Albert Vincent 'Vince' Ells
Born In: Selmah
Passed on: April 27th, 2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Albert Vincent Ells.
Vince, who just recently turned 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Feb. 20, 1924, in Selmah, Hants Co., Vince was the son of the late Arthur and Winifred Ells.
At a very young age, Vince enlisted in the Canadian Army and served his country overseas in France, Belgium and Holland during the Second World War. He was decorated with the 1939-1945 France Star, the Germany Star as well as the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. Upon his discharge, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Freda (Scott) Ells on Oct. 14, 1946.
After selling his Super Line Service Station in Walton