Lawrence Arthur Fife of Mapleton, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 13, 2011 in Moncton City Hospital with his daughters at his bedside. He was proud to say he was “in his 86th year”.
Born in New Canaan, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Percy Samuel and Laura Mae (Wright) Fife.
Lawrence began his early working years in the lumber camps, logging and cooking. He also picked apples in the Annapolis Valley were he met and married, Annie Keizer, his wife of 57 years.
After marriage, Lawrence worked in the Springhill coal mines before becoming a heavy duty diesel mechanic. In 1958, he and his family moved to Cape Breton where he worked as a mechanic until he returned to Mapleton in 1970 and worked in Springhill until his retirement.
Lawrence was a very active member of the Mapleton United Church and sang in the choir. He was a 4-H leader, hunter safety instructor, and a faithful AA member for many years.
Some of his interests included feeding the birds, gardening, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. He enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends.
He spent a lot of time just sitting in his car on Main Street in Springhill and talking to whoever stopped by. He had a great sense of humor and wit, and an exceptional memory.
Lawrence was a “Jack of all trades” and could repair or build almost anything. He was punctual, knowledgeable, a very hard worker, and always willing to lend a helping hand
He was an excellent cook and housekeeper and took pride in all he did. He was a kind, caring man, but could and would certainly speak his mind and opinion.
Lawrence was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed all of his family and was very proud of their accomplishments.
Life was not always kind to Lawrence, but he persevered. In his last years, ill health prevented him from doing most activities, but he was determined to stay in his own home with the help of Home Care, VON, family, friends and his wonderful neighbors.
He will be sadly missed by daughters, Lorna (David Tuffs) Fife, Unity, Saskatchewan, and Rosalee (Kevin Gaudet) Carmichael, East River, NS; grandchildren, Corey (Sarah) Matheson, Kathy (Scott) Matheson Rann, Adam and Alix Tuffs, Kyle and Evan Chute; great grandchildren, Jake and Stella Rann, and Norah Matheson; son-in-law, Angus Matheson, Truro; brother, Russell (Justine) Fife, New Canaan, and sister, Wanita Lewis, Leamington, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Annie Fife; daughter, Donna Katherine; infant daughter, Marilyn Elaine; son-in-law, Dale Carmichael; and sisters, Leavina and Grace.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill (902 597 2361) where visitation will be held 7 – 9 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2011. Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2011 from the Funeral Home with the Reverend Elizabeth Davies officiating. Burial in New Canaan Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Canaan Cemetery or the Mapleton United Church would be appreciated.
God Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change.
www.brownsfuneralhome.com