scarlett. He was predeceased by his daughter, Nicole and his brother, David.

In 1971, Tom married his soulmate and they moved from Halifax to Middle Musquodoboit where he began his 33-year teaching career at Musquodoboit Rural High School. During his career as an English educator, "Mr. D." never had to raise his voice and received the respect of his students and his colleagues.

Tom spent his life as a multi-sport coach, spending his winters in the gym and summers on the ball diamond. He coached high school and college basketball, winning multiple provincial championships, and was the ACAA and CCAA Coach of the Year in 1998. He coached fastpitch for decades, coaching Junior, Intermediate and Senior Men’s teams around the province, then began coaching the Nova Scotia Canada Games Men’s Team in 1989, 1993 and 1997. Tom also coached the Nova Scotia Canada Games Women’s Team in 2001. In this same year, he began working with the Junior Men’s National team in different capacities, retiring due to illness in 2016 as the Head Coach. Tom was a Master Course Conductor, certifying and mentoring coaches across the nation, as well as travelling internationally to assist countries in strengthening their technical programs. Tom was inducted into the Softball Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Softball Canada Hall of Fame in 2011, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Away from sport, Tom volunteered his time with the Musquodoboit Valley Lion’s Club and worked many functions for Holy Cross Catholic Church. Tom was a wonderful family man and loved his role as "Grampie" to his granddaughters and loved opening his home to host family and friends, and established traditions that everyone cherished.

The family would like to thank Kim Newton NP, Dr. Chaisson and the wonderful nursing staff of Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from 6:30-9 p.m. Monday, and funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, both in Holy Cross Catholic Church, Middle Musquodoboit. Burial will be in Pioneer Cemetery, Middle Musquodoboit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the the IWK Health Centre Foundation, Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Hospital or Holy Cross Catholic Church.

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

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David Joseph Bell

Bell, David Joseph – Age 81 of Hilden, passed away at home on June 1, 2017, with his wife and family by his side.

David owned and operated Paragon Door, along with his son, Stephen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; sons, Wesley L., California; Ron (Delores), Hilden; Paul (Cheryl), Ontario; Stephen, Hilden; daughter, Stephanie (Gary), Hilden; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Margaret (Ron) Crowe, Ontario; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, the late Charles and Annie (Madden) Bell, he was predeceased by daughter, Debbie; grandson, Jeremy; brother, Albert; sisters, Veronica and Pat.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. In keeping with David’s request, there will be no visitation or service. Burial will be at a later date in Hilden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations, if desired, may be made to Hilden Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dr. Bower, VON and Palliative Care staff.

We will miss and love you forever.

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