BENNETT, Norman
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 30, 2005
BENNETT, Norman - 88, Halifax, passed away peacefully December 29, 2005, in the VG Site, QEII. Born in Grand Bank, NL, he was a son of the late George and Theresa (Strong) Bennett. Norman served in the Second World War and also in the Merchant Marine under DND for over 29 years. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife for many years. Norman was very active in the community and was a member of the legion and the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Doris (Fry) Bennett; sons, George Bennett, Dartmouth; Jesse Bennett, Halifax; daughter, Winnie Whitman, Lower Sackville; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Norman was predeceased by his brother, Cecil Bennett; one brother in infancy, and sister, Minnie Allan. Arrangements are entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Rd., Halifax, where visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today and funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday, December 31, Captain Owen Budden officiating. Interment to follow in Oakridge Memory Gardens, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com

BENOIT, Joseph
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 22, 2005
BENOIT, Joseph - 64, Dartmouth, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side Tuesday, December 20, 2005, in Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, Sheet Harbour. Born in Sheaves Cove, NL, he was a son of Sarah (Rowe) Benoit, Stephen's Crossing, and the late Norman Benoit. Joseph was a carpenter by trade and worked many years with different construction companies. He enjoyed life to the fullest, loved working around the house and loved to give a helping hand to many and he also enjoyed listening to music. He was a member of the Somme Branch Legion 31 in Dartmouth. He also loved his dog, Sissy.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Viola Jesso, Quoddy; daughter, Dianne (Frank) Dort, Hubley; granddaughter, Rebecca; eight brothers and five sisters; many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by one brother and one sister. Cremation has taken place under the direction of D.S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home. No funeral or visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Newfoundland. Donations in Joseph's memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society. On-line condolences may be sent to: crowells.fh@ns.sympatico.ca

BENTLEY, Marilyn
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 30, 2005
BENTLEY, Marilyn - 56, Pleasantville, Lunenburg Co., passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at home. Born in Burnt Island, NL, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Courtney. Surviving are her husband, David; sons, Scott, Bridgewater; Peter, at home; grandchildren, Logan and Larissa; brother, Robert (Louise) Courtney, Bay Saint Lawrence, Cape Breton; sister, Deanna (Tom) Keeping, Burnt Island. She was predeceased by sister, Florence, and nephew, Godfrey. Visitation 7-9 p.m. today in Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday in Pleasantville Baptist Church, Pleasantville, Pastor Quincy Collins officiating. Burial to follow in Pleasantville Cemetery, Pleasantville. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Pleasantville Baptist Church. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.sweenysfuneralhome.com

BOUDREAU (Walters), Mabel Audrey
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 31, 2005
BOUDREAU (Walters), Mabel Audrey - 69, Lower Sackville, passed away peacefully Friday, December 30, 2005, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born May 21, 1936 in Rocky Harbour, Bonne Bay, NL, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Annie (Young) Walters.

Mabel is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Donald; daughter, Cindy (Dan) MacAskill, Upper Sackville; son, Tony (Sue), Kentville; grandchildren, Allan, Jennifer, Nicole, Michele, Shawn; sisters, Bertha Croucher, Port aux Basques, NL; Cora Wilton, Wiltondale, NL; Doreen (Joe) Slobodian, Napean, Ont. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and very special friends, Norma, Charlene, Ruth, Ena and all the ladies of her Tops Group. She was predeceased by her sisters, Ivy Oates, Rosa Kenny; brother, Milton Walters. A special thank you to Aunt Doreen, Dr. Rayson, Barb, Gail and all the wonderful folks at the Nova Scotia Cancer Clinic for all their help during Mom's illness. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 125 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville, where Mabel's family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Monday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday in Saint John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, 4 Beaverbank Rd., Lower Sackville. Interment in Fernwood Memorial Park Cemetery, 1800 Sackville Dr., Middle Sackville. Family flowers only. If so desired, a donation in Mabel's memory to Canadian Cancer Society, 1-5826 South St., Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com

COOPER, Raymond Austin "Ray"
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 28, 2005
COOPER, Raymond Austin "Ray" - 61, Dartmouth, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 27, 2005, in Dartmouth General Hospital, with his loving wife at his side. Born May 18, 1944 in Terra Nova, NL, he was a son of Stanley and Dorothy (Sparks) Cooper, Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.

