Caborn, Lorne “Keith”

Caborn, Lorne “Keith” – Age 64, Meaghers Grant. It is with loving memory and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lorne Keith Caborn on April 29, 2015 in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital, Middle Musquodoboit, with family at his side. Born in Kingston, Ont., he was a son of Rose (Sleight) Caborn and the late Elmer Caborn. Keith’s teaching career spanned over 32 years, beginning in St. Peter’s and later moving to Musquodoboit Rural High School, Sackville High School, and Eastern Shore District High School. One of his great passions was coaching basketball, and he did so at the junior and senior levels for both boys and girls. He had a talented creative flare for acting, writing, and performing. His family loved to listen to him play his guitar and sing. Keith enjoyed building and renovating things, especially his cottage in Pictou. After retiring, he attended NSCC Stellarton Campus to learn cabinetry, putting his acquired skills to good use. He also enjoyed family poker games, winning at scrabble, and curling, most recently at the Bluenose Curling Club. As golf was one of his greatest passions (even getting a hole in one) and because he enjoyed the early morning hours, he worked the past few years at River Oaks Golf Course as part of the grounds crew, carefully mowing the very greens he loved to play on. Keith had an amazing positive outlook on life and left a lasting impression on those who knew him. We will all miss his great sense of humour and sharp wit.

Surviving are his wife, Gloria (Pratt); son, Lorne; daughter Kelly (Cecil Sampson); grandchildren, Damian, Gauge, Makyla; siblings, Linda (Jim Mitchell), Roy, Calvin (Jing-Mei), Kathy (Robert Bruce), several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Lillian Pratt; sister-in-law, Dorothy Matthews (Glen); brother-in-law, Joel Pratt (Susan). He was predeceased by sister, Mary; son, James in infancy.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. in St. James United Church, 4217 Highway 357, Meaghers Grant. Rev. Dr. Linda Yates will preside at a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Meaghers Grant Community Hall, 4413 Hwy. 357. A reception will follow the service. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to St. James United Church or Meaghers Grant Community Hall Association (both c/o Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Box 45, Upper Musquodoboit B0N 2M0), or a charity of choice.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Barry Giffin, the wonderful nurses and the entire staff of Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital for their outstanding care of Keith and our family. You will be forever in our hearts. Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Linda Yates for her leadership, spiritual care, and kindness; and to the entire community for your unwavering support and kindness.

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

We’ll meet again, our cherished husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend and uncle, “Special K”.

Laybolt, Judith Ellen

Laybolt, Judith Ellen – Age 67, Musquodoboit Harbour, passed away April 30, 2015. Born in Halifax, Judy was the eldest daughter of the late Harold and Kathleen (Orman) Ryan. At the age of 10, Judy moved with her family to Musquodoboit Harbour. When her husband and children were younger, they took many camping trips. She enjoyed knitting and sewing, and couldn’t wait to go to bingo.

Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Ivan; children, Trina (Ellis Carroll), Elmsdale; Robert (Brandi), Musquodoboit Harbour; Duane, Musquodoboit Harbour and Bridgewater; grandchildren, Nicholas, Kayla and Kaitlyn Carroll, Elmsdale; Christopher, Austin and Anthony Laybolt, Bridgewater; sisters, Noreen Stevens (Ken), Kim King (Kevin); brothers, David (Cheryl), Gerry, Mark (Gina); sisters-in-law, Bonita (Melvin) Day, Catherine Gordon; brothers-in-law, Wilson (Donna), Earl (Chris), Milton (Lorna).

In keeping with Judy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Monday, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., followed by funeral service at 2 p.m., both in St. James Anglican Church, Dolby Hill, Head Jeddore. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church, 66 Dolby Hill Road, Head Jeddore, NS B0J 1P0, or The Lung Association Nova Scotia.

The family would like to thank the staff at Twin Oaks and Dartmouth General Hospital for all their care. Thank you also to Debbie Mosher for all she did for Judy and to Leora Stoddard for driving her to bingo.

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

Power, Monica Isabel

Power, Monica Isabel – 1928-2015, of Stewiacke, and formerly of Westmount, Cape Breton, passed away April 28, 2015, at the age of 86, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Westmount, she was a daughter of the late Catherine Sarah (MacDonald) and John L. MacLellan. Monica is survived by daughters, Theresa Power, Gail Alexander, both of Halifax; Debbie (Joe) DeLazzer, Stewiacke; granddaughters, Terri Lee (Ewan) MacLeod and their son, Alex; Derina DeLazzer; grandson, Dustin DeLazzer. She was predeceased by sister, Mary (Prendergast) (Babcock) Woodworth; brothers, James, Jerome, Daniel, John, and Gus.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. There will be no visitation at the request of the family. Interment will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Stewiacke East. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Colchester East Hants Health Centre. Donations may be made to SPCA.

