George Edward Deal

Deal, George Edward – It is with great sadness that we, the family of the late George Edward Deal, age 87 of Truro Heights, announce his peaceful passing at home on March 27, 2018, after a brief illness. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Arthur Deal and Mildred (Deal) Hartlen.

George worked in the optical business all his life, retiring in 2000 from Gillam Optical in Truro.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bernice (Fredericks); daughter, Linda (Gary) Cain, Yarmouth; sons, Blair (Norma), Salmon River; Paul (Linda Wenham), Great Village; chosen son, Anthony “Tony” Archibald (Juanita Whidden), Truro; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; brother, Kenneth (Jean), Ontario. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Arthur; sisters, Kay in infancy, Mary Arnold and Lorraine Gibson. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love and faithfulness that will never be forgotten and will live on in the hearts of his family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David Henderson and his nurse, Angela in Palliative Care, VON, doctors and staff of Colchester East Hants Health Centre and QEII Hospitals for the excellent care received, the Hope Chest Breast Cancer Support Group, and all family and friends who have visited, provided meals and loving support during George’s illness.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Visitation will be Saturday, March 31, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m., both in Truro Heights United Baptist Church, Pastor Connie Stewart officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Truro Heights Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Truro Heights United Baptist Church, 343 Truro Heights Rd., Truro Heights, NS B6L 1X7, or a charity of choice.

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

Sheila Marie Leslie

Leslie, Sheila Marie – Age 86, of Upper Musquodoboit, passed away March 26, 2018.

Born in Caribou Gold Mines, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Verna (Kindervater) Brown. Sheila was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, as well as feeding many locals. She enjoyed a game of cribbage and she and Norman took many trips together. Sheila was a lifelong member of Royal Canadian Legion Valley Branch No.147.

Surviving are her children, Robert(Susan), Gladys Phillips, Gary (Sharon), Thomas (Debbie), Garnet (Violet), Charles (Evelyn), Fred, Warren, Dale, Geoff, Krista Miller (Paul Graham); 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marina, Goldie, Frances, Sandra, Donna (Frank), Doris (Ben); brothers, Lloyd Jr. (Wendy), Calvin (Gloria). She was predeceased by her husband, Norman; son, William George; grandson, Andrew; great-grandson, Kyle Moore; sister, Sylvia.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., and funeral service will be Thursday, at 2 p.m., both in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit, Mary Jo Harrison officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Valley Branch No.147 or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.  

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.

Dorothy Irene Williams

Williams, Dorothy Irene (Isenor)  –Age 100, Middle Musquodoboit and formerly of Dartmouth, passed away March 23, 2018 in Braeside Home for Special Care, Middle Musquodoboit.

Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Dix) Nixon. Although an infant at the time, she was a survivor of the Halifax Explosion. Dorothy will be remembered for her giggling moments which left her laughing until helpless.

Surviving are children, Dolores (Kenneth) Fox, Joseph (Valerie) Isenor, Eric (Rita) Isenor; daughter-in-law, Lorrie Isenor; a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband, Clarence Williams; daughter, Irene (Yves) Langlois; son, Corey Isenor; brothers, Ward and Victor MacBournie; sisters, Violet Bernard, Vade Muller, Pearl Johnson.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 1:30-2:15 p.m., with funeral service at 2:30 p.m, both in Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit, with Rev. Dr. Linda Yates officiating. Burial will be in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Many thanks to the staff at Braeside for the wonderful care Dorothy received while a resident there.

Funeral 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.

Ted Clayton Thomas

Thomas, Ted Clayton – Age 44, of Meaghers Grant, passed away March 23, 2018.

Born in Musquodoboit Harbour, he was a son of Ruth (Scott) Thomas and the late James Thomas.

Besides his mother, he is survived by brother, Richard. He was predeceased by brother, Jamie.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be Saturday, at 3 p.m., in St. James United Church, Meaghers Grant, Rev. Dr. Linda Yates officiating. Burial will be in Meaghers Grant Cemetery. A reception will follow in Meaghers Grant Community Hall.

 Memorial donations to Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association or Mental Health Foundation 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.

Sandra Dawn Lerch

Lerch, (Greenwood), Sandra Dawn, 71, of Cole Harbour, died March 20, 2018.  Sandra was born in Halifax, England, a daughter of the late Robert and Greta (MacKeen) Greenwood. 

She is predeceased by her beloved sister, Judy (Trevor) Hill and her infant son, Joshua Lerch.  She is survived by brothers, Vance (Alice) and Blaise (Elsie) Greenwood and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws.

Sandra is survived by her children of former husband Murray (Lorraine) Lerch, daughters, Dawn Neil (Kevin), Gillian Conrod (Ian), April Scudder (Tony) and son Benjamin Lerch (Taylor). 

She is survived by her partner, Eric Rix and his family members.  She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Amber, Joshua, Jessica, Desmond, Olivia, Morgan, Cassandra, Jackson, Ava and Noah and great grandchild, Camia.     