Ray was a member of the Newfoundland Club in Dartmouth, where he enjoyed darts, crib, dances and fundraising. During the summer he enjoyed playing darts on Monday night at Windsor Park. He was a former member and served one term as vice president of the DRMDL. He enjoyed helping out with the evaluations for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. This past summer, Ray was proud that he was able to return to work for the first time in over 10 years. He looked forward to listening to the Newfie Hour every Sunday on the radio and enjoyed working in and admiring the garden he shared with his mother-in-law, Rose Perry.

Along with his parents, Ray is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, the former Vivian Perry; daughter, Cindy (Richard) Elliott, Dartmouth; grandsons, Patrick and Zachary; sisters, Jacqueline (Ted) Crocker, Martina (Terry) Kelly, Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.; Rose Mary (Wayne) Brown, Pasadena, NL; brothers, Gary (Bev), Sydney; Alex (Val), Labrador City, NL; Stanley "Junior" (Doris), Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.; Rick (Cheryl), Beaumont, Alta.; mother-in-law, Rose Perry, Dartmouth. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, where Ray's family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday in Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 199 Windmill Rd., Dartmouth. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ray's memory to Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation, 325 Pleasant St., Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4G8, would be appreciated. Special thanks to the staff at the VG Site, QEII, and Dartmouth General Hospital for their support during his battle with Multiple Myeloma. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com

FARRELL, Philip
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 12, 2005
FARRELL, Philip - Formerly of Howe St., Sydney died on Saturday, December 10, 2005. Born in Bay du Nord, Fortune Bay, NL, he was a son of the late Pius and Bernadette Farrell. He is survived by son, Thomas Farrell; grandchildren, Mark, Susan, Mary Beth; great-grandson, Connor Nels Farrell. Besides his wife, Mary Dorothy (Delaney) Farrell, Phil was predeceased by brothers, Adrian, Pius, Lawrence; sister, Gertrude Hillier. Visitation will be in T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel today from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass is Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. in St. Theresa's Church. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences: twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca

FRANCIS, John
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 12, 2005
FRANCIS, John - 87, Drum Head, Guysborough Co., died Sunday, December 11, 2005, in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Boswarlos, NL, he was a son of the late Alonzo and Mary (Harris) Francis. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

At an early age, John moved to Channel, Port Aux Basque and then to Cape Breton, where he was employed at various fish plants. John's next move took him to Drum Head where he was employed with Ted Greencorn and later retired from Bickerton Industries, Drum Head Branch where he held the position as manager. John was a founding member of both the Board of Trade of the Isaac's Harbour Medical Centre and the Harbourview Fire Department. He was a volunteer canvasser for the Guysborough Memorial Hospital. John enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. John was lovingly known to his grandchildren as "Grampy" and "Papa".

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Mabel Fanning; daughters, Donna Kaiser (Ellis), Port Bickerton; Gwenna Gammon (Fraser), Drum Head; Veronica Jack, Seal Harbour; grandchildren, Lane Kaiser, Trenda Jack, Everett Jack, Claudia Matheson (Colin), Peter Gammon and Patrick "But But" Gammon; sister-in-law, Alice Young, Port Aux Basque; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Pheobe; brothers, William, George, William, and Harvey; son-in-law, James Jack. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. in Seal Harbour Baptist Church, where funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m., Rev. Gary Manthorne officiating. Burial in Seaside Cemetery, Seal Harbour. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home Ltd., Country Harbour. On-line condolences may be made at: www.gwgiffin.com

HACKETT, Peter Ignatius
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 8, 2005
HACKETT, Peter Ignatius - 81, Halifax, passed away December 6, 2005, at home. Born in English Harbour East, NL, he was a son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Hickey) Hackett.

