Harold Leroy “Hap” Pearl – 79, passed away just before sunrise on Sunday, November 18, 2007 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville calmly and with dignity after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Kentville on January 7, 1928, he was a son of the late Walter and Florence (Rogers) Pearl. Following his completion of schooling at Kings County Academy, he began working with T. P. Calkin Limited. After seven years, his successful career in sales began with the Monarch Knitting Company Limited based in Montreal and culminated with Electrical Distributors of Truro, from where he retired in 1983. He then founded Pearl Enterprises Limited, a family commercial and residential property rental business of which he was president at the time of his death. He was committed to the betterment of Kentville and the surrounding area. Hap was a past member of the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, served as Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, #5030 Father Holden Council, Kentville and also served on a number of committees at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville. He was a former King Lion of the Kentville Lions Club and was a provincial appointment to the Kentville Police Commission. His proudest contribution to his community was as founding President and Chairman of the Boards of the Valley Health Services Association and the Valley Health Foundation. He was also instrumental in the development, funding and completion of the Valley Regional Hospital. Hap believed above all that family always came first and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Winnifred Zahringer; three sons, Mark (Mona), Stephen (Andrea) and Jon, and daughter-in-law, Shirley, all of Kentville; two sisters, Joyce Neville, Bridgetown; Theda (Don) Keddy, Monmouth Beach, New Jersey; seven grandchildren, Sarah, Nick, Alex, Matthew, Ryan, Lindsay and Rylee; two great grandchildren, Jaeda and Kate; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, former Kentville Mayor, Gary; two brothers, Garnet and Victor. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville and there was no visitation by family request. The funeral service, followed by a reception, was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2007 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Father Craig Christenson officiated. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Valley Regional Hospital. A thank-you to Dr. Ian Verryn-Stuart, a special neighbour and friend, for his friendship and compassionate care. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome. com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville.

babcock, Rita I. - age 87, of Amherst passed away Sunday, November 18, 2007 at Gables Lodge Nursing Home in Amherst. Born in Lake Doucette, Digby Co., she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Martha (Muise) Williams. Rita was employed with the Royal Canadian Navy at C.F.B. Cornwallis and also the I.W.K. Hospital, Halifax for many years before retiring in Amherst. She is survived by her husband, Frank; two daughters, Zita (Fred) Hubbard of Yarmouth, NS and Joan (Bert) Mullen of Lower Sackville, NS; one son, Walter of Halifax, NS; 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by one brother Frank. There will be no visitation or funeral service by request of the family. Arrangements entrusted to Campbell's Funeral Home, Amherst. (667-9906) www.campbells-amherst.ca

Madeline Elva Broome - 55, New Ross, passed away peacefully with grace and dignity on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Windsor, she was the daughter of Naomi (Hart) Wile, Windsor and the late Roland Wile. After a short career working at financial institutions, she settled into the career she loved the most, being a mother and homemaker. When her children were young, she performed volunteer work at Bel Ayr Elementary School, Dartmouth. She was also a leader in the 1st Bel Ayr Brownies. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who always thought of others before herself. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Besides her mother, she is survived by her husband of 36 years, George, New Ross; her daughter, Carole (Dennis) Van Ember, Fredericton; her son Brian (Michelle), New MInas; her grandson, Bruce Van Ember; her brothers Medford, Amherstburg, Ont.; Frederick (Helen), Greenfield; David (Lynn), West Gore; Raymond (Jane), Centre Rawdon; Lawrence (Debra), Scotch Village; Ernest (Kathy), centre Rawdon; Melvin, vaughns; her sister Deborah (Peter) Anthony, Summerville; and several nieces and nephews. She is resting at H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home, New Ross. Visitaion was held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. ad 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Christ Anglican Church, New Ross, Rev. Leonard Bednar officiated. Interment was in the Anglica Cemetery, New Ross. Family flowers only. Donations in her memory may be made to the Terry Fox Foundation.

