Dartmouth, NS February 2, 1942 - February 7, 2024 We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our dear, departed husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Dick Skelton, who passed away peacefully on February 7th at the Camp Hill Veteran’s Nursing home in Halifax.  He had resided there for the last 8 months with a truly remarkable group of caregivers. Dick was born on February 2, 1942 in Timmins, Ontario.  The eldest son of Mathew Skelton and Lillian (Edmison) Skelton. Dick was predeceased by his parents, and sister, Kathleen Jean MacNicol (Jack).  He is survived by his brother, John Douglas Skelton (Karen) of Calgary. Dick also is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlene (Nicki) Skelton of Dartmouth, his son, John C. Skelton (Cheryl) also of Dartmouth, and Shelley Skelton (Scott) of Calgary, and Grandchildren Nadia C. Skelton and Vanya C. Skelton, and great-grandson Remi Skelton, all of Dartmouth.   And in addition, many nieces and nephews. Dick started his aviation maintenance career with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Canadian Navy, and continued working for various helicopter and aviation companies in civilian life.  In his younger years, Dick was active as a recreational pilot, scuba diver, and curler.   Following retirement from Atlantic Turbine in PEI, Dick and his wife Nicki became active Snowbirds in Avon Park, Florida while enjoying the RV life. Upon resettlement back to Dartmouth, Dick’s greatest loves were his family and friends.  An avid reader and player of cards, he celebrated his first “29” in cribbage at the ripe old age of 80, much to his son’s astonishment. There will be no visitation, upon request.  There is a funeral Mass to be held Tuesday February 13th at 1:30 PM at St Clement Church on Gaston Road, Dartmouth.  A reception following the Mass will be held downstairs in the church hall. Memorial donations, in Dick’s memory, may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Clement Church, any charity of your choice, or any nursing home of your choice.

North Grant, NS February 7, 2024 MacLean, Mary Elizabeth, age 91, of North Grant, Antigonish County, passed away on February 7, 2024, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Monastery, she was a daughter of the late Vernon and Charlote "Lottie" (Williams) Johnson. Mary worked in Detroit for over 30 years as both an accountant and a service station attendant.  She also worked as a hairdresser, and upon returning to Nova Scotia, she continued hairdressing in her home.  Mary knitted many prayer shawls for the hospital, and she was a member of the Antigonish Garden Club.  Mary was an elder of St. James United Church and was very dedicated to her church.  She cooked for their Hot Meal Program and was a member of the United Church Women. She is survived by her children, Myles (Della), Sydney; Blair (Florence), Antigonish; Heather Cromwell, New Glasgow; and Solomon, Antigonish; son-in-law, Kenneth Pelley; grandchildren, Jason, Vernon, Craig, Rob E., Candice, Christopher, Kourtney, Cory, and Natasha; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; twin sister, Laura Reddick; sisters, Beverly Pelley and Verna (Jerome) Pelley; and her fur-babies, Lacey and Ginger. Predeceased by her husband, Donald; daughter, Sandra; brother, George Johnson; sister-in-law, Yoland; brothers-in-law, William "Bill" Reddick and Floyd Pelley; and nephew, Martin Reddick. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 11th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish.  Funeral will be held Monday, February 12th at 3pm in St. James United Church, Reverend Peter Smith presiding.  Burial in St. James and St. Paul Cemetery in the spring. In Memoriam, donations to St. James United Church, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit), or Cathy’s Place appreciated. A special thank you to niece and caregiver Deborah Reddick, the VON and the nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Unit for the care they provided for Mary.

North Sydney, NS August 20, 1947 - February 3, 2024 he family of Melvin Lewis Bonnell would like to announce his passing on February 3, 2024 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He was 76 years of age. Mel is survived by his wife, Ann, and his children, Heather, Mark, and their respective families. The fourth son of the late Lewis and Beatrice Bonnell of Leitches Creek, Mel is also survived by brothers - Claude, Derek, Art, Ray, Lewis, and sister Millie. Besides his parents, Mel was predeceased by his brother Howard, his first wife, Judy, and grandson Harrison. The Leitches Creek Road was Mel’s home for more than 65 years and is a place of many memories for the Bonnell family. After his marriage to Ann he moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia where he enjoyed being closer to his children, milder climate and many new friends. Although living away for 8 years, Mel remained a very proud Cape Bretoner. Mel spent over 40 years working as a Lineman for Nova Scotia Power in North Sydney and Sydney. He loved his work. A quiet, loyal, and gentle man, Mel was a devout Christian who loved his family very much.  He will be missed. Visitation for Melvin will be held on Monday, February 12th, from 7-9 p.m., with a service to follow on Tuesday February 13 at 11 a.m. at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home at 107 Pleasant St. in North Sydney. The family will gather at the North Sydney Pensioners Hall after the funeral service for a reception where refreshments will be served. We invite you to join us to share memories of Melvin’s life.