Peter was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a very active member of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church since 1955, holding various positions. He was employed with HMC Dockyard for 31 years as a rigger.

Peter is survived by daughters, Anna (Gerry) Pierce, Herring Cove; Marlene (Mark) Dixon, Langley, B.C.; Eileen Hackett, Dartmouth; sons, Brian (Debbie) Hackett, Lower Sackville; and Shawn (Maureen) Hackett, Williamswood; sisters, Theresa (Pat) Hackett, English Harbour East, NL; Phyllis (Wade) Etheridge, Fergus, Ont.; Dorcus (Ches) Labour, English Harbour East, NL; and brother, Jim (Myrtle) Hackett, English Harbour East, NL; grandchildren, Lisa Pierce, Marianne Brown, Michael Pierce, Beth Dixon, Lorne Dixon, Tracey Hackett, Shaundalea Hackett, and Kyle Hackett. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marie; and brother, Ignatius. Visitation will be held today 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax. Funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Father Arsenault officiating. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or Lung Association of Nova Scotia. A very special thank you to the staff and nurses of Melville Gardens, Nightingale Services (Tom and Judy) and Capital Health Palliative Care. E-mail condolences: snowfh@alderwoods.com

HARDIMAN, Wilson
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 12, 2005
HARDIMAN, Wilson - 80, Greenwood, passed away December 11, 2005, in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Born in Point Rosie, NL, he was a son of the late John Thomas and Martha (Tibbo) Hardiman.

In his younger years, he served with the Merchant Navy on board a dynamite supply ship. He later became a deep sea fisherman, serving as first mate with Acadia Fisheries, Mulgrave. He later worked for J.B. Nickerson and then with National Sea Products. He was an avid Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays fan. Wilson loved all sports especially curling, golf and baseball. He also had a passion for the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Edith Blagdon, Greenwood; daughters, Judy Hardiman, Greenwood, with whom he resided; Cindy (Gordon) Hunt, Greenwood; Bonnie Hardiman, Greenwood; Angie Hardiman, Sydney; sons, Doug (Anne) Hardiman, Bridgewater; Kenneth Hardiman, Greenwood; Corey Hardiman, Greenwood; sisters, Florence Bartlett, Lunenburg; Gertrude Taylor, Grand Bank, NL; brother, Raymond Hardiman, Sheet Harbour; grandchildren, Lori Hunt, Lisa Hunt, Brittany Hardiman, Meghan Hardiman, Rhonda Bartlett, Shawn Casey, Marla Nickerson, Robert Hardiman; great-grandchildren, Dante Hardiman, Bradley Nickerson and Emily Nickerson. He will also be greatly missed by the family pet, Misti. He was predeceased by sisters, Rowena, Hilda, Anne, Theresa; brothers, James, Cecil, Charles, and Reg. Visitation will be held today from 7-9 p.m. and a funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 13, at 11 a.m., both in Middleton Funeral Home (902) 825-3448, with cremation to follow. By request, family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to the Lupus Society of Nova Scotia, Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of choice. On-line condolences to: middletonfh@ns.sympatico.ca

HODDER, Albert Maxwell "Max"
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 12, 2005
HODDER, Albert Maxwell "Max" - 87, Sherbrooke, Guysborough Co., formerly of Burin, NL, and Little Liscomb, Guysborough Co., died Saturday, December 10, 2005, in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Salmonier, NL, he was a son of the late James and Harriet (Dear) Hodder. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