DOANE, Colleen Patricia – 54, Greenville, Yarmouth Co., passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2007, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born July 29, 1953 in Yarmouth, she was a daughter of Victor (Monica) Doucette, Yarmouth, and Valerie (Alfie) Moulaison, Yarmouth. She worked as a telephone operator, having owned and operated Southwestern Answering Service. Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband, David Doane; a son, Stephen Nauss; her maternal grandmother, Cassie Robicheau; a brother, Bruce (Darlene) Doucette, Dartmouth; a sister, Jill (Curtis) LeBlanc, Yarmouth. Visitation took place from 7-9 Tuesday evening, followed by the funeral at 2 PM, Wednesday, November 21, both in H. M. Huskilson’s Memorial Chapel, 29 Albert St., Yarmouth, Rev. A. D. (Bill) Newell and Father John MacPherson officiated. Interment followed in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Yarmouth. Memorial donations may be made to the Tri-County Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.huskilson.net

Barry Richard Levy – 61, of Black River, Kings County, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2007 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Wolfville, he was a son of Helen (Atwell) Levy, Black River and the late Arnel Levy. Barry had been a dairy farmer and was very passionate about the family farm. He was a member of the Black River Baptist Church and was involved in gospel singing with his family. He was also a member of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. Barry was very athletic, being active in soccer, involved in recreational and suburban hockey leagues, and pulled tug-of-war in his earlier years for the Gaspereau, Grand Pré and Black River teams. He loved family get-togethers during holidays and special occasions. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 35 years, the former Margo Gough; two daughters, Amber Levy (Kyle Comeau) and Ellen Sue Levy (Jason Edwards), both of Red Deer, Alberta; three sons, Wade (Eleanor), Red Deer, Alberta; Ryan (Robyn White), Saint John, New Brunswick; Kale, Red Deer, Alberta; four sisters, Theresa (Donald) Feltmate, Black River; Marsha (Emmett) McCray, St. Stephen, New Brunswick; Sue Anne (Paul) Russell and Cheryl (Mark) Rector, both of Black River; two brothers, Carl (Debra) and Stephen (Donna), both of Black River; a granddaughter, Sydney Levy; many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2007 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2007 in the Gaspereau Baptist Church, Reverend Steven Brown and Reverend Mark Shaw officiated. Burial took place in the Black River Cemetery. Following the burial, a reception was held in the White Rock Community Centre. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Black River Baptist Church, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Nova Scotia.

Michael Allen “Mike” Sanford – 51, of Baxter’s Harbour, Kings County, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2007 at home. Born in Kings County, he was a son of Gerald Sanford, Canning and the late Rosalie Sanford. He was self-employed as a handyman and a jack of all trades. He especially enjoyed working on cars. He is survived by a daughter, Pamela Sanford (Joel Hatt); three step-children, Darren, Lorraine and Denise Carey; four sisters, Bonnie (Arnold), Kim (Eugene), Lucy and Sue (Curtis); four brothers, Burnell (Geraldine), Danny (Irene), Gerry (Amanda) and Zane (Laura); several grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville and there was no visitation by family request. The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2007 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Reverend Robert Billings officiated. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville.

SPENCE, Robert Steven "Bob", age 63, of Windsor, formerly of St. Croix, Hants County, passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2007, at the Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his family. Born on August 14, 1944, in St. Croix, he was a son of Ethel May (MacLeod) Spence, Dykeland Lodge, Windsor, and the late Frank Spence. Bob was employed for over 16 years, at Oulton's Farm, Martock. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving form 1962-70, in the Black Watch Regiment. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, the former Rosalie "Rose" Anne Harrie; daughter, Cherry (Lester), Cambridge; son, Steven (Sharon), Centre Burlington; grandchildren, Sasha, Kylie, Hannah, Noah, Nicole and Jessica; brother, Ernest (Shirley), St. Croix; sisters, Dorothy (Eugene) Howard, Coldbrook; Leola Riley, Windsor; Joan (Percy) Woodman, Falmouth; Shirley-Ann (Gary) McCabe, Cape Breton; Faye (Fred) Taylor, Toronto; sisiter-in-law, Carmell Spence, Massey, ON; numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his father, he was predeceased by brothers, Frank Spence Jr. and Eric Spence. The family wish a special "Thank You" to the Palliative Care Nursing staff of Hants Community Hospital, Dr. Leahy and to all family members and special friends for all their support. Cremation has taken place. There was no visitation by request. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2007, in Lindsay's Windsor Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Burton Walsh officiating. Family flowers only! To sign the book of condolence, click on "Obituaries" at: www.lindsaysfuneralhome.com

