If you're lucky enough to live on Tancook…you're lucky enough
Kenneth Wayne Rodenhiser — Big Tancook Island
Age 76 of Big Tancook Island, passed away on July 29, 2021.
He was the son of the late Harvey and Sadie (Cross) Rodenhiser.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Audrey (Cross) Rodenhiser;
his son, Travis (Karry-Lynn Tarbox), Big Tancook Island and his
sister, Avis Baker, Big Tancook Island. A private burial will be
held at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Chester.
Hilda Wilson, 92, from Ellenton, Florida passed away after a brief illness on March 4, 2021 to be with her Lord and Savior and all those who passed before her. Born on Big Tancook Island, Nova Scotia, Canada on August 25, 1928, she was the youngest daughter of David, Jr. and Armenia (Cross) Baker. She was predeceased by her six siblings, Howard & wife Dora, Clifford & wife Hazel, Ralph, Vernie & husband Ernest, Theresa & husband Stanley, and Pearl (Dolly) & husband Webster; by her husband of 47 years, Lloyd, her daughter Linda Wilson Igoe, and infant daughter Reanne Verline. She is survived by her daughter Greta Wilson Cook and husband Kenneth of Dunbarton, NH; son-in-law John K. Igoe of Billingham, Mass; and by a special nephew, Lester Baker, who she always considered as the son she never had, and wife Susan and family from Ontario, Canada. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and by dear friends and neighbors. Hilda was raised and married on Big Tancook Island, moved to Newmarket, NH in 1952 and resided there for 46 years before moving to Ellenton, Florida in 1998. While in Newmarket, she was an active member of the Newmarket Community Church as a deaconate for 19 years and co-chaired many church suppers and Christmas fairs. In Ellenton, she attended New Hope Baptist Church and was a member of the “Sunshine Club” visiting shut-ins. Hilda was the egg packer at the Wilson Poultry Farm in Newmarket for several years, and also worked at the former Kingston & Warren plant in Newfields after raising her two daughters. One of her greatest joys was to return to her beloved Tancook Island and homestead each summer. As the Baker matriarch, she hosted an annual family reunion each August for many years. Hilda was quite the seamstress, making both her daughters’ wedding gowns. She loved to cook and make homemade pies. Her home, often referred to as her “Do Drop Inn”, was always open to visitors in Newmarket and Ellenton. She will be dearly missed, but always remembered for her perseverance no matter what life gave her, for her sharp mind and story-telling, for her compassion to help others, for the love that always remained in her heart for her Tancook family, and for her gift to all who knew her – her Hilda hugs. She was eternally grateful to her family and friends who visited or called often and to her caregivers in her later years. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to one of the following organizations: Big Tancook Island Emergency Response Association (B.T.I.E.R.A.) – P.O. Box 73, Big Tancook Island, Nova Scotia, Canada B0J3G0 Newmarket Community Church, 137 Main Street, Newmarket, NH, 03857. New Hope Baptist Church, 9422 Old Tampa Road, Parrish, Florida 34219. NH Food Bank, 700 E Industrial Park Dr., Manchester, NH 03109 A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Kent & Pelzar Funeral Home in Newmarket, NH.
Beverley Sterling Pearl
Age 80, of Big Tancook Island, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 24, 2020 in Ryan Hall – Senior Living, Bridgewater, with his family by his side.
Born in East River, he was a son of the late Warren and Olive (Mason) Pearl. Bev worked 30 plus years as a diesel mechanic for Cummins Diesel, and upon retiring moved back to Big Tancook Island. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, spending time with his Jazzy girl and everything marine.
Bev was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by all that knew him. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Carroll, and wife, Barbara (Aucoin). Survived by children, Patrick, Dartmouth; Peter, Dartmouth; Lisa (Joseph) Fougere, Dartmouth and grand children, Jasmine, Cheryl, Mellisa, Joseph Fougere.
Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Davis Funeral Home, Chester. The family will have a private interment with a Celebration of Life in the spring when all the family can attend.
If so desired, donations in Bev’s memory can be made to Big Tancook Island Emergency Response Association (BTIERA).