Sweet, Joan Lillian

Sweet, Joan Lillian – Age 93, Lake Charlotte, passed away April 25, 2015, in The Birches Nursing Home, Musquodoboit Harbour. Born in Dorking, Surrey, England, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Jessica (Heath) Stevens. Joan married Elliot Sweet and came to Canada as a war bride in April 1946 aboard HMHS Letitia.

Surviving are her daughters, Peggy Sweet, Shirley Campbell; son, Peter, and their families; many nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, and was predeceased by siblings, Peggy, Phyllis, Hettie, Robert, as well as her husband, Elliot.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Lake Charlotte Union Church on May 9 at 1 p.m., Rev. Joan Griffin officiating. Burial to be in Union Church Cemetery, Lake Charlotte. Donations may be made to Lake Charlotte Union Church or Cemetery Fund. At the request of the family, you are asked to please wear bright colours.

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

Anderson, Ross Thomas

Anderson, Ross Thomas – Age 87, Lower East Chezzetcook, passed away Friday, April 17, 2015, in Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Musquodoboit Harbour. Born in Lower East Chezzetcook, he was a son of the late Thomas and Hilda (Owens) Anderson. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn; children, Barbara MacDonald, Dan Anderson, Mary Richardson, all of Dartmouth; grandchildren, Amber, Ryan, Ashley, Cody; great-grandson, Grayson. He also leaves behind his brother, Donald (Shirley); sister, Shirley (Victor) Shrum. He was predeceased by his brothers, Murray, Charles, Laurie; sister, Hazel Bateman.

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Pleasant Point Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.

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

Meagher, Harold Laurie “Tiny”

Meagher, Harold Laurie “Tiny” – Age 73, of Truro. It is with heartfelt sadness that we say goodbye to our gentle giant, Tiny, who passed away April 19, 2015. Born May 20, 1941, in Windsor Junction, he was the only son of Harold “Bub” and Hilda (Kehoe) Meagher. Tiny was a people’s person who could find someone he knew wherever he went. His first passion and joy was his family. An avid vehicle enthusiast, you never knew what he might be driving with his favorite being a Lincoln Town Car. Tiny was a wonderful dancer and you would have to stand in line to have a dance with him. A veteran of the Congo Crisis in the early 60s, he stayed in touch with his fellow Signal Corps comrades and attended many of their reunions.

Tiny is survived by his wife, Loretta (Price), whose love and care sustained him throughout his courageous battle with bone cancer. Also survived by his daughter, Suzanne Totten (Kevin), Truro; sons, Michael (Donna), Truro; Wayne (Shelley), Fort Ellis; Darryl (Teresa), Debert; Bob Rundle (Sharon), Middle Sackville; John Rundle, New Glasgow; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sisters, Susan Doucette (Doug), Halifax; Mary McFarland (Owen), Windsor Junction; Jane Scott (David), Enfield; Peggy Wilshurst, Dartmouth; brothers, Leo, Windsor Junction; Ivan (Irene), Dartmouth; stepmother, Glenda (Hamilton) Meagher. Besides his parents, Tiny was predeceased by his sisters, Jeanne Caudle (Eddie) (Truro) and Judy Vance (Steven) (North River).

There will not be a service by Tiny’s request and no flowers please. Donations may be made in Tiny’s name to the Colchester branch of Palliative Care or any charity of your choice.

Sincere thanks to Palliative Care and the VON whose thoughtfulness and respect for Tiny was greatly appreciated and to all those who spent time, sent cards and showed support. Special thanks to Janice, Maynard, Tracy, Anthony and Connor.

A celebration of Tiny’s life will be held at a later date.

Clattenburg, Frances Marie

Clattenburg, Frances Marie – Of Musquodoboit Harbour, passed away on March 17th, 2015, at the age of 96. She was a daughter of the late Philip and Marjorie (Greenough) Warner. Born in Halifax, she was predeceased by her husband, Harold and her son, Philip. She was also predeceased by sisters, Ruth and Dorothy; brothers, Hallard, Russell, Howard and Baby Paul. Frances is survived by her son, Howard; daughters, Dianne and Linda (Carter), and brother, Lewis. She is also survived by several grandchildren and many extended family members.

