Bellefontaine, Ronald Brian – aged 96, of Brookvale, Nova Scotia passed peacefully with family by his side on May 12th, 2024 in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital.
Born in Higginsville, he was a son of the late Angus and Edith (Nelson) Bellefontaine. Ronnie was predeceased by his wife, Roberta (Higgins) of 71 years; brothers, Elmer and Gordon; sisters, Lucy, Doris, Pauline, Eileen and twin sister, Ruth.
Ronnie is survived by children, Martha (Calvin) Higgins, Debbie (Darryl) Sutherland, Ronda (Glenn Campbell), Dennis (Cosette Tetrault), and Gwynneth; grandchildren, Mark, Jeff, Jill, Casey, Emma, Lindsey, Derek and Sara; and great-grandchildren Rachel, Jeremy, Isla, Isabella, Rocco, Gia, Dillon and Alexina. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.
Ronnie was raised in Higginsville and grew up on the farm until he began his career as a welder at Liquid Air in Halifax. He and Roberta moved back to Higginsville in 1957 to take over the family farm until their retirement. Dad did not have a high school diploma, but had the mind of an engineer. His was often heard to jokingly say, “I forgot more than you’ll ever know”. He was a dairy farmer, mechanic, fabricating and welding expert, backhoe operator and woodsman. He served as a Board member on both the Musquodoboit Valley Co-op and Middle Musquodoboit Agricultural Society. His many years of service at the Halifax County Exhibition grounds earned him a Fairperson of the Year award.
We are grateful that Dad was able to remain in his home until his recent admission to hospital. Special thanks to Homecare Staff and private caregivers Ruth, Donna and Denise; Nurse Practitioner Jillian Noble, Dr. Lorette, and the nursing staff at Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital.
Donations in memory of Ronnie may be made to the Higginsville Cemetery Society, 1181 Higginsville Road, Brookvale, NS B0N 1X0
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 24th from 2:30 to 5:30 at the Bicentennial Theatre, Middle Musquodoboit. A short service will begin at 3:00, followed by an open invitation for others to share their own stories and memories.
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