Liverpool, NS Feb 6, 2024 Frederick James Hawkes passed away at the age of 89 on Feb 6, 2024 surrounded by his wife and family at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater NS. Fred was born and raised in West Caledonia where he met and married the love of his life Ruth Kempton.  Fred  worked in the woods and then became a self taught carpenter until he retired.  In his retirement years he could always  be found in the wood pile cutting and splitting wood , mowing the lawn, playing cards and spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 58  years Ruth, his children Darren Hawkes(Sarah), Sheri Mansfield (Wayne), Sandra Nauss (Joey),  his grandchildren Morgan Cole,  Megan Hawkes (Derrick Power), Bayleigh Mansfield (Christian Emino), Alex Mansfield,  great grand children Laya and Riley Power and Bradley Emino.  Also survived by his sisters Evelyna MacQuarrie(Gerald,) and Irene Murray, brothers Vernon Hawkes, (Joyce) and  Robert Hawkes (Mildred) Besides his parents Richard and Grace Hawkes, Fred was predeceased by sisters Marie Rowter , Elizabeth Weagle, Eleanor Donnellan, brothers Paul, Arthur, Herman ,Gerald, and Ray. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. A celebration of life will be held at the North Queens Fire Hall, Caledonia  on Saturday,  February 17 at 3:00  pm.  No flowers, donations may be made to the North Queens Fire Association or to a charity of your choice.

Port Hawkesbury, NS March 28, 1973 - January 25, 2024 Ronald James Kenneth Thibeau, "Ronny" (50), passed away January 25, 2024, at home in Port Hawkesbury, NS. He was predeceased by his parents Constable Andrew Ronald Thibeau "Ron", RCMP and Rose Marie King. Survived by sisters Michelle Thibeau (Jack) Port Hope, ON; Tanya McChesney (Kenneth) Afton, NS; Stepfather, Dennis King, Evanston, NS; Stepsiblings, Shelly Samson (Vaughn), ON; Cora LeBlanc (Billy) Isle Madame, NS; Jamie King (Amanda) ON; Daniel King, Evanston NS. Family and friends will forever remember his deep love for all animals and miss his artistic creations that he often gifted.  Memorial donations can be made to Port Hawkesbury Food Bank or Costal K9. Family requests no flowers or scents.

Port Hawkesbury, NS June 5, 1956 - February 4, 2024 Marsha had a big heart, she thought of everyone else first. The day she met Danny, they knew from that moment they would be together forever. Her life revolved around her family. She loved everyone with everything she had. She enjoyed her flowers, sitting on the step in the evenings, drinking a good cup of tea. Enjoying meals with family and sharing a good laugh. She is survived by husband, Daniel Dorton of 51 years. Daughters, Colleen; Diane (Johnathan Kennedy), Port Hawkesbury; Crystal (Joshua Knocton), Dagger Woods, Antigonish; Grandchildren, Sophia Dorton; Arabella Dorton and Rielle Knocton, who was due to arrive this August. Marsha lived for her grandchildren so largely, she considered her daughters’ dogs her grandchildren also. Porky, Benji, Remi, Harley, Scotch and Sasha. She is also survived by siblings, Glenda (Bobby) Clark, Margaree; Richard (Linda), Inverness; Johnny (Rose Mary) Timmons, Middle River; Brent (Bernice), Mulgrave; Jeffery, Port Hawkesbury; Dexter, Middle River; Cynthia Smith, Inverness; Wanda (Joey) Chaisson, Margaree; Kirt, Margaree; Crystal (Clifford) Hawley, Port Hood. Siblings-in-law, John (Sharon); Donald (Faith); Paul (Jean); Donna; Yvonne; Diane (Malcolm); Estelle. She was predeceased by her mother, Colletta; father, Donald; brother in laws, Gordon; Jim; Hughie; best friend, Viola Fraser; mother in law, Pearl; & father in law, Dan R. Marsha loved going for drives with Danny while always tormenting him. She loved heading out on the weekends with Colleen and sharing the best gossip during their midnight chats. She was Diane’s go to for everything child related and had a great pride in being a Grandmother and guide in life for Sophia and Arabella. She had the best advice. She was Crystal’s rock and was their best friend and savior. From TikToks to having a midnight munch of KFC hot wings with her and Josh. Marsha not only had her own children but treated her kids’ friends as her own too. She loved Brittney Wallace, Tammy Smith and Kayla Maclean with all her heart. Spoiling them just like her own. She loved all her nieces and nephews and always had the few she would torment (Ronald & Robert) and her niece Dakota; who was her hairstylist and one she spent many holidays and sleepovers with. Marsha and Danny were a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen. No bigger joy that they both had then to feed a familiar face. Memorial donations can be made to the family in the care of Colleen.

