March 11, 2007 to March 17, 2007 continued

George Ellis Sweeney, 87 years, Who passed away at the Sudbury Regional Hospital-Laurentian Site on Tuesday, March 13th, 2007. Beloved husband of the late Yvonne (nee Dore) predeceased November 2000. Dear father of Eric (friend Carolyn) of Terrace, B.C., Karen (husband Wilf Ketchabaw) of Algoma Mills, Julia Nichol (predeceased), and Robert (wife Rocio) of Markham. Loving grandfather of Colby (wife Sherri), Heidi (husband Shannon King), Bevan, Karni, Jessie, Jody, Jennie (husband Jamie Green), Wade (wife Hannah), Luke (predeceased), Jordan, Hayley, and Kyle, and great-grandfather of Rylie, Mallory, Nathan, Emma, Griffin, Myla, Ryder, Rankin, Caden and Lucy. George was predeceased by his parents Percy and Eva and by his two brothers Hugh and Bernard. Born and raised in Yarmouth Co., N.S., he spent many years teaching and as a principal with Indian Affairs. He selflessly cared for his wife of 55 years. He devoted endless hours to art, carving, books, playing cribbage and picking blueberries. He enjoyed music, dancing, singing and playing the harmonica. Despite his illness he maintained his graciousness. He so appreciated the laughter, companionship and spiritual encouragement from his many private caregivers. As one of Jehovah’s Witness he held dear the hope that the Bible holds out for mankind. Special thanks to the nurses and health care aides at Finlandia Koti who treasured him, and helped him through the ravaging times of his disease. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home, Sudbury.

August "Gus" Thuma died March l4 in Kissimmee, Florida, just 10 days short of his 103rd birthday. He was born on March 24, 1904, in Bohemia, New York, the 12th child of Joseph and Anna Thuma. He attended school in Sayville, New York and then moved to NYC where he worked for the NY Telephone Company until his retirement in l968. In l929 he married Olva Landgren from NYC and they moved to Sayville. After her death in l959, he married Jean Clayton from Shelburne, Nova Scotia in 1962, and they eventually moved from Long Island to Nova Scotia where they lived until l980. At that time they moved to Kissimmee where they have lived until now. Gus is also survived by a daughter, Joan Margolis in Chicago; a stepson, Daniel Clayton in Shelburne, Nova Scotia; and three grandchildren. He was an avid woodsman, bridge player, and lover of CSPAN. Donations can be sent to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Dr., Reston VA 20180.

Minnie Ella Rafuse - 92, Wolfville, formerly of Kentville, passed away Thursday March 15, 2007 in Wolfville Nursing Home. Born in Forest Home on June 4, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Priscilla (Russell) Kynock. She was a long time member of St. James Anglican Church, Kentville. Minnie was employed by Palmeters Jewelry store, she graduated from Mack Business College and was employed for 10 years by Kings County Regional Assessment Offices. She is survived by daughters, Jean (G. Allan) Moore, North Kentville, Geraldine (Harry) Slaunwhite, Lower Sackville and son, Ralph (Debbie) Rafuse, Windsor, Ontario; son in-law, Gerald Steacy, Australia; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Minnie was predeceased by daughter, Joyce; sister, Evelyn Walton, and brothers, Freeman, Aubrey, Ralph and John. There was no visitation at the family’s request. Funeral service was held 2 p.m. Monday, March 19 in the H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home, 5 Leverett Avenue, Kentville, (902-678-2151). Chaplain Jim Norton officiated. Private interment took place in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Family flowers only please, however donations in memory may be made to Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville; St. James Anglican Church, Kentville or charity of choice. Condolences to the family may be made at: lindsayfunerals@ns.aliantzinc.ca

ARMSTRONG, Jean Eileen – 87, of Torbrook Mines, NS, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2007 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, NS. Born in Dublin Shore, Lunenburg County, she was the only child of the late Elmer and Carrie Croft. Jean was a teacher, having received her training at the Normal College in Truro, NS. She taught in Milton, Queen’s County and several other South Shore County schools before marrying Rev. Carrol Armstrong in 1941. She played an active role as a minister’s wife for many years. She taught Sunday school, was devoted to the work of the Women’s Missionary Society, attending conventions and local study groups. Jean also found time to pursue her love of music through teaching piano, singing and directing church choirs. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Carrol Robie Armstrong; daughters, Carolyn Armstrong, Calgary; Laura (Chris) Rice, Dartmouth; Janet Armstrong, Ottawa; Sara (Richard) Gomez, Kingston, NS; and son, Neil (Daria) Armstrong, Greenwood Village, NS. Grandchildren, Patriza (Hayward); Robert (April); Christianna; Graham; Amara; and great grandchildren, Aiden; Ashley and Ander. Visitation was held Sunday, March 18 and Monday, March 19, 2007 both in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902)825-3448. Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 20, 2007 in the Torbrook Baptist Church, Rev. Bill McLeod officiated. Interment will be in the Nictaux Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to the Women’s Missionary Society. Online condolences may be sent to middletonfh@ns.sympatico.ca