Sandra enjoyed her work in book keeping and accounting for businesses in Dartmouth and Halifax.  Later on, she owned and operated Capt. Sub Cole Harbour where she loved working with youth and loyal customers including Sidney Crosby and members of the Trailer Park Boys.

Sandra and Eric loved to garden, hunt, fish, pick berries and make jams and pickles which they would share with friends and family.  Sandra loved going to cottages in Oxford or Ship Harbour.  She always loved the Eastern Shore, Marine Drive and visiting her childhood community of Aspen.  

Sandra always found a humorous spin and a strong composure to endure life’s challenges.  She loved to read, collect books and antiques, a unique person in so many ways.  She welcomed anyone to join her many wonderful holiday dinners and celebrations.

Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, she endured the continued weakness of ALS with grace and love to all through to the final end. Thank you to nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and staff at the Halifax Infirmary, Dartmouth General Hospital and the ALS Society NS for their support.

Visitation to be held Sunday, March 25th from 6 - 8pm in Good Shepherd Church, 3621 Lawrencetown Road, where funeral service will be held Monday, March 26th at 2pm, with Pastor Gary Boyd and Pastor Melissa Boyd officiating. Reception and family interment will follow. 

Donations in Memory may be made to the ALS Society of NS http://alsnbns.ca/en/ or Good Shepherd Church.

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

You left us on the first day of spring and now, as each spring comes fourth we will think of you as flowers burst open in all of God’s and nature’s glory. 

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

Krista Bradley

Bradley, Krista – Age 41 of Elderbank, passed away suddenly on March 20, 2018.

Born in Truro, she was a daughter of Marilyn (Day) Cole and James Cole. Krista was a loving mother and devoted wife. Her gentle soul, patient nature, and kind heart will be deeply missed. She was greatly loved by all who knew her. She took great pride in caring for others, and those closest to her were loved unconditionally and whole-heartedly. Her happiest times were spent cheering on her son Michael at his sporting events, family vacations, and being surrounded by friends and family.

Surviving are her husband, Mike; son, Michael; grandmothers, Rose Day and Pauline Cole; sisters, Tammy (Jason), Amy (Ian); father-in-law, Bill (Kim); brothers-in-law, David (Kim), Glenn (Davida); nieces and nephews, Megan, Matthew, Sydney, Emma, Mackenzie, Mitchell, Aaron, Amanda, Nicole and Sabrina; along with many special aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Dianne Bradley; grandfathers, Lawrence Day and Kenneth Cole.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, at 2 p.m., in St. Andrews United Church, Elderbank, with Rev. Dr. Linda Yates officiating. Private burial for family will be held in Mountain View Cemetery, Wittenburg. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to a 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.

Klaas Johannes "Hans" Polstra

Polstra, Klaas Johannes “Hans” – Age 77, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2018. Born in Leeuwarden, Friesland, Holland, he was the only son of the late Beert and Hendrika (Hannema) Polstra.

He is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina (Fransen) Polstra, son, Bob (Sherri), daughters, Julie (Dave), and Tjiske (Myles); grandsons, Kees, Ben, Ethan and Owen.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 8th from 2-4 p.m. in the Enfield Legion, for friends and family to gather and share memories and good times. A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

Owen “Lee” Davis

Davis, Owen “Lee” – Age 56 of Truro, passed away March 14, 2018 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, with his son by his side. He was a son of the late George and Myrtle (Smith) Davis (of Brentwood).

Lee was a truck driver for several companies, the last being WMB Holdings Ltd.

Surviving are his son, Jeremy; siblings, Alfred, Jessie, Ola, Stacy and Wanda.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. No visitation or funeral by request. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Floyd Wayne Monk

Monk, Floyd Wayne – Age 70 of Brookfield, passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2018, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born in Upper Musquodoboit, he was a son of the late Emerson and Helen (Watson) Monk.

Floyd was a bricklayer for over 40 years and had a passion for skilled stonework. In addition, he loved to garden and count everyone’s crib hands at a rapid pace; no points were missed.

He is survived by Beverley Monk; children, Tracey (Jon) Rankin, Trudy (Greg) Hebb, Andrew, Holly Jane; grandsons, Noah, Josh, Jack, Christopher; brothers, Vernon, Leonard, Laurie, Kevin, Harvey; sisters, Gloria, Glenda; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother, Boyd; sister, Phyllis.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held downstairs in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit on Monday, March 19th, from 6-8 p.m. Donations in memory of Floyd may be made to QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation. Give at QE2Foundation.ca; by calling 1-888-428-0220; or by mailing a gift to QEII Foundation, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Park Lane Mall, Box 231, Halifax, NS B3J 3R4.

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.

Carolyn Hopkins

Hopkins, Carolyn – Age 76 of East Jeddore, passed away March 6, 2018 in Dykeland Lodge, Windsor. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Viola (Kemp) Swan.