Frances enjoyed bingo, cards (especially cribbage), shopping, craft shows, poetry and reading. She and her husband were lovely dancers, her favourite dance being the Round Waltz. She bowled for many years, winning awards. Another favourite pastime was going for drives and exploring the back roads of Nova Scotia. She was an excellent cook and baker, sharing her goodies with everybody. She was very talented at needlework and did perfect hand sewing. She had special memories of several trips to the United States and within Canada, from Newfoundland to Haida Gwaii. Frances was a stay-at-home mother for many years, after which she worked at Jacobsons and Eatons.

Thank you to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative for their care and help at this time.

A funeral service in memory of Frances will be held in St. Thomas Anglican Church, Musquodoboit Harbour on May 22nd at 2 p.m.

Even as the sun goes down to end the light of

day, it is rising on a new horizon somewhere

far away. And though our world seems darker

for the loss of one we miss, our loved one’s

life is dawning in a brighter world than this.

Miller, Thomas Leigh

Miller, Thomas Leigh – Greenwood and formerly of Shubenacadie. July 10, 1958 – April 16, 2015. It is with sadness but great joy to know that our brother went home to be with Jesus and is now with Mom and Dad. Tom was a cook in the Canadian Navy from 1979-1985, where he was posted to the west coast. He served on HMCS Gatineau and various other naval ships. He later worked with IMP Halifax Airport for over 20 years.

Surviving are brothers, Colin and David; sisters, Cynthia (Vincent Toney), Marie Miller, Debbie Miller (Sandy MacIntosh); six nieces, one nephew, and many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Colin and Mary (Campbell) Miller.

Visitation will be Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and funeral mass will be Monday at 2 p.m., both in St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Shubenacadie, Rev. Wilfred Boudreau officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the parish cemetery. The family will meet friends for a reception downstairs in the church following the service.

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

Densmore, Harry Cameron “Dan”

Densmore, Harry Cameron “Dan” – Age 89, of Stewiacke, passed away April 15, 2015, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Dan was born in Riverside and lived most of his married life in Stewiacke. His parents were Albert “Hap” and Katie (Cameron) Densmore. Dan was loved and will be missed by his wife, Audrey “Joan”; children, Stephen (Sharon), Diane Dodge (Richard), Carla Densmore (Dean); grandchildren, Mila Warren (James), Kari Densmore, Evan Densmore (Erin), Joli Densmore, Erin Dodge (Michael), Justin Dodge; great-grandchildren, Laura and Nora; siblings, Dora Harmon, Albert “Bud”, Shirl Murrie, Carl.

Dan was a woodsman and worked in family-owned sawmills and construction companies throughout his life. After retiring, he designed and built custom furniture. In recent years, he mentored his grandson and grand nephew in the building of their 80-foot sailing schooner. Dan loved dancing and music. He and Joan were square dancers for many years and enjoyed old-time dancing throughout their lives. Physical activity was important in Dan’s life, both at work and at home. He could be seen around the community on his daily walks, come rain or shine. Dan enjoyed spending time with his family at the cabin at Shortts Lake. He was a loving and supportive family man.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Dan’s family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday in St. Andrews United Church Hall, 46 Main St. East, Stewiacke, from 3-5 p.m. We will gather to share memories, tell stories, and celebrate the life of a man who dearly loved to dance, laugh and have a good time. Family interment will follow at a later date.

Henley, Gordon Royce

Henley, Gordon Royce – July 7, 1942 – April 10, 2015, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home. Gordon was a son of the late Henry and Dora (Dean) Henley. Surviving are the love of his life, his wife of 49 years, the former Hazel Fleming; sons, Wendell (Tammie), Craig, Mark (Nadine), Jamie and Jody (Alanna). His grandchildren, Derrick, Hayley, Jacob, Matthew, Cody, Dawson, Brianna, and Kaylee, were a great joy to him and he was very proud of all of them. He is also survived by sisters, Rhoda (Dennis), Diane and Josephine; brothers, Donald (Hazel), Adam (Kathy). He will be missed by Chopper, his second best friend. He was predeceased by sisters, Ida, and Kaye; brother, Ralph.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Monday, 7-9 p.m., and funeral service will be Tuesday, at 2 p.m., in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit, Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. Following the service the family will meet friends for a reception downstairs in the church. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to St. James United Church General Fund.

