BENT, C. Doane

BENT, C. Doane — 89, Little Harbour, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2010, in the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Harold Ullathorne and Beatrice Ethel (Boutillier) Bent. He attended New Glasgow High School and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Serving four years overseas as an Air Control Officer with the European Theatre of Operation, he was stationed first in Britain, later landed on Juno Beach, Normandy and then proceeded through to Holland. Upon return from overseas, he met his late wife, Shirley Young and was married on August 4, 1951. He was a commercial traveller for many years. He was a faithful, lifelong member of St. George's Anglican Church, New Glasgow, where he served on parish council and as warden of the parish. Doane was a member of the Gyro's Club, Kinsmen Club, Air Force Association of Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 34, New Glasgow, the Normandy Veterans Association and the United Commercial Travellers, Pictonian Council 879, New Glasgow. Doane remained active for many years through various interests that included carpentry (constructing three boats), weather forecasting, music, photography and gardening. He greatly enjoyed boating and fishing on the open water. His family best knew his admirable qualities; a loving and devoted husband, adoring and supportive father, proud grandfather, wise brother, gracious uncle and a gentleman to his friends. He will be sadly missed by daughters, Jan (Allan) Keefe, North Vancouver, B.C.; Deborah (Terry) Siddall, Black Point; granddaughters, Jessica Keefe and Kaitlyn Siddall; nieces, grandnieces, nephews, grandnephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; brother, Gerald; sister, Betty Ley. Funeral service was held March 4 in St. George's Anglican Church, the Rev. M. Elliott Siteman presiding. Private interment will be held in Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or St. George's Anglican Church, New Glasgow. www.pkmacdonald.ca

DUNBAR, John Murray "Jack"

DUNBAR, John Murray "Jack" — 66, Abercrombie, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by his family. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late William Rogers and Alma Louise (Fillier) Dunbar. He had been employed with the former Trenton Works for 28 years, having previously been employed with Scott Maritimes and self-employed carpentry. Surviving are his wife, Faye (MacDonald) Dunbar; son, Kevin Dunbar (Benedicte Franquien), Rusagonis, N.B.; stepdaughter, Shirley Tibbetts, Nunavut; stepson, James Tibbetts (Angela Aulenback), Westville; grandchildren, Jennifer Gosbee, Alexyn and Gavin Dunbar, Simon Franquien; sisters, Marilyn (Paul) Judge, Lourdes; Carol (Walter) Daley, Grand Bay-Westfield, N.B.; brother, Wayne Dunbar (Heather Cross), Plymouth; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sister, Linda "Dee" Cullen; brothers, Gerald and William "Bill" Dunbar; nephew, Dale Judge. A memorial service was held February 26 in P. and K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. Interment will be in Abercrombie Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or The Lodge That Gives, Halifax. www.pkmacdonald.ca

KIRK, Stanley Lincoln

KIRK, Stanley Lincoln — 62, of Halifax, formerly of Thorburn, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at home. Born in New Glasgow, he was the son of the late Annie (James) and Stanley Kirk. Stan retired from Nova Scotia Power in 2000. In his earlier years, he was a coal miner at the McBain Coal Mine, Thorburn, and was an avid traveler spending winters in Mexico. Stan enjoyed outdoor sports, especially swimming and hiking. He was a very proud grandfather. He is survived by his wife, the former Laura Campbell; son, Ivan (Jennifer), Tantallon; sister, Patricia (Fred) Mason, Halifax; three granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews. Stan was predeceased by son, Adam. The funeral was held March 7 in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, Halifax, with Rev. Brian Hornibrook officiating. Burial in Oakridge Memory Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victorian Order of Nurses. Please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

MacLEAN, James "Keith"

MacLEAN, James "Keith" — 48, Park Falls, lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 27, 2010, at home, surrounded by family. Born in Antigonish and raised in Sutherland's River, Keith was the son of the late Hughie and Christine (Dewar) MacLean. Keith lived his entire adult life in Park Falls with his family. Keith's wife and daughters were the light of his life. He lived for his friends and family and put their needs above his own. At the end, despite his struggle, the welfare of his family and friends remained his primary concern. He will be remembered for his generosity, his laugh, his love and determination. He never let any obstacle take these things away from him and this is something that we should all aspire to - courage and perseverance, despite the odds. Prior to his illness, Keith proudly worked in the forestry industry for many years and that is where he met a good number of his closest friends. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and was an assistant coach for his youngest daughter, Abby's hockey team. He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Park); daughters Megan, Mallory, and Abby; brother, Kevin (Joanne), Elmsdale; sisters, Karen (John) Chisholm, Sutherland's River; Marilyn (Derrick) Sandluck, MacPherson's Mills; mother-in-law and father-in law, Alex and Shirley Park, Park Falls; sisters-in-law, Arden (Ricky) Ehler, MacPherson's Mills; Sherri (Herbie) MacLeod, Park Falls; brothers-in-law, Kirby (Karen) Park, Park Falls; Blair (Dawn) Park, Park Falls and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Keith was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law, Anita McLean. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 3, in St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Thorburn, with Father Colin MacKinnon officiating. Burial will be in MacPherson's Mills Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Keith may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca

MATHESON, John Roderick

MATHESON, John Roderick -- 94, of Matheson Lane, Scotch Hill, passed away March 5, 2010, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Scotsburn, he was a son of the late John Thomas and Mabel May (Robley) Matheson. Rod was manager of the Scotsburn Hog Farm for 8 years. He also farmed, bought and sold cattle, and worked in the woods. He was a loving husband and father, and is survived by his wife of 67 years, the former Eileen MacKenzie; sons, Hughie (Nancy), Scotch Hill; Ken (Patsy), Scotch Hill; James (Sherry), Durham; daughters, Anne Fortune, Sundridge; Marie (James Battist), New Glasgow; nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Lillian), Scotsburn; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son in infancy, and brother, Aldo. There will be no visitation or funeral service at his request. A family graveside service will be held at a later date in Bethel Cemetery, Scotsburn. Donations in his memory may be made to the Bethel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of McLaren Funeral Service, Pictou.

