Person Page - 1166

Born and raised in Trenton, Pictou County, Wally was the son of Gordon and Helen (Bezanson). He is survived by his wife, Nelda (Balfour); son David and daughter Susan; brother, Jim (Mary Ann); sister-in-law, Dayle (Whidden); nephew, Dennis (Rachel); niece, Lindsay, and grandchildren, Charlie, Madeleine, Victoria and Alison. He was predeceased by his brother, Gary.

Wally always treasured his family, friends and community mentors who played very important roles in his life. After being employed with the Bank of Nova Scotia and graduating with a business degree from Acadia University, he worked in Ontario with DuPont Canada. He later pursued a Master’s Degree in Education and a teaching career in the Annapolis Valley.

In 1966, he married the love of his life and soul mate, Nelda, and settled into a career in education. Wally thoroughly enjoyed teaching and coaching sports at many levels, as well as his professional work at the Nova Scotia School Administrators Association. Work, sports, music and travel were vital components to his life. He tirelessly motivated young people to be involved in extracurricular pursuits as a vital part of their growth and development, inspiring them to be their best and to "give back" to their community whenever possible.

Wally was proud of his own family’s many educational and sporting accomplishments, and especially with the many tennis matches that he and his son won as "doubles" partners. Another memorable occasion was when he and his two brothers created a basketball team quickly with a few friends, and won the provincial championship in 1980. He always encouraged young people to achieve their goals, work hard, help others, be kind, "be thankful and enjoy each day."

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, with special thanks to his multiple medical teams, the VON, and his many sports and dancing friends. Cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be held between 3-6pm on Sunday, March 24th at White Family Funeral Home in Kentville, NS.²

HUMPHREYS, Gordon Gary

'Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.' As a Buddhist, those words always had a special resonance for Gary, particularly so in his later years. A lover of life and all its simple joys, playing sports was one of the things Gary loved best. He was a tough competitor on the basketball court (no matter how much younger the opponent) and he had fond memories of his years spent as assistant coach of the St. F. X. women's basketball team. He also loved a good game of chess, good conversation, good music and a good laugh.

Born in Trenton, he was a son of Gordon and Helen (Bezanson).

Gary is survived by wife, Dayle (Whidden); son, Ben; daughter, Lindsay; brother, Wally and sister-in-law, Nelda (Balfour), and brother, Jimmy and sister-in-law, Mary Anne (Earle).

Big hearted and kind to everyone he met, he made genuine connections everywhere his life took him and was dearly loved by many. Knowing what was to come, Gary spent his last weeks at home in quiet contemplation, appreciating the bliss he found in life's daily moments. He was surrounded by the loving care of close friends and family, including Sunny Gupta, who was like a son to him.

Gary passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018 at the age of 67, just hours after a beautiful trip to Peggy's Cove.

Cremation has taken place, and family and friends will be invited to gather for a celebration of Gary's life. Stories, memories and photos of him would be greatly appreciated by the family and can be sent to: FortheloveofGary@outlook.com. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, with special thanks to Dr. John Chiasson.²

Janie Ethel Fraser (nee Bezanson)

Janie passed peacefully Thursday, April 4th, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia where she later trained at the Aberdeen School of Nursing. She resided, during her early years, in Westville, Nova Scotia and there she met and married her life-long love Robert William Fraser.

Janie is survived by her husband Robert; children Erin Jean (William) Klassen and Christopher James Fraser. Regrettably, she leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Riley John Crawford, Henry Howell Klassen, Frances Moranne Klassen and June Poppy Klassen. She always said, "You do not know how much love your heart can hold until someone calls you Nana."

She also leaves behind her much treasured brothers and their wives Brian and Linda Bezanson (of Dartmouth); Barry and Rosalind Bezanson (of Victoria); brothers-in-law and their wives David Fraser and Kathryn McMahon (of England); Michael and Lisa Howlett (of Ontario) along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Janie was predeceased by her parents Art and Betty Bezanson; father and mother-in-law Dr. Henry and Jean Fraser and sister-in-law Jane Howlett.

Janie nursed for 8 years at St. Mary's Hospital in Timmins and at both hospitals in St. Catharines, Ontario. Leaving her working life in the hospitals behind, the pride of her career was working with the wonderful personal support workers and office staff of the Canadian Red Cross, Community Health Services. She felt those ladies and gentlemen were truly the angels we have here on earth and it was her honour to share her days with theirs.

She worked for 19 years as Supervisor, Manager and then Regional Director of the Canadian Red Cross. Janie loved being at Robert's side and spending time with their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed planning special birthday gatherings to see the delight of a decorated table reflected in the eyes of someone else. Relaxing around the pool with friends in the summer; visiting with friends and family in Nova Scotia; enjoying the sandy beaches down south in the winter; cruising with loved ones were always memory makers, especially with a glass of Riesling in hand. We will miss those wonderful moments but now have cherished memories to carry in our hearts.

According to Janie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation to be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Pleasantview Funeral Home, 2000 Merrittville Hwy., Thorold, Ontario (905-892-1699). A Graveside Service will take place at 11:30 am at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens with a reception to follow at the Funeral Home.²