Kentville, NS March 24, 1939 - February 5, 2024 Erma Nellie (Dodge) Walker, 84, formerly of Kentville, passed away in Grand View Manor, Berwick, on Monday, February 5, 2024. Erma was born on March 24, 1939, in a house on Chester Avenue, Kentville to Gardner "Bun" and Hattie (Butler) Dodge, her brother Ralph was seven years old when she was born. Erma was little when the family moved to North Alton. Erma attended school in North Alton and later attended Central Kings Rural High. She remained in touch with several fellow students. After graduating, Erma worked for the federal government for 25+ years. Erma was predeceased by her parents, husband, Harold Walker, and later, companion, Clementine Beaton; brother, Ralph; and sister-in-law, Valentine. She is survived by a nephew, Blair and three nieces, Jessica, Belinda and Carolyn, all in Western Canada and many cousins and close friends. Erma loved animals and had several different pet cats over the years and one dog. They got very comfortable having their pictures taken. Erma enjoyed painting with various groups and loved knowing others who enjoyed the arts. She was a long-time member and several times president of "Artists Circle" and remained an honorary member. She was also a long-time member of the A.A. group in Wolfville for 40+ years. After moving to Kentville Erma looked forward to daily morning visits to Tim Hortons in Kentville until it closed, and a couple group trips on bus to Greenwood. Erma loved time spent going on three train trips across Canada, last time in 2019. She stopped several times to visit friends, and of course, took lots of pictures. In her free time, Erma wrote poetry, kept a daily journal, did the Crossword puzzle, etc. in the daily paper and a few jigsaw puzzles. Erma spent her last seven months in Grand View Manor. She said "food was good, staff was kind and she could watch TV all day if she wanted to. She even got to go bowling." There will be no visitation, by request. The funeral service (with a video webcast) will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, with a reception to follow. Reverend Virginia DeAdder officiating. Interment will take place in Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Donations in memory may be made to Lung Cancer Canada or your local SPCA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