MORSE (Rundle), Mary

MORSE (Rundle), Mary — 69, Westville, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010, in Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax. Born in Westville, she was a daughter of the late James and Annie (Gammon) Rundle. Mary resided in Sussex, N.B. for several years before moving back to Pictou County residing in Highcrest Manor and Glen Haven Manor. She is survived by sisters, Betty Fitt, Oromocto, N.B.; Jean MacKinnon, Westville; Marguerite Kilburn, Tanner Hill; Elvira Enfield (Lloyd), French River; and Agnes Blair (Donald), Pictou; brothers, Bill (Gail), Westville; Jesse, Winnipeg; Sandy (Marilyn), Stellarton; Charles (Rose), Fox Brook; and Eddie, New Glasgow. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Morse; and a sister, Martha. Funeral was held in Eagles Funeral Home, Westville on March 4 with the Rev. Gary Tonks officiating. Interment will be in Auburn Cemetery, Westville.

NOBLE, Margaret "Eileen"

NOBLE, Margaret "Eileen" — 94, of Ballarat Street, Westville, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, February 28, 2010, with her dear friend, Audrey, at her side. Born, June 9, 1915, in Tracey Station, N.B., she was a daughter of the late Adam and Ena (Pheasant) Noble. Eileen was a faithful member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall. She devoted her life as a full-time teacher of the Bible Truth, first in Fredericton and then in Pictou County, for the past 40 years. Besides her church family, she will be sadly missed by her dear friend Audrey Emery, Westville, with whom she had made her home, and several nieces and cousins in New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her brother, William "Bill"; and sister, Nellie Nason. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation by her request. A memorial service was held March 5 in Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, Old Truro Road, Westville. Interment will take place in Auburn Cemetery.

RANKIN, Duncan Angus

RANKIN, Duncan Angus — 77, it is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Duncan Angus Rankin, Pictou, on March 5, 2010. Born in Sight Point, Cape Breton, on July 13, 1932, he was a son of the late John Peter and Elizabeth (Campbell) Rankin. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He moved to Pictou at a young age and remained here until his death. Duncan was a wonderful, friendly and very caring person. He always had a kind word for everyone, and his patience was unique. All these wonderful qualities made him a very special person indeed. Duncan worked at Maritime Packers and Simon MacIsaac Trucking. He resided in Coleraine Plaza, Pictou, for the last 14 years of his life. He found such contentment here as well as making many friendships and special memories. He was an avid bingo player and was a strong Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He closely followed the 2010 Olympics and made sure we were updated. Cape Breton remained a very special place for Duncan, a day trip with numerous cups of tea. His Scottish roots were most important to him. He could understand and speak Gaelic. Duncan loved his family and is survived by many nieces and nephews who were all special to him. He had extended family in Cape Breton and Edmonton, Alta. Besides his parents, Duncan was predeceased by brothers, Angus Wilbroad, Angus Malcolm, Michael, Ronald, and infant brother Michael Pius; sisters, Annie Mae and Effie. Cremation has taken place. Funeral service with mass took place March 9 in Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church with Father Evo DiPierro, Father Bill Rankin and Father Peter MacDonald officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow in the church hall. Donations in his memory may be made to the S.P.C.A.
A labhras cainnt gu fileanta
A chluicheas ceol air innealan,
'S le'm milis bhith neo-bhasnhor
But we believe in spirits still,
Who speak the language fluently,
And play upon their instruments
With sweetness everlasting
We will love you and
miss you forever.

WATT, Isabel (MacDonald)

WATT, Isabel (MacDonald) -- 92, of Pictou, passed away March 4, 2010, in the Palliative Care Unit, Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Thorburn, on October 29, 1917, she was a daughter of the late Lydia (Beaton) and Alexander MacDonald, and wife of the late Lawrence Watt. Isabel single-parented four children, after the untimely death of her husband Lawrence in 1967. That same year, she started working at the Children’s Training Centre in Pictou. Upon her retirement 15 years later, she was recognized by the NSGEU for having never missed a day of work. After walking two miles to work for 15 years, she achieved a long desired goal, by getting her driver’s license at the age of 65. Isabel was a keen sports and games enthusiast and enjoyed bowling, bingo, and card playing. Her competitive spirit was equaled only by her keen sense of humour, which will be sorely missed. She also valued education highly and inspired her children and grandchildren to achieve academically. Isabel is survived by her four children, Allan, Dartmouth, NS; Larry (Sharon), Riverview, NB; Wanda (Marv Deneau) and Margo (James Russell), Pictou, NS; eight grandchildren, Jason Watt and Jennifer (Kevin) Blacklock, Larry and Danny Deneau, Bryan and Cynthia Watt, Hayley and Noah Russell; two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Lindsay Blacklock; many wonderful nieces and nephews. Isabel was the last remaining member of her family (the “Governor” MacDonalds) having been predeceased by brothers, Ross, Allister, Johnny, Absalom, Thomas, Clarence, and Irving; and sisters, Chriss Haines, Jessie Ross, Annie Johnson, Myrtle MacDonald, and Evelyn Murray. She was also predeceased by two granddaughters, Christine and Nicki. Funeral service was held Sunday, March 7 in McLaren Funeral Home with Rev. Kenn Stright officiating. Interment in Seaview Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Multiple Sclerosis Society. Special thanks to Leona Stewart and Doretta Russell for their generosity of time and care.