Gretta Irene Wilneff (Baker)
Age 95 of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully December 5, 2020 in The Admiral Long Term Care Centre in Dartmouth.
Gretta was born and raised on Big Tancook Island. She was the daughter of Stanley and Theresa Baker. Gretta lived for her family and spent many years traveling to Scotland, Mexico and the United States to create special memories with them.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Obed Wilneff; her sons, Billy Reid and Blair Gerald Wilneff; her second husband, Stanley Langille; and her brother, Gerald Baker. She is survived by her beloved son, Roger Wilneff and his wife, Donna Quinlan Wilneff. Also survived by her dearest granddaughters, Laura Wilneff Covington her husband, Troy Covington and their daughter, Emerson Covington; and Jacquelyn Wilneff Damico her husband, Matthew Damico and their children, Vincent and Ellis Damico.
Gretta adored and is survived by her niece, Christine Baker Stevens her husband, Gary Stevens and great niece, Lynette Stevens. She is also survived by her niece, Corrine and Grant Mason; her loving nephew, Darrin Baker and his wife Angie, as well as her great niece and nephew, Erica and Blair Baker.
A graveside service will be held on Big Tancook Island after the arrival of the 10:20 a.m. ferry from Chester on Thursday, December 10th. Due to COVID-19 there will be no reception after the service. The ferry returns to Chester at 1:30 p.m. Use of masks and observance of socially distancing protocol is requested for those wishing to attend the service.
Sharon Anne Sleigh (Crooks)
Age 76, Lower Sackville, passed away peacefully with husband, Chuck, by her side on October 9, 2020 in the Palliative Care Unit, the VG Site, QEII. Born July 4, 1944 in East Chester, she was a daughter of the late Mabel (Baker) and Willis Crooks (Tancook Island and Halifax). She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Charles “Chuck” Sleigh; her loving sons, Todd (Suzanne) Sleigh and Troy (Ann) Sleigh, both of Kanata, Ont.; and her precious grandchildren, Sarah, Emma and Charlotte Sleigh, Jillian, Matthew and Meghan Sleigh.
Also mourning her loss are her siblings, Gerald (Joan) Crooks, Mississauga; Delphine Boscoe, Colby Village; Carroll (Ellen) Crooks, Dartmouth; Rodney (Carol) Crooks, Mississauga; and Diane Crooks, Halifax; many beloved
nieces and nephews and dear friends. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by brother-in-law, Earl (Delphine) Boscoe; niece, Susan Crooks; and nephew-in-law,William “Bill” Almolky (Sherry Friis). Sharon was an employee of Scotia Flour and Feed, Halifax and the Kmart and Kent stores of Lower Sackville, the latter from which she retired in 2014.
Sharon was well-known for her sense of humour and her gift for making people laugh with joy and abandonment. She was an avid bowler in her day and excelled at gardening, maintaining a colourful and beautiful backyard garden which was enjoyed by all. Sharon looked forward to the family reunions on Tancook Island; and Halifax on Christmas Eve following the service in Mulgrave Park United Baptist Church.
However, the most precious things in her life and the dearest to her heart
were her six wonderful grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was proud of all their accomplishments and would eagerly share the latest news about each of them.
The family would like to thank the many caring health care professionals who guided Sharon and Chuck through the difficult journey over the last 18 months since she was first diagnosed with serious illnesses. Sharon and Chuck much appreciated the kind and gentle manner with which they were treated by everyone. Thank you to Amanda and the paramedics who assisted in her care the evening before she was admitted to the Palliative Care Unit so that she could remain at home as long as possible. Thank you to the Palliative Care teams at Cobequid Community Health Centre and the Victoria Building for their kindnesses and gentle care of Sharon, Chuck, Todd, and Troy. All are much appreciated.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Atlantic
Funeral Home, Sackville Chapel. Cremation has taken place. As per Sharon’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Take a walk and enjoy the sunshine. For those wishing to do so, donations may be made in Sharon’s memory to Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca), the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca) or other charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Sackville Chapel).