Kentville, NS February 2, 2024 Gary James Melanson, 76, of Kentville, NS, passed away peacefully in Valley Regional Hospital on February 2, 2024, with his beloved wife and family by his side. Listening to his favourite music station, "Willie's Roadhouse". Born in Berwick, NS, Gary was a son of the late Joseph John Melanson and Dorothy (Avery) Melanson. Gary was a joyful, happy person who always had a joke to crack, had a quick remark to make, or take a real-life situation and relate it to a Seinfeld episode. He just loved to get a laugh out of people. He loved to watch sports, hockey (Toronto Maple Leafs), football (New York Giants) and especially baseball (Toronto Blue Jays). This hobby often dominated TV time in his household. Gary was a big baseball fan, he liked to support the local Valley Wildcats. He was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed playing whenever and wherever he had a chance. He loved crosswords, whether it be in the paper, a crossword book, or a scratch ticket (his ultimate favourite). Gary spent the majority of his life working in furniture and appliance sales, working with many retailers during this time, most recently including Leons and Jordans Home Furnishings. Gary loved to spend time with his wife Sharon, they often enjoyed going for drives together through the country or over to the harbour; stopping to eat at diners they would discover along the way. For those who knew Gary well, you know food was always top of mind. A few favourites were, The Family Diner in Aylesford, NS, Angie's in Middleton, NS, and Johnny's, Berwick, NS. The staff at these spots, whether they knew it or not left a special mark in his life. Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Melanson of Kentville, NS; these beautiful people have been together for 36+years. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, February 13th, 2024. Stepdaughter, Michele Ritchie (Ken Ward) of Coldbrook, NS; sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Saunders of Kentville, NS, Yvonne Herbert of Edmonton, AB, and Marguerite Fredericks of Amherst, NS; grandchildren, Ashley (Bryan) McNamara, Elizabeth (Jason) Slade, Ryan Bigelow (Jerica Taylor) and Evangeline Farris; great- granddaughter Shannon Bigelow, sister-in- law Hazel Melanson, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by stepdaughter, Shawna (née Ritchie) Bain and brother, Dennis "Sonny" Melanson. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Klippenstein, Dr Ahmed, Stephanie and all the other nurses in the emergency department of Valley Regional Hospital, for the amazing care they showed to Gary and to the family. Also, special thanks to the EHS staff who were called on over the years, the staff of the Guardian- Centennial pharmacy for always going above and beyond, to Jaqueline Green NP for everything she has done, to Jason from VON, for the quality time he spent with Gary, to Dr. Harrigan, Dr. Merryweather and the oncology team at Valley Regional Hospital, as well as Dr Mulroy - radiology, Dr. McNeil and the oncology team at the Dickson Building in the QEII. The care everyone showed for Gary did not go unnoticed and will not be forgotten. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service for Gary will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 from the White Family Funeral Home, with a reception immediately following. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

Port Hawkesbury, NS October 23, 1950 - February 6, 2024 Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of Austin Stanislaus McNamara, 73, beloved husband of Sharon (Hayes), on February 6th at Strait Richmond Hospital. Proud father to Stephanie and Arthur, and cherished grandfather to Marley, Norah, and Bristol. Austin is survived by his siblings: Mary (Ron) Hutchins, Sheila (Allan Joe) Malcolm, Noreen Russell, Paul (Carolyn) McNamara, Marie Burke (Pat DeCoste), Ernie McNamara, Germaine Boucher, Lorraine (Dave) Stewart, Kathleen (Barry) MacMaster and his in-laws, David (Dorothy) Hayes and Cindy Rhymes, as well as extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Rita (Proctor) and Arthur McNamara, and in-laws Sandy and Jean Hayes, Mark Burke, Russell Boucher, Arlene LeBlanc, and Jim Russell. Austin retired from Stora Forest Industries in 2006. He was especially known for his compassionate nature and his dedication to helping others through challenging times. Although he was a man of small stature, he had a 10-foot tall attitude and would like you all to know, “Yes, it’s still all your fault”. A visitation will be held at Green's Funeral Home on Sunday, February 11th, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will take place at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lower River, on Monday, February 12th, at 11am, with officiant Father Duncan MacIsaac. Private burial arrangements will be made at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Palliative Care at Strait Richmond Hospital. Sharon and the family extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Steven DeRoche and to the Palliative Care team Dr. Cooper, Kyla, Lesley, and the wonderful nurses for their compassionate care during Austin's most difficult time.