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

Rudnisky, Michael

Rudnisky, Michael – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Rudnisky on April 7, 2015 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Mike was born in High River, Alta. in 1939, a son of the late Kostanty and Yanina (Mayouski) Rudnisky. Mike loved the Peace River country of Alberta. He lived and worked in Alberta during his younger years, moving to Kelowna, B.C. to become a very fine finishing carpenter. This was a job he enjoyed for many years. In 1988 Mike and his companion, Frances Waller, moved to Nova Scotia. It was home for Fran, but the first trip east for Mike. He loved N.S. and they settled in North River. Mike liked to garden, a good game of cards, dancing, making things of wood and taking short trips. He was a quiet man and enjoyed being a home body. We will all miss him a great deal.

Mike is survived by companion, Fran; son, Michael (Brigitte); granddaughter, Avery; grandson, Dylan Rudnisky, Stoney Plains, Alta.; stepson, Lionel Waller, B.C.; stepdaughters, Lorna, Lorelei, Loretta; step-grandsons, Brett McNutt, Alta., Blake McNutt, Truro, Jauger and step-granddaughter, Jaylei Waller Moore, both of Truro; sisters, Anne, B.C., Irene (Larry), Alta.; sister-in-law, Ruth, B.C.; brothers, Eddy, B.C., John, Alta.; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Jean, Helen, Bernice, Frances, Antoinette; brothers, Adam, Allan, Steve, Joseph, Thomas.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. In keeping with Mike’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will be held at a later date in Blackmore Cemetery, Upper North River. Donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and everyone who helped with Mike. Private messages of condolence may be sent to ljmcnutt@hotmail.com.

Rev. Robert Alexander Crooks

Rev. Robert Alexander Crooks, B.A., M.Div., A.Mus (McGill)

Died: April 5, 2015, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Robert Alexander (Bob) Crooks – Truro, beloved son of the late Thelma (Muggah) and George Crooks, was born March 7, 1931 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Bob’s early education was in Central School, Sydney and Sydney Academy. As a young man, he showed a great talent for music, studying both piano and organ and obtaining an Associate diploma in organ performance from McGill University. His university studies began at Prince of Wales College (Charlottetown), culminating in a B.A. from Dalhousie in 1956. He then pursued theology at Pine Hill Divinity Hall (Halifax), graduating with an M.Div in 1958. Bob was ordained by the Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada on June 10th of that year.

In 38 years of dedicated ministry, Bob served churches in all three Maritime Provinces (Elmsdale, P.E.I., Moncton and Fredericton, New Brunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia) and in eastern Ontario (Cardinal, Belleville, Ottawa). He was president of Maritime Conference in 1983/4, Conference Organist for 10 years and both a commissioner and an executive member of the highest body of the United Church – its General Council.

Bob leaves a family deep in mourning and thanksgiving: his wife, life-long love and partner in all things Margery (MacLean), his four children – Jamie (Willa), Cathie, Chrissie (Robert) and Tim (Alison) – and his eight grandchildren – Bill and Sam, Sydney and Jackson, Whitney, Ellis and N’Kysha, and Lily. He leaves also his brother Roland (Jean), sister-in-law Marilyn, brothers-in-law Ian (Wilma), Sandy (Lila), Hugh (Norma) and Alan (Alison) and 17 nieces and nephews.

Bob’s parishioners will remember the benevolent thunder of his sermons, the inspiration of his own unshakeable faith, and the selfless dedication of his pastoral care. His family will remember, above all, his abiding love for them. We are called now to take up the example of his irrepressible humour and his seemingly effortless kindness. Anyone who heard Bob preach could attest his ability to ‘speak with the tongues of men and angels’. But, for us, he was above all a living embodiment of the knowing love celebrated in I Corinthians 13. Now, by that love, he sees God ‘face to face’.

Visitation will take place Thursday, April 9th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the church parlor of First United Church, Truro. Funeral Services will take place Friday, April 10th at 2 p.m. at First United Church, Truro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First United Church Restoration Fund, The United Church Camp Meeting Association at Berwick and/or Phoenix Youth Programs, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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

Miller, Ruth Florence

Miller, Ruth Florence – Age 86, Middle Musquodoboit, passed away April 3, 2015, in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital. Born in Cooks Brook, she was a daughter of the late Everett and Mary (Wilson) Mitchell. Ruth was a hard worker, a generous person, and was an avid country music fan. She had been employed for a number of years at the hospital in Middle Musquodoboit, where she made many friends. Anyone who talked to her knew of her sense of humour and how much she enjoyed telling a joke.