At age 12, Max first went to sea as a fisherman and doryman, then, during the Second World War, he served on the supply ships out of Newfoundland. Max went on to Lunenburg where he served on the Bluenose under Captain Walters and following this, he moved to Ontario where he was employed on a farm. After a few years, Max returned to Halifax where he worked construction and also was an ice maker for the curling club. When Max's health began to deteriorate, he returned to Little Liscomb and was a member of St. Luke's Anglican Church. Max's final journey brought him to Maple Manor in Sherbrooke where he resided with his wife Irene and will be sadly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, the former Myrtle Irene Croft; several special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Sam, Jack, Bill, Thomas, and one in infancy; sisters, Elizabeth "Bessie" Evans, Louisa Whalen, Annie Beatrice Hodder, Francis Mitcher, Myrtle Mullins, Amelia "Millie" Fizzard. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service by request. Committal and prayers will take place Tuesday at 2 p.m. in St. Luke's Anglican Cemetery, Liscomb, with Rev. Sandy Murray officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke's Anglican Church or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home Ltd., St. Mary's Chapel, 34 Main St., Sherbrooke. On-line condolences may be made at: www.gwgiffin.com

KELLY, Margaret E. "Peggy"
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 15, 2005
KELLY, Margaret E. "Peggy" - 88, South River Road, Antigonish, passed away on December 14, 2005, in Harbour Stone Residential Centre, Sydney. Born in Corner Brook, NL, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Martha MacLeod. Surviving are sons, Leonard, Antigonish; Elmer Carmichael, Trenton; Jack, Truro; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Hugh; son, Stewart, and daughter, Jean. Cremation has taken place. Visitation in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish, Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral in C.L. Curry Funeral Home on Saturday at 10 a.m., Rev. Glen Kent presiding. Burial in South River Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. On-line condolences: www.clcurry.com

LeFRESNE, George Howard
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 7, 2005
LeFRESNE, George Howard - 92, Tatamagouche, passed away peacefully Monday, December 5, 2005, in Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, Tatamagouche, with his family at his side. Born in New Glasgow February 7, 1913, he was a son of the late Jabez and Elizabeth (Smith) LeFresne (Newfoundland).

Howard was active in community groups as a member of Sharon United Church, Liberty Lodge IOOF and Freedom Rebekah Lodge; a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Pictou and the Knights of Pythias in Oxford; chairman of the Tatamagouche Village Commission and highly involved with the economic and infrastructure development of Tatamagouche. He became an entrepreneur at the age of 12, supporting his family. Over the years, he held many jobs including auto mechanic from 1928-1934, owner and operator of the Oxford Bakery, 1936-1941. He sold the bakery to fight the Second World War on the home front at the shipyards in Pictou as a welder, then as foreman and finally teaching the skill of welding to both men and women from 1941-1947. As a master baker, he was the owner of the Sunrise Bakery in Tatamagouche from 1947-1980, working alongside his wife and brother-in-law. As an avid lover of water sports, he had one of the first water skiing families in Nova Scotia. On Sunday afternoons friends could watch the LeFresne family skiing down the Waugh's River, the Northumberland Strait or Lilly Lake. Howard water skied until he was 74 years old. He also enjoyed other outdoor activities such as plowing snow and driving his golf cart.

Surviving are his loving wife of 68 years, Pearl (Mattatall); children, Earl LeFresne, Ruth (Lee) Carruthers, Harris LeFresne, Jimmie (Shelley) LeFresne; grandchildren, Robert (Wanda) LeFresne, Alicia (Donnie) Mattinson, Michael (Charlene) Carruthers, Timothy (Tasha) Carruthers, Erin LeFresne, and Jane LeFresne; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Lindsay, Jessica, and Taylor. He was predeceased by brother, Joseph; sister, Myrtle Dunbar, and daughter-in-law, Margie, wife of Earl. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today in Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche. Liberty Lodge IOOF will conduct a tribute service in the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 8, in Sharon United Church, Tatamagouche, Rev. Bonnie Kelly officiating. Interment will be in Lockerby Memorial Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Sharon United Church, North Shore Health Services Foundation Hospital Renovation Project or any charity.

