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CONNOLLY, Gerald Francis
87, of Dartmouth, passed away February 17, 2009, after a brief illness. Born October 27, 1921, in London, England, he was a son of James Connolly and Victoria Cuigniez; beloved father of Jane (Peter Nicholson), Andrew (Rita Kalt), Gregory (Lynne Bell), James (Jocelyn Walton), Christine (Pierre Igot), Anthony (Tara Williams) and Adam (Angela Hewitt). Also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Alexandria, Mitchell and Liam Connolly and Peter and Christie Nicholson; his great- grandchildren, Sabrina, Gabriel and Jacqueline; his former wife, Thelma (Smart) Bliss; his brother, John (Renette Dilkes), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary (Michael O'Brien). Educated at boarding school, Mr. Connolly worked in industry before being called to the British Army in 1944. He served in the Middle East Command and was posted to Egypt from 1945 to 1947. After military service he married and worked at various jobs before deciding that the future lay in Canada. The family immigrated to Nova Scotia in February 1956, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax. Their story is part of the Pier 21 database and museum history project. Employed by Cossor (Canada) Ltd. from 1956 to 1960, Mr. Connolly was involved in the building of navigation, communication and radar equipment until he left to join the Naval Research Establishment, where he was employed for three years. In 1963 he joined the newly founded Bedford Institute of Oceanography as a marine instrument maker, retiring in 1986. A gifted inventor, he made many of the practical tools used by the Institute for undersea research. He kept a workshop at home and used it almost daily up until his death. He had a passion for problem-solving and enjoyed crosswords and political history when he wasn't watching soccer or tennis on the television. A consummate gentleman, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Cremation has taken place under the direction of A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1 Kuhn Dr., Westphal, Dartmouth. A reception will follow in the church hall. There will be no visitation. Family flowers only, please. Interment at a later date in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Annapolis Royal.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jill Lawless and the nursing staff of 4th Floor West at Dartmouth General Hospital for their kindness.
FAGAN, Floyd Joseph
74, Pictou. Floyd Joseph Fagan of Pictou passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, with his family at his bedside, after a brief illness. Born in Port Elgin, N.B., on April 14, 1934, he was a son of the late Fred and Dauphine (Brun) Fagan. His early years were spent in Port Elgin, Murray Harbour, P.E.I, Clam Harbour, and Pictou. Following a three year term of service in the Canadian Army, he returned to reside in Pictou, where he was employed at Harry Nocton's Men Clothing Store, MacKenzie Irish and MacDonald Wholesalers and G.J. Hamilton and Sons. He was very proud of receiving his grade 12 certificate after leaving school early to enter the workforce. Floyd joined Michelin Tire Canada in 1972 as one of its early employees in Pictou County, utilizing his Acadian language skills to the surprise of his French superiors and working in the OPC Department until his retirement in 1993. An avid gun collector over the years, he was an active member of the Maritime Arms Collector Association. An enthusiastic and accomplished marksmen as well, he belonged to The Thistle Handgun Club, Staghorn Rifle Club and West Pictou Wildlife Association. He was a former member of the Pictou Kinsmen Club and Pictou Legion, Branch 16 and an adherent of Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church. A proud 44 year member of the Pictou Fire Department, he enjoyed the last few years as a driver, and recently as Captain of the Fire Police. He enjoyed his time mixing with his fellow firefighters, greeting tourists who visited the hall and enthusiastically collecting fire department patches which hang in Pictou Fire Hall. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, M. Carol Fagan, R.N.; son, Patrick James (Debbie); daughter, Jennifer Colleen Fagan Dunbrack (Terry); grandson, Ryan Patrick Fagan Dunbrack who shared his love of toy car collecting, but couldn't understand why Grampa wouldn't take them out of their boxes; sister, Patricia Anne Marie Hansford (Robert). Floyd is also survived by nephews, Shaun and Steven Hansford, Stephen, Paul, and Brian Hagen and niece, Lynne Downing and their families. There will be no visitation or funeral by request of the deceased. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. The family will receive visitors at a celebration of Floyd's life to be held on Saturday, February 21, in the Pictou Fire Hall from 2-4 p.m. Donations in Floyd's memory may be made to the Pictou Fire Department Truck Fund or QEII Health Sciences Centre Intensive Care Unit. Arrangements are under the direction of McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.
BOND, Marion
89, Glace Bay, February 16, 2009. Born in Sydney, she was a daughter of the late John E. "Jack" MacLeod and his wife, Margaret Ferguson MacLeod. Surviving are daughters, Ruth (Gene) Harnett and Warna Fraser; son, James B. "Jim" Bond; brothers, Earl (Dean) MacLeod of Sydney; Allister MacLeod, Ontario; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by husband, Byron Bond; son-in-law, Fabe Fraser; one great-grandson; brothers, Morris and Ralph MacLeod. Visitation 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Friday in Patten Funeral Home, Glace Bay. Funeral Saturday 2 p.m. in Warden United Church.
PENTZ, Gloria E.
83, of Beach Meadows, Queens Co., passed away peacefully in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool, February 16, 2009. Born in Beach Meadows, she was a daughter of the late Boardman and Verta (Conrad) Pentz. Gloria went to work at the Registry of Deeds and Probate Queens County in 1944 and worked there for 47 years until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and Emmanuel United Church in Beach Meadows where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the UCW. She was a member of the Seaside Seniors in Beach Meadows. She was a commissioner of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and a member of the Queens Manor Auxiliary as well as a volunteer. She canvassed for the Victorian Order of Nurses and the Canadian Cancer Society for over 20 years and she loved to bowl. She is survived by her sister, Ruby of Beach Meadows; cousin, Victoria Wentzell of Liverpool; as well as a special friend, Danielle Baines of Petite Riviere. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 21, at 11 a.m. in Emmanuel United Church, Beach Meadows, Lay Minister Peter Anthony officiating. Burial will be in Beach Meadows Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations may be made to Emmanuel United Church General Fund or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.