ZWICKER (Thurston), Martha Churchill - 80, Sandford, Yarmouth Co., died Monday, November 19, 2007, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Yarmouth. Born in Sandford, Yarmouth Co., on March 28, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Gladys (Churchill) Thurston. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Harold Zwicker, and is survived by their children, Carl (Betty), Robert (Lila), both Dartmouth; Edward (Gail), St. John's, N.L., and David, at home. She was a proud Nanny of Nathan, Mark, Matthew, Lauriel, Laura and Jennifer. She is also survived by her brother, Norman, Hamilton, Ont.; sisters, Phyllis (McDow) Cole, Niagara Falls, Ont.; and Erma Thomas, Bridgewater. She was predeceased by brothers, Charles, Phillip, Kenneth, Leslie, and sister, Brenda (Crosby). Martha worked at Simpson's in Halifax and R.H. Davis in Yarmouth prior to becoming a full-time homemaker and caretaker of her husband for 20 years. Martha was a member of TOPS for several years. She loved to cook, play cribbage and crokinole. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny's Funeral Home, Yarmouth, where visitation was held Wednesday, November 21, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service took place Thursday, November 22, at 2 p.m. in Sweeny's Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor and good friend Rev. Bill Moore officiated. A private family burial took place in Sandford Cemetery. Donations in Martha's memory may be made to the Women's Hospital Auxiliary, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. E-mail condolences may be sent to: sweenys@ns.aliantzinc.ca or you may sign guest book on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net

Ruth Marie (Parker) Hutt -72, Aylesford,Kings County, passed away Monday, November 19, 2007 at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville with family present. Born in Digby, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Eugene and Eileen Margaret (Franklin) Parker. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Joseph Parker. Ruth was a dedicated and loving partner, mother, grandmother and friend. Ruth enjoyed all that nature had to offer and always found beauty in everything and everyone. Her courage and strength were admired by many who knew her Left to mourn her passing is her loving partner, Paul Johnston, Lake George; children, Mert (Mary Harper), Aylesford; Andy (Licia),Greenwood; Barry (Nora Newcombe), Wilmot; Kenny (Karen), Ontario, George (Christine Steadman), Kingston; Joy Gagne (Yves), Ontario; Steven (Teena), Aylesford; Rose Jordan (Glenn), New Minas; grandchildren, Mike, Kevin, Kristen, Katelyn, Josh, Skye, Cecille, Cassie, Trevor, Ryan, Chris, and Matthew. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home,192 Commercial St., Berwick, NS, B0P 1E0, (902-538-9900). There was no visitation and a private service will be held at a later date. Donations in Ruth's memory can be made to the Salvation Army. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca

PITMAN, Mildred Ruth – 94, of Lawrencetown, Anna. Co. wife of the late Curtis C. Pitman passed away peacefully at her residence "The Windsor Elms," Windsor, N.S. on November 20, 2007. Mildred was born in Chebogue, Yarmouth Co. on December 17, 1913 to Charles and Martha (MacMullen) Perry, the eldest of eight children. Mildred enjoyed family gatherings and hiking, fishing and hunting with Curtis. Mildred was a knowledgeable and successful gardener. She was active in many musical activities in Yarmouth and later in and around her beloved "Valley". Mildred sang many solos at numerous church and social functions, as well being part of many choral groups. She also directed the "Joy Tones" and the Lawrencetown United Baptist Church Choir for several years. Mildred will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by son Robert (Ethel) Pitman of Hampton N.B., daughter Myrna (Richard) Sweirkorz of Grimsby, Ont., sisters Charlotte and Dorthea of Vermont and brother Charles of Beaver Harbour, N.S. as well as five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband Curtis, daughter Sylvia, sisters Grace, Mary, Amy and brother, Harold. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service and celebration of Mildred’s' life was held 2 p.m. Sunday, November 25 in Lawrencetown United Baptist Church. Rev. Barbara Bishop officiated. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery, Lawrencetown. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Lawrencetown United Baptist Church or a Charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made through: www.middletonfuneralhome.com