Surviving are her sister, Georgina Cook; children, Gordon Barton (Peggy), Muriel Barton West, Cindy Fraser Beeler, Laurie Ralph Miller; stepchildren, Maxwell (Heather), Marshall (Colleen), Vincent “Buddy” (Charlene), Darlene (Myles) Taylor, Dianna McMullin, Pauline Langille; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Ralph Barton; second husband, Bruce Miller; son, Freddy Barton; brother, Earl; sister, Thelma; nieces, Gloria, Lois, Ruby; nephew, Merlin.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m., in Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit, Rev. Dr. Linda Yates officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Stewiacke East. The family will meet friends for a reception downstairs in the church following the service. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Halifax, Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society or a charity of choice.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion given to Ruth and the family.

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

Arnold, Lorne Russell Jr.

Arnold, Lorne Russell Jr. – Age 87, of East Jeddore, went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2015. Born on March 10, 1928, in East Jeddore, he was a son of the late Lorne and Eliza (Slade) Arnold. In his earlier years, Lorne had many jobs. To name a few, he worked as a stevedore, cement truck driver, moving houses, and was caretaker of the Fisherman’s Life Museum until his retirement. He was known for his hard work and most generous nature. He was a member of Marine Drive Pentecostal Church and Concord Lodge No. 69.

Lorne is survived by sons, Carl (Sheila), East Jeddore; Wilfred (Kim), Phillip, both of Dartmouth; daughter, Sharon (Phil) Connolly, Eastern Passage; grandchildren, Amanda (Ben) Evans, Stacey (Matt) Coolen, Dustin Arnold, Adam (Lauren) Connolly, Roberta (Norman) Smith, Nicole (Jamie) Arnold, Tedd (Nikki) Arnold, Sheri (Troy) Evans and Steven (Jessica) Arnold; along with his great-grandchildren, Haley, Harley, Hannah, Jack, Ada, Dylan, Zoee, Jace, Kailey, Drew, Jessica, Kaitlyn and Corey; great great-grandchild, Roman. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Mary Deal; siblings, Berton, Eva, Mary, Welsford, Willoughby, Hazel, Bill, Avis, Howard, Mona, Helen and Laura.

Visitation will be Sunday, from 7-9 p.m. with funeral service Monday, at 2 p.m., both in Marine Drive Pentecostal Church, Head Jeddore, Pastor Scott Anderson officiating. Burial will be in East Jeddore Cemetery. Following the burial, a reception will be held downstairs in the church. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Marine Drive Pentecostal Church.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff of the 3 East Wing, Dartmouth General Hospital, especially RN Catherine.

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

Dean, Joseph Murray

Dean, Joseph Murray – March 12, 1938 – March 31, 2015. With 31-year loving partner in crime, Nitta, and favourite nephew, Mark, by his side, Murray went peacefully in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. He is survived by sons, Joseph “Joey”, Michael; daughter, Samantha; grandchildren; brother, David; step-brother, Buddy; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by brothers, Philip, Donny, Paul; sisters, Loretta, Joan, Roxy, Mary.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A family graveside interment will take place at a later date.

All family and great friends far and wide will remember him for his humour and loving ways. Honour him by making someone, family or stranger, laugh and smile as he did every day of his life.

Donations may be made to a local SPCA.

Baker, Elizabeth Louise

Baker, Elizabeth Louise – Betty passed away at home on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. She was born a daughter of the late Bertha Mary Drysdale, as Bettie Lou Drysdale on February 13, 1940 in South Maitland, and the adopted daughter of the late Eddy and Marion (Smith) Levy. Betty attended schools in Martock, Edgehill School, Windsor Academy, Kay Anslow Business School, and Windsor Vocational School. She did secretarial work, was a cook/waitress at a number of restaurants, Saint John Ambulance worker, and her specialty of nursing at Digby General Hospital, private nursing and as an attendant on the Island and Barrington Ambulance. She was a community-minded person and involved in Cub Scout work in Falmouth and Weymouth, participated in vacation Bible schools, ladies Bible study leader, and ladies retreats, and the music programs in a number of churches. She was the high school sweetheart of her husband, Rev. Lloyd Baker and they were married for over 55 years.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd; daughters, Heather (Edward) Stevenson, Marion (Mitchell) Mullen, Joan (Peter) Asprey; son, John; brothers, Vincent Drysdale, George MacDonald, Lawrence (Ruth) MacDonald, and Charles (Angie) MacDonald. She was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Visitation will be held Monday from 7-8:30 p.m., and memorial service will be Tuesday at 2 p.m., both in First Baptist Church, Hammonds Plains, Rev. Dr. Shant Manuel and Rev. William Woodworth officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Centre Falmouth Cemetery, Falmouth.