KEATS, Mary Ellen "Sis"
1921-2009, Dominion, died February 17, 2009. Born in Glace Bay, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Frances (Hicks) Keats. Surviving are sons, Doug (Lilly) Keats, South Head and Fred Keats, Ontario; sister, Dora Keats, Dominion; granddaughters, Marlane (Jim) Gibbs, Gimli, Man.; Cheryl (A.J.) Hall, Glace Bay; four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers, Henry, Jim; sisters, Frances Gallant, Susan Blundon; granddaughter, Sharon Lynn. Visitation 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4, 7-9 p.m., Friday in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. Funeral 2 p.m., Saturday in Church of the Good Shepherd.
SHIRLEY, William Whitney "Scull"
Of Halifax, passed away at the age of 81, on December 19, 2008, in QEII Health Sciences Centre. He was born in Halifax, and was the son of the late William and Gertrude (Connors) Shirley. He was well-liked by all his friends in Sunrise Manor where he lived. He was an avid player of horseshoes, bingo, and liked watching movies. He is survived by daughters, Charlene (Presiwerck) Shirley and Victoria (Bujold) Shirley; four sisters and two brothers; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and other family members as well. Graveside burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Halifax. Any donations can be made to Red Cross Society.
GHENT, Joan Mary
78, Dartmouth, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009, in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in East Chezzetcook, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Edith (DeBay) Conrod. After graduating from Miss Murphy's Business College, she worked with the Army in Records until she married Charlie and started their family. She loved children and animals and the house was always full of both. She enjoyed antiques and outings with her friends, Daisy Foggoa and the late Jean Nickerson. Mom loved her garden which was enjoyed by all. Joan is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles; daughters, Pauline (Gary) Nickerson, Camperdown; Karen, Elizabeth (Bill Smith) and Donna, all of Dartmouth; brother, Hugh (Suzanne) Conrod, Chester; sister, Carole Duscheneau, Sarnia, Ont.; grandchildren, Arthur Nickerson, Robyn and Charles Meade. She was predeceased by her son, William and sister, Elizabeth. Visitation will take place 10-11 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, both in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or Children's Wish Foundation. Thanks to Sheila West, EHS and the ER staff at Dartmouth General Hospital.
WRIGHT, Melvin Ellwood
88, Truro and formerly of Upper Stewiacke, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2009, in Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, with his family by his side. Born in Center Musquodoboit, he was a son of the late Burton and Edna (Fisher) Wright. Mel worked many years for Brookfield Lumber and Blaikie's Lumber Mill. He spent his free time working on cars when he lived in Upper Stewiacke. Everyone enjoyed his passion for playing the fiddle and mouth organ. Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, the former Flora Geddes; sons, Gerald (Rose Anne), Brookfield; Burton, Middle Stewiacke; Calvin, Harmony Ridge; daughters, Dorothy (Ivan) Baker, East Jeddore; Debbie Miller (Dan), Edmonton; Joyce (Tom) Dyke, Jeddore; Peggy (Kenny) Lemmon, Upper Musquodoboit; Donna Wright (Kevin), Edmonton; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Wright, Upper Stewiacke; 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter; brothers, Lloyd, Hilden; Eric, Newfoundland; Wayne, Alberta; sisters, Clara Caldwell, Lena Wright, both of Hilden; Helen Smith, Bible Hill; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son, Leonard; sisters, Marguerite, Evelyn, Shirley; two great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be on Friday, from 6-8 p.m., and funeral service will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, both in Knox United Church, Brookfield, Rev. Larry Harrison officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Upper Stewiacke. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
FERGUSON, C. Sidney "Sid"
86, East Dalhousie, Kings Co., passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born August 10, 1922, in Tangier, he was a son of the late P.S. "Stan" and Hatie (Josey) Ferguson. Prior to retirement, Sid was owner and operator of C.S. Ferguson Flooring Co., Halifax and Lane's Tourist Court, Montague, P.E.I. Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Ruby K. (Veinot); daughters, Charlene Ferguson, Judy Sadler, both of Halifax; stepdaughters, Sonja Morse, Prince Edward Island; Gunnhild Vardal, British Columbia; granddaughter, Kelly Battilana; nine stepgrandchildren; great-granddaughter, Loren; brothers, Elmer, Florida; Don, Tangier; sisters, Inez Bolling, Halifax; Muriel Gesner, Viola Abriel, both of Ontario; Dorothy Lamont, Dartmouth; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Roy, Guy, Percy, Eric; sisters, Aileen, Daisy. No visitation or funeral service by request. Donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or Canadian Diabetes Association. Arrangements under the direction of Sweeny's Funeral Home, New Germany,
CROFT, E. Basil
77, of Kentville, passed away Monday, February 16, 2009, in Kentville. Born in Wolfville, he was a son of the late Ross and Evelyn (Schofield) Croft. He had been employed in farming and later at Acadia University. He enjoyed fishing, animals and music, especially old records. He is survived by daughter, Jane (Russell) Arsenault, Kentville; son, Terry, New Brunswick; sisters, Doris (David) Creemer, Kingston; Betty Croft, Wolfville; Shirley Walsh, New Minas; brother, Lawrence (Freda), Gaspereau; half-sisters, Donna Melvin, Ontario and Charlotte Creemer, Kingston; half-brother, Ross Melvin, Coldbrook; a grandchild; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Edith (Walsh) Croft. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. today in White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where the funeral service, followed by a reception, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, Rev. Gary Manthorne officiating. Burial will take place in Gaspereau Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home, Kentville.