Surviving are husband, Weldon; daughters, Elaine, East Chezzetcook; Kelly, Lakeside, Sharon, Banff, Alta.; son, Kevin (Elisabeth), Lake Echo; granddaughters, Shelby, Charity and Savannah; grandsons, Justin and Jeremy; brother, George (Pat) Swan; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 10, at 2 p.m. in Jeddore Baptist Church, Rev. Aubrey Deslatte officiating. Burial will follow in East Jeddore Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to a local food bank.

Many thanks to the palliative care staff in Dykeland Lodge for their wonderful care and 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.

Donald David “Donnie” “Papa” Tobin

Tobin, Donald David “Donnie” “Papa” – The man. The myth. The legend. In his own unique way, he had a gift for lighting up any room. His kind spirit and sense of humour were larger than life and for this reason he was loved by so many, and by no one more than his wife, Janice.

Donnie, age 65, Truro, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at his home, with loving members of his family by his side.  

Born in North Sydney, Donnie was a man whose generosity, relentless humour and passion for living each day to the fullest touched many hearts and created lasting memories for those so fortunate to have known him. He began his career following graduation from Dalhousie University with a degree in commerce. He worked as an accountant for HB Nickerson & Sons “the fish plant” in North Sydney and eventually became the president of Chappell’s Building Supplies in Sydney. In later years, he went on to work for DEVCO (Controller), Oceanside Assistance (Executive Director) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (District Manager). Most recently, Donnie, along with Janice, opened and operated Eagle’s Landing Bed & Breakfast, an occupation which allowed him to thrive at his true calling on a daily basis by putting smiles on the faces of those around him, family and travelling strangers alike. He would often ask, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Donnie was tremendously proud of his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Janice (Levangie); sons, Craig (Stephanie), Keith (Jennifer); daughter, Cindy (Matt); sister, Karen (Marvin); and his beloved grandchildren, Shaela, Kaiis, Madoc, Vander and Breagha. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends who have remained an important presence throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Mildred (Hickey) Tobin.

Donnie always loved camping and cookouts with Janice and his family, whether around the Cabot Trail or beyond. Besides many adventures with Janice, he made memories with his kids and later his grandkids, whom he had a special way of bonding with since he was always a big kid at heart. He enjoyed a good party and was often the life of it, providing hours of entertainment (or at least trying his very hardest). He also loved telling a good story, lie or joke...often times all at once.

As per his wishes, there will be no visitation. All are welcome to attend a funeral service on Friday, March 9th at 2 p.m., in Immaculate Conception Parish, 669 Prince St., Truro. A reception will follow in the church basement where everyone is invited to share Donnie’s legendary stories, remember his contagious laughter and celebrate his extraordinary 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.

Louise (Smith) Erskine, RN

Erskine (Smith), Louise, RN – April 27, 1943 – March 2, 2018. It is with great sadness that we, the family of Louise (Smith) Erskine, RN, announce her peaceful passing following a lengthy illness in Northwood Manor (Centre), in Halifax. Louise was the eldest daughter of Alexander and Geraldine Smith (of Sydney).

Louise was a loving mother to her three children, grandson, sister and dear friend to us all. Louise proudly graduated as an RN from the school of nursing at the City Hospital in Sydney in 1963 and worked there until moving to the Truro area and Colchester Hospital. It was there that she met her future husband, Kenneth Warren Erskine, with whom she raised three children while continuing her nursing career at the Victoria General Hospital. While at her VG position, Louise worked ardently in areas of surgical, medical, neurology, coronary and cardiology care. She prided herself in being part of the team performing the first heart transplant in Nova Scotia.

Louise was a beautiful soul who loved to sparkle in her jewelry and hats. In her spare time she watched old black and white movies, collected stained glass and loved to crochet. Vacations were mostly spent family camping and doing exploration travelling. She loved museums and history. Education never ended for her. During her time in Northwood, Louise befriended many and bonded with the nursing team as if to be a coworker. Together they travelled the road of Louise’s care. Our thanks to her dear team at Northwood and her “special caregivers” whom she bonded with during her 12 years there.

Louise leaves to mourn her loss her three children: loving daughter, Patricia; sons, Stuart (Jing and their daughter Chenxi) and Wesley Erskine, all of Halifax. Her special grandson, Ashton will be with her always! Also surviving are her sister, Alexis (Walter) MacDonald; brothers, Allan (Linda), Paul (Juanita), Sydney; Gerald (Bev) Smith, Kitchener, Ont.; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceasing Louise were her dad and mom, Alex and Gerry Smith (Smiths’ Bakery); and sister, Patricia Smith. Louise was also predeceased by her special aunt, Joyce Difabio.

In keeping with Louise’s wishes, she will be returning to her beloved Cape Breton home. There will be a special gathering and celebration in Louise’s memory at a later date to be announced, along the Bras d’Or Lakes, which she loved. Please remember her for her winning smile and dedication to family and service. She has left her mark on many in this life as we are certain she will in Heaven. Fly high dear angel! Tributes in Louise’s memory may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family through: alexis.macdonald@ns.sympatico.ca

“Nurses make it better!”