Special thanks to her angel caregiver of two years – Lisa White – whom Betty loved dearly.

Hickey, Vera Christine

Hickey, Vera Christine – Age 101, Dartmouth, passed away March 29, 2015, in Wynn Park Villa, Truro. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late George and Mabel (McLachlan) Coombs. Vera was a survivor of the Halifax Explosion and the last surviving member of her family. She will always be missed by her children, Doris Andrews, Stewiacke; Tom (Joanne), Dartmouth; Linda (Murray) Capstick, Kaiapoi, New Zealand; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Captain Lester Hickey; daughter, Lizelle Brown.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held at a later date in Holy Trinity Emmanuel Church, Dartmouth. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Magnolia and Wynn Park Villa for the excellent care their mother received while staying with them.

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

Dean (Higgins), Deborah Ann

Dean (Higgins), Deborah Ann – 1950-2015, Wittenburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, in her sleep. Born in Springhill, she was a daughter of Carl and Vera (Smith) Higgins. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. Debbie or “Deb”, as she preferred to be called, will be fondly remembered for her kind and caring nature, devotion to family and friends, resilience, resourcefulness, her desire to help others, and always committing herself completely to the task at hand. Debbie’s career consisted of various positions throughout her lifetime, most notably as proprietor of Dean’s Canteen, a small community convenience store during the 1980s. For many years she volunteered her time to the Mountain View Cemetery, acting as its treasurer and assisting in its maintenance and groundskeeping.

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Darrell), Greenfield, Queens Co., Courtney (Allison); grandsons, Aden and Carter, all of Empress, Alta.; sisters, Linda (Edgar) Moore, Lake Egmont; Donna (Donnie) Smith, Alberta; Carla (William) Sheehy, Shubenacadie; Gloria (Murray) Teepell, Antrim; Sheila Higgins (Dale Cox), South Branch; Darlene (Robert) Pickles, Chaswood; brothers, Richard (Stephanie), Wittenburg; Reginald (Elaine), Dean; Timothy (Ellen), Truro; John, Alberta; father, Carl, Wittenburg; numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. Deborah is also survived by dear and lifelong friend, Helena Castle, Wittenburg, who was loved as an eighth sister. She was predeceased by her mother, Vera; husband, Milton; sister, Dixie; and brothers, Allison and Darrell.

Cremation has taken place. No visitation or flowers by request. A graveside service will be held in Mountain View Cemetery, Wittenburg, on June 30 at 7 p.m., with Pastor Robert Vaughan officiating. Memorial donations may be made to IWK Foundation or a children’s charity of choice.

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

Mortenson, David Arnold

Mortenson, David Arnold – Age 65, Parrsboro and formerly of Brentwood, passed away March 24, 2015. Born in Truro, he was a son of the late William and Myrtle (Patterson) Mortenson. Surviving are son, Kendall (Tammy); grandson, Zachary; step granddaughter, Emma; common-law spouse, Laura Taggart; brothers, Austin (Elsa), Peter (Valerie); sister, Betty Cooper. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty”; daughter, Kimberley.

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Dave’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Friends and family are invited to a gathering in his honour on June 6, at 2 p.m., at Kendall’s home. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

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

Archibald, Leander “Smith”

Archibald, Leander “Smith” – Age 85, Middle Musquodoboit, passed away March 19, 2015 in Northwood Centre, Halifax. Born in Middle Musquodoboit, he was a son of the late Leander Lindsay and Nellie Leeida (Urquhart) Archibald. Smith was a past president of Halifax County Federation of Agriculture and the United Milk and Cream Producers Association. He also held positions on the executive of the local Artificial Breeders Association, the Musquodoboit Valley Cooperative, and was a founding member of Twin Cities Dairy Ltd. where he later held a term as vice-president. His life was spent as a dedicated dairy farmer in Middle Musquodoboit.

Surviving are children, Barry (Joan), Sheila (Roland), June, Judy (Stephen), Tanya (Winston); grandchildren, Greg, Jeanette, Adam, Michael, Alex, Tracey, Jeffrey, Amy; great-granddaughter, Olivia. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Eleanor Bowser; sisters, Christina, Jean, Freda; brother, Matthew.

Cremation has taken place. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Hospital, or Nova Scotia Lung Association.

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