FORMER KENTVILLE MAYOR PASSES AWAY

With treasured memories of a life well lived and hearts filled with sadness, we the family of R. Arthur “Art” Pope announce his peaceful passing on Friday, June 22, 2012 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville surrounded by his loving family. Born in Halifax on November 5, 1924, Art was the son of the late Wilfred Arthur and Lillian Cedela (Huelin) Pope. He attended Richmond School where he became very involved with the Sea Cadet movement. He also attended Queen Elizabeth High School. Art served overseas in the Second World War with the North Shore New Brunswick Regiment and was wounded in Holland near the end of the war. He remained overseas with the occupation forces in Germany. He returned to civilian life and moved to the Annapolis Valley as a Commercial Traveller with Building Products of Canada. He later opened a branch of Argo flooring becoming a merchant in downtown Kentville and New Minas. Art ended his working career as the first Curator of the Old Kings Courthouse Museum in Kentville which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was involved in municipal politics spanning over 30 years with the Town of Kentville. He served four terms as Councillor, Deputy Mayor, ending his political life as Mayor from 1994-1997. He was involved in minor hockey with sons, Rick and Scott and served on the Minor Hockey Council for Hockey Nova Scotia. He was also a former member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Kings Branch No. 6, Kentville, a member of the Kentville Lions Club, Past President of the Kings County Commercial Travelers Club and the Kentville and Area Board of Trade being awarded honourary membership in the Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce. He could often be seen out and about, enjoying his walks. Art’s greatest joy in life was his family, for which he had unending love, pride and admiration. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol; son, Rick (Susan), Dartmouth; daughters, Robin, Halifax; Kimberly (Bill) Barlett, Burlington, Ontario; Jennifer (David) Pope-Waterbury, Kentville; son, Scott, Kentville; his cherished grandchildren, Adam and Jessica Pope; Laura, Faith and Andrew Barlett; Jordan and Katherine Waterbury; several special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Anne Grant and Joan Lanigan; brother, Wilfred. Art was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Cremation has taken place. Visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service took place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in St. James Anglican Church, Kentville, Reverend Cathy Pharo officiating. A private interment for immediate family took place in the Garden of Rest Cemetery, Parish of St. James. A reception followed in the upper church hall. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to St. James Anglican Church, Kings Historical Society or Valley Regional Hospital Foundation. We the family, would like to thank the medical staff of Valley Regional Hospital and special thanks to Dr. Michael Sinclair, Reverend Cathy Pharo and Reverend Sandra Fyfe for all your care and concern over the last month. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.