Obituary – Henry Charles Clothier
Age 78 from Windsor Road community of Chester, passed away peacefully August 28, 2020, with his loving wife Germaine by his side in South Shore Regional Hospital. Henry (Dad) was born April 7, 1942, the eldest child of the late George and Greta Clothier. Henry (Dad) has taken many different avenues to support his family. At a very young age he joined the Militia with the Halifax Rifles. He then pursued his journey with the Naval Auxiliary he operated on board of the Quest the Saint Charles, after which he decided to take another avenue to be home more with his family. He then chose to try the taxi service in which he owned and operated his own taxi for many years serving the Halifax Area. His last avenue in which he retired from was employment at the Halifax Housing Authority. He survived by his wife Germaine (Hudson ), 55 years of marriage; his daughters, Susan (Ken) Ontario; Tracey (Barry), Marriotts Cove; Cheri (Curtis),Chester; and his grandchildren, Blair, Kyle, Stefan, Amy, Ronda, Dillion and Kierra; six great- grandchildren; sister, Joan (Ed), Ontario; and brother, Bill (Patsy), Wolfville; lastly his little dog Millie, she was his little girl that he dearly loved. Predeased by son, Ron Clothier; and grandson, Blaine Clothier. Henry (Dad) was a man that always wanted the very best for his family, always there to give advice. He loved family suppers and making his famous Fish and Chips to feed the whole crew. He left us all with a lot of his strong will and touched each and everyone of his family and friends in many ways. He was a man like no other and we all loved him for that. Extra special thanks goes out to Dr. Chiasson, 3rd floor nursing staff Shelby and Morgan for all your care and support, you truly were our angels during such a difficult time. To fulfil Henry’s (Dads) wishes, there will be no funeral. Donations in his memory can be made to the IWK Health Centre Foundation or charity of your choice. Arrangements are under direction of Davis Funeral Home, Chester.
David Edward Jollymore – Age 76 of Blandford, son of the late Herbert and Margaret Jollymore. It is with great sadness that the family announces David’s passing in Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg, after a battle with cancer. David went home to be with the Lord on May 31, 2020. Born on Little Tancook Island, it was there that he met and married his wife, Barbara. David operated six fishing boats over his 60-plus year fishing career. Some of his fondest memories were of his days at sea, fishing with his father-in-law Ernest (Levy), but none were fonder to David than the 30 years he spent fishing next to his son, Trevor. If you were lucky enough to know David, you would know that he was a kind and generous man who touched many hearts during his time here. He was a man of unwavering faith and he attended church every Sunday. At random he would break out in song, singing a favourite hymn. David always put his family first, and he took great joy in having family gatherings surrounded by his grandchildren. David continued to lobster fish with his son and crew until early January, until his body could no longer allow it. Only hours after his son and crew landed the lobster traps safely on the wharf for the 2020 season, David passed. It only seems fitting that he finished out his final lobster season. “Poppy” will be deeply missed. David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Levy); sons, Trevor (Kate), and Taylor (Alexandra); daughter, Dawn; and nine grandchildren, all of Blandford. The family would like to thank Dr. John Jenkins and the Palliative Care nursing staff at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. A private family funeral will be held but due to restrictions it will be live-streamed on Saturday, June 6th, at 2 p.m. in Faith Baptist Chapel: https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistchapellunenburg Donations in David’s memory can be made to http://faithbaptistchapel.com/ A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.~ (John 3:16)
Rudolph Victor Stevens – Age 81.
It is with great sadness that the family of Rudolph Stevens shares the news of his passing on May 28, 2020. He passed peacefully in the QEII Health Sciences Centre knowing he was surrounded by love. Rudolph lived his entire life on Big Tancook Island and was proud to call the Island home. He was a proud member of the Tancook Island Ferry crew for 25 years, acting as Captain on the William G. Ernst for much of those years. He loved everything about the great outdoors and spent most of his leisure time hunting, fishing, and gardening. He never missed a deer hunting season, an opportunity to be out in a boat or a harvest season where he always had enough bounty from his garden to share with every-one he knew. The only thing better than all of the incredible meals he enjoyed as a result of his efforts were the stories he had to tell about the adventures involved in each excursion. No one could tell a story like Rudolph. Every person included had a nickname and every detail was vividly described. Even if you’d heard the story before, it was still worth a listen because you knew you’d be laughing by the end.