ROSE, Christopher Robert "Chris" - age 60, of Yarmouth formally of Pubnico Head passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on March 16, 2007. Born on February 7, 1947 in Halifax he was the son of the late G.T. Clayton and Caroline (Roberts) Rose. “Chris”, “Mr Rose”, “Dad” and “Grampa” was a member of the Yarmouth Wesleyan Church since 1989 and served as the treasurer of the church for many years. He was a member of the Lower Argyle Christian Assembly and Living Waters Church from 1974-1989. He was a member of the P.C. Association. He graduated from St. Mary’s University and started teaching in 1969-70 in Argyle Consolidated School until 1999. In 1999 he moved to the Plymouth School where he was principal for 7 years, retiring at the age of 59 in June 2006. He is survived by his wife the former Sue (LaBier) Rose; daughters Karen (Ted) Goguen, Orillia Ont; Nancy (Darcy) Goodwin, Lower Argyle; sons James (Susan) Rose, Marysville Washington; David (Brenda) Rose, East Kemptville, Yar Co.; grandchildren Noah, Jennie-Rose, Tori, Elijah, Dylan and Haley; brother Brian Rose, Halifax; sister Brenda (Brian) Leavitt, B.C.; many nieces and nephews. Visitation hours will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9, with funeral service Thursday at 2:00pm all at the Yarmouth Wesleyan Church, 70 Haley Rd. Yarmouth, with Rev. Jim Agrell officiating. Internment will take place at a later date at the Yarmouth Mountain Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of N.S., Canadian Diabetes Association or the Yarmouth Wesleyan Church. Online condolences may be sent to sweenys@ns.aliantzinc.ca or you may sign the guest book online at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Yarmouth.

Lillian Madge Stitham, 80, Dykeland Lodge, Windsor, formerly of Walton, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 16, 2007 in Dykeland Lodge, Windsor. Born May 1, 1926 in Walton , she was a daughter of the late Richard and Effie (Burgess) Cox. She is survived by her daughters: Velma (Sanford) Carlton Forsyth, Seaford, Virginia, Margaret (Sanford) Richard Clark, Summerville, Hants Co., and Deborah (Sanford) Bruce Wing, Nashua, New Hampshire. Sisters: Avis (Winfred) Hazel, Walton, Georgina McLean, North Sydney, Cape Breton and brother Ronald (Audrey) Cox, Walton. 7 Grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband William. Sisters Vesta Wheaton and Velma Rae McCulloch and brothers Donald and Carl Cox. Cremation has taken place with no visitation by request. A graveside committal service will be held in the Grace United Church Cemetery, Walton at a later date. Donations in memory can be made to the Walton Shore Fire Department or the Grace United Church, Walton. Arrangements entrusted to the compassionate care of the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Hwy 215, Summerville, Hants Co. N.S. BON 2KO 1-902-633-2431 E-mail condolences at:allenfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca

Bancroft, Leslie Robert (Retired Corporal (R.C.M.P) of Jordan Ferry, Shelburne Co. Nova Scotia, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on March 17, 2007. He was home in his piece of paradise. Born in Sandy Point, he was a son of James Douglas and the late Margaret Elaine (MacKay) Bancroft. Eighteen of his twenty-five years service were served in the North West Territories. Leslie truly loved this part of his life. Leslie retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in January 2005. He touched so many hearts and was respected by all. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Brenda (nee Ashley), sons, Britt (R.C.M.P.) Fort McMurray and James (at home); his father, Douglas and brother Colin (Shelley), Halifax. He was predeceased by his mother, Elaine. Funeral service was held on Thursday, March 22 at 2 pm in Trinity United Church, Hammond Street, Shelburne with Rev. Joanne McFadden officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.ca Condolences may be sent to hmhuskilson@ns.aliantzinc.ca