LUFKIN, Susan M.
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 24, 2005
LUFKIN, Susan M. - 44, Warren, Maine, died unexpectedly following a brief illness, Tuesday, December 20, 2005. Born in St. John's, NL, June 13, 1961, she was the daughter of Insp. George E. (RCMP, Retired) and Audrey Issacs (Clarke) Williams.

In 1966, she moved with her family to Prince Edward Island where she attended school. In 1968, the Williams family moved to Ottawa, residing there until returning to St. John's in 1976. Susan was a 1979 graduate of Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John's and a 1984 graduate of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, Owatonna, Minn. After graduating, she moved to Warren, Me., where her parents had resided since 1982. At that time, Sue was active in the newly established ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. While involved in that ministry, she met Terry Lufkin. July 14, 1985, they were married at Calvary Baptist Church. The couple resided in Warren. A devoted mother, Susan home schooled her children for the past 15 years. With her husband, she designed and built their first home. Her family noted that Sue never stopped working. Her father said that since the time Sue gave her life to Jesus Christ in 1977, she developed a sensitivity of seeing the needs of others and working until that need was met to honor her Lord and Savior.

Besides her husband and parents, Sue is survived by daughters, Melinda C. Lufkin, Lisa A.M. Lufkin, Rebecca E. Lufkin; son, John W.K. Lufkin; sisters, Margaret L. "Peggy" Snook, Sharon E. Emberley and her husband William, all of Halifax; Audrey Gwendolyn Richardson and her husband Brent, and brother, Greg "Wally" Williams and his wife Kathleen, all of Warren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be held in Maine. For a complete obituary please see: www.bchfh.com

OSMOND, Otto C.
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, December 12, 2005
OSMOND, Otto C. - 65, Marble Mountain, passed away at home Friday afternoon, December 9, 2005, in the company of his long-time companion, Michealette Barrington. Born in Jackson's Cove, NL, Otto was predeceased by his parents, Ivy (Pynn) (Osmond) England and Sandy Osmond, and nephew, Cory Osmond. Otto was a retired carpenter.

He is survived by his long-time partner, Michealette Barrington, Marble Mountain; sister, Gail Osmond, Deer Lake, NL; brother, Wayne (Rose), Pouce Coupe, B.C., and nephews, Jeffery, Christopher, and Jason; as well as stepdaughters, Frances (Norman) Oram, Hay Cove; Michealette MacDonald, Port Hawkesbury, and stepgrandsons, John and Matthew, Port Hawkesbury. There will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held Friday, December 16, at 1 p.m. in St. Matthew's United Church, Marble Mountain, Rev. Janet Blois officiating, private interment at a later date. A reception to follow at Marble Mountain Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Otto may be made to the L'Arche Cape Breton Workshop Fund. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com

RAFUSE (Humphries), Daphne Doreen
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, January 2, 2006
RAFUSE (Humphries), Daphne Doreen - 61, Chester. It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the death of our loving wife, mother, sister, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law on December 31, 2005, in the Palliative Care in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in Cape Freels, NL, she was a daughter of the late Maxwell and Lucy (Stagg) Humphries. Daphne is survived by her husband, Leonard "Jiggs"; daughter, Wendy, Antigonish; sister, Linda Humphries, St. John's, NL; mother-in-law, Gertrude Rafuse, Shoreham Village Home, Chester; sister-in-law, Margaret (Wayne) Nauss, Hubbards. Daphne had a beautiful heart and a smile for everyone. She was friendly, kind and brave. She was happiest with her family and friends. We will always be proud and grateful to have had her as a wife, mother, sister, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law. We all miss her wonderful hugs. She was predeceased by her father-in-law, Leonard Rafuse Sr. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. today in Davis Funeral Home, Chester. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday in St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Chester, Father Chinedu Chukwu officiating. Burial in Bayview Cemetery. Donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.