Amherst, NS February 7, 2024 It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Douglas Alexander Chapman, age 81, of Amherst.   On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Doug went to fly with the owls. Born in Amherst, NS, he was a son of the late Ross and Mabel (Embree) Chapman. Doug left school at a very young age and went to work in construction with his dad.  He was a great husband and provider; he was a workaholic and spent little time with family and grandchildren.  Special occasions were an effort more than a joyous get together. Doug worked several jobs with his dad Ross and then went out on his own with Walter Cole and George Saunders.  Together they completed several large jobs including the Michelin Tire in New Glasgow, Wandlyn Inn, and several large housing projects in Moncton for AC Mallet.  He finished with 28 years with Enheat. Doug owned and participated at Chapman's Archery Association for 27 years, and several years with Joggins Archery Assoc. and Parrsboro Archery.  Doug also spent some time at Tidnish Boat Club and Hastings Snowmobile club which he helped build and did the plowing. A camping enthusiast, he enjoyed over 50 years tenting, tent trailering, truck camping, and finally travel trailering at Spencer's Island, Apple River, and Ward's Brook (19 years).  He met a lot of wonderful people and never got kicked out.  In the fall, he went to Truemanville's woods in a shared camp that he helped to build and maintain. The last 20 years, he enjoyed the camp he built on his property in the Hastings woods; Hoot Owl Haven, aka Camp Paradise. Doug hunted and fished.  His quiet time?  No, it was time to think of what else he could do.  Doug was also into marksmanship with the Amherst Armouries and finally at the Oxford Marksmen Association. Being short on education didn't stop Doug.  Tell him what you needed or wanted and he got it done.  He was self taught on most of his projects.  He helped many people with welding and the like. You couldn't keep him down, he had several health issues, several surgeries, his last having 1/3 of his lung removed. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Grace, Hastings; sons Alex (Tanya), Hastings, NS, Shawn (Linda), Amherst; grandchildren Colin, Jamie, Haley, David, Mitchell, Morgan, and Abby; brother, Ronald (Darlene), Amherst; brother in law Arnold Kirby, Tidnish; sisters in law Sandra (Dean) Sewell, South Carolina, Lana (George) Borg, Toronto and Malta, as well as Marion Ney, Stratford, ON, Besides his parents he was predeceased by one sister Linda (Wallace) Chappell infant brother Donald; brothers in law Jerry Ney and Gary Jackson. Cremation has taken at the Jones Family Funeral Centre Crematorium in Amherst, NS, 902-667-8777.  As per Doug's request, there is to be no visitation or funeral service. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

Harbourville, NS December 4, 1937 - January 31, 2024 MCLEAN, Judith Helen (nee Dowell), 86, of Harbourville, Kings County, passed away January 31, 2024, at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, Nova Scotia. Judith was born on December 4, 1937, in Middleton, Nova Scotia. Judith was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, Kenneth G McLean. She was the daughter of the late Honorable Hanson T Dowell, QC, and Marjorie (Mosher) Dowell. Besides her parents and husband, Judith was predeceased by her brothers, Charles Dowell, and Roy Dowell, her brother-in-law, Donald McLean, and sisters-in-law, Renate Dowell, Anne Dowell, and Linda Dowell. Judith trained as a Nurse at Soldiers Memorial Hospital Middleton, Nova Scotia and was employed in the Intensive Care Unit at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia and at the Dawson Memorial Hospital, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.  She retired from Nursing while employed at the Western Kings Memorial Hospital, Berwick, Nova Scotia . Surviving are her daughters, Janet Lemieux, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, Jane (Isaac Whitehead) McLean, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Edith (Dee) McLean, Halifax, Nova Scotia; sons, Stephen McLean, Nictaux, Nova Scotia, and Peter (Wendy) McLean, South Farmington, Nova Scotia; twelve grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. Judith will also be missed by her brother Edgar Dowell, Middleton, Nova Scotia, her sister Janet Dowell-Renshaw and brother-in-law Wayne Renshaw, Truro, Nova Scotia, siblings-in-law Frank and Jean Martyn, Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and sister-in-law Muriel McLean, Kingston, Ontario. Judith will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews; and missed by her loving and loyal dog Willow. Judith made the selfless decision to donate her body to the Dalhousie Human Body Donation Program.  In keeping with Judith’s wishes there will be no service, and a private family celebration of Judith’s life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at Valley Regional Hospital and Valley Hospice for their compassionate care. Donations in Judith’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice.

Dartmouth, NS February 4, 2024 Peter Harold O’Brien, 91 of Dartmouth died suddenly at home on February 4, 2024. Born in Murphy’s Cove he was the son of the late Harry and Mildred (Murphy) O’Brien. Peter had a distinguished 35 year career with the Canadian Coast Guard from which he retired in 1997. Previous to that he spent five years in the Royal Canadian Navy. In his spare time Peter enjoyed fishing, playing cards, bowling, old time music, volunteering at the Fiddle Festival, and seniors dancing. He loved to travel and spend time at his cottage on the ocean. Peter is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Doreen (Hubley) O’Brien, sister-in-laws Joanne (London, Ontario), and Adelia (Dartmouth), brother-in-laws Carl Hubley (Mushaboom), Ronald (Deborah) Hubley ( Mushaboom) and many nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by five sisters, five brothers, nine brothers-in-law and six sister-in-laws. Visitation will take place at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Veterans Ave, Dartmouth Friday February 9 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be at St Luke’s Church Saturday February 10 at 1:30 PM. Internment will be at a later date. No flowers by request, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, St Luke’s Church or a charity of your choice.