Murray Stephen Bezanson - editor of the Berwick Register from 1946 to 1975 passed away peacefully on the evening of March 17, 2007 in the Valley Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family. Murray was born in Berwick on December 1, 1918, the son of the late Stephen and Winnifred (Rafuse) Bezanson. He grew up and attended school in Berwick before training as a printer. He worked for McCurdy Print in Halifax for 10 years before returning to Berwick with his wife, the late Joan (Scott) Bezanson to enter into partnership with Joan’s father, John Scott, publishing the Berwick Register. After the death of Mr. Scott and his wife Hilda (Hatt) Scott, Murray and Joan became the owners and publishers until their retirement in 1975. Murray took an active part in community affairs, serving a four year term on the Berwick Town Council, and was a member of the Board of Trade. He also was a member of the Berwick Lions Club and the IOOF and Masonic Lodges. After their retirement, Murray and Joan moved to their home in Harbourville where Murray continued to be an active and much loved member of the community. He was an adherent and treasurer of the Harbourville United Church for many years. Murray enjoyed pursuing his many interests and hobbies after retirement. He was a skilled carpenter, creating many beautiful pieces of furniture and dulcimers which continue to grace the homes of his children. Gardening was another of his many joys and talents and he was a brave and successful beekeeper. His grandchildren also gave him much joy and contentment throughout these years of retirement. Murray was saddened by the sudden death of his wife Joan December 20, 1987. Although in deteriorating health in recent years, he was able to remain in his home with the assistance of his daughter Mary McIsaac and her husband Mark and son Ayden. Murray fell ill early Friday morning and was taken to the Valley Regional Hospital. He was able to spend his final two days with his family, frequently smiling and acknowledging their presence before passing away quietly on Saturday evening. Murray is survived by his children, son Donald and his wife Jacqueline de Mestral Bezanson of Halifax and Harbourville and their children Louise, Alexandre and Andre, daughter Margaret and her partner Gabriel Carrera of Toronto and their children Adela and Gabriella, and daughter Mary McIsaac and her husband Mark and son Ayden of Harbourville. Cremation has taken place under the care of the Serenity Funeral Home of Port Williams with interment of the ashes with his wife in the Berwick Cemetery. A service to celebrate his life took place in the Harbourville United Church on Thursday, March 22 at 3 p.m. Rev. Kay Dean officiated and Jack Bearden of Harbourville assisted. A reception followed at the Harbourville Community Hall. Many thanks to the kind and compassionate care of the VON who assisted Murray in the last few years and to the doctors and nurses of the ICU at Valley Regional. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at: serenityfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca.

Harold Clinton Gillis – In loving memory of Harold Clinton Gillis, 81 years, who passed away Saturday morning, March 17th, 2007 at the Sudbury Regional Hospital-Laurentian Site surrounded by his loving family. Born July 4th, 1925 in Waterville, Nova Scotia. Harold was the son of the late Clinton and Alice (Hannam) Gillis. He was a veteran of the Second World War having served in England, Europe and the Mediterranean. He married Doreen “Faye” Zwicker in 1947 in Waterville, Nova Scotia and moved in 1948 to Levack, Ontario where he had been a resident for the past 58 years. Harold enjoyed spending time in his woodworking shop, reading, tending to his garden, hobby farming with friends and his morning coffee downtown. He was a retired INCO employee retiring in 1990 with 42 years of service. Harold was predeceased by his loving wife Faye on October 3rd, 1995. Loving father of Penny (husband Robert Baird) of Barrie, David (wife Kathy) of Brantford, Michael (wife Brenda) of Cartier and Garnet (companion Cathy) of Dowling. Adored grandfather of Adam, Melinda (Craig), Kerri-Lynn (Michael), Heather, Kurtis (Cynthia), Matthew, Andrew, Konnor, Thomas and Morrigan. Great-grandfather of Summer, Kaitlyn, Hannah, Keegan, Nyxon, Isaac, Levi and the late Karleigh. He will be sadly missed by his sister Helen Spencer of Berwick, Nova Scotia and fondly remembered by Nancy Vitaasalo of Dowling and many loving nieces and nephews. Brothers Arnold “Venne” and Murray; sisters Kathleen Mosher and Madeline Gillis predeceased him. A special thanks to Claudette and the nursing staff at Extendicare-Falconbridge and Dr. Roch and the nursing staff on the 8th floor of Laurentian Hospital, and the Lougheed Family and Staff. Funeral service was held in the Lougheed Funeral Home, 252 Regent Street at Hazel St., Sudbury, Ontario (l-800-461-0159) on Tuesday, March 20th, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. Interment took place in the Maplecrest Cemetery, Dowling Ontario. Donations to the Alzheimers Society would be appreciated.

Melita Nova Rose - Age 85, of Kentville, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2007 in Evergreen Home for Special Care where she resided. Born in Victoria Beach, Annapolis Co., she was the daughter of the late Burton and Myrtle (McGrath) Halliday. Melita was a member of the United Baptist Church in Kentville and worked at the Cornwallis Inn before becoming a home maker. She enjoyed knitting, her rose garden, music and dancing. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Edgar Rose, son Michael (Maki) of Toronto; a daughter Treasure (Harry Moore) of Kentville; a sister Norma Pudsey, four grandsons, Luke, Joshua, Jeremy and Edward (Eddie), one granddaughter, Emily and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a brother Burton and a sister Alberta. Visitation for Mrs. Rose was 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 in H.C. Lindsay Funeral Homes, 5 Leverett Ave., Kentville (902-678-2151) from where a funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 21 at 2 p.m. with a reception following. Rev. Robert Billings officiated. A private family interment followed in Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Condolences may be sent to the family at: lindsayfunerals@ns.aliantzinc.ca