In his own words, Rudolph said at the end “I lived a good, long life and have nothing to complain about” and if you’ve heard his stories, you know this to be true but we’re all still heartbroken to let him go. Rudolph leaves behind his beloved wife, Teresa; son, Dana; daughter, Renee; cherished grandson, Myles; brother, Theodore (Sharon); and niece and nephews, Shelley Banks (Stewart), Derek Stevens (Diana), Ron Archibald (Vicki). He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Elsie Stevens; and his first wife, Nancy Stevens. We would like to thank the dedicated nurses and doctors at QEII Health Sciences Centre and his family physician Dr. Dobek for all of their care over the years, as well as the first responders on Tancook Island. Donations in Rudolph’s memory can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Cremation has taken place and funeral arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Home in Chester. Online condolences may be made to: www.davisfuneralhome.ca A burial and celebration of life will be planned for a later date when restrictions on public gatherings are loosened.
Obituary – Gordon Sterling Baker
We are sad to announce that Gordon, age 91, of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, watched over by caring nurses and doctors during this difficult time. He was born in Tancook Island, Lunenburg Co., the eldest son of the late Perley Baker and Elmira (Langille) Baker/Roast. Gordon started his work life in the city as a young man and worked at several different jobs. He then settled into a career at the VG Hospital as a Stores Supervisor until his retirement at age 60. He is survived by his niece, Veronica Baker; and nephews, Gary (Anne) Baker and James Baker (Cheryl). He was predeceased by his stepfather, Raymond Roast; infant sister, Helen; brothers, Clyde and Clarence; and sister-in-law, Doreen. In honouring Gordon’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens at a later date. On Gordon’s behalf, we would like to thank family physicians, Dr. Stroud and Dr. Creighton for their excellent care and guidance given to him, especially in his later years. We would also like to thank the caring pharmacists and staff at the Braemar Superstore Pharmacy. A special thank you to Donna and Larry, whose friendship and assistance enabled Gordon to remain in his long-time North End Dartmouth apartment, until shortly before his passing. Online condolences may be made by visiting:
www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com Dartmouth Chapel.
Reverend Robert Donald Cross 1933-2020
Reverend Robert Donald Cross of New Minas, NS, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 20, 2020 at Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, NS. Robert was born on Big Tancook Island, NS on August 29, 1933 to the late Ernest and Hazel (Mason) Cross. He was raised and schooled on the Island, which remained his favourite place on earth. Fishing, playing hockey, singing, and later, playing golf were cherished activities.
As a young man, Robert felt God calling him to the ministry. He attended Eastern Pentecostal Bible College and graduated in 1955. He began his ministry in Dalhousie, NB that same year. Throughout his ministry, Robert pastored in all three Maritime Provinces; he occasionally ventured off to Newfoundland, where he loved to preach. Throughout his entire lifetime, and even until his last days, Robert spoke to people he encountered aboutthe Good News of the Gospel.
Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ella (Ward) Cross, whom he married just before beginning his pastoral ministry. He is also survived by his four children: Donald (Doreen); Susan (Doug) Norton; Stephen (Lori); Nancy (Willis) Langford, as well as ten grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Robert’s surviving siblings are: John (Elaine); Lillian Dyer; Grace Henneberry; Faith (Bernard) Blinn and Colleen (Philip) Levy. As well, Robert is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by his brother, Elmer Stuart Cross, and his sister, Doreen Edith Baker.
Funeral and burial arrangements will be determined at a later date. Ella and her children wish to thank the manypeople who visited, prayed for and supported Robert during hisphysical decline, as well as the VON caregivers, and many doctors,nurses and hospital staff of the Valley Regional Hospital and SoldiersMemorial Hospital for their kindness, compassion and professional care for Robert.
Donations in memory may be made to: Teen Challenge Atlantic, 1187 Principal St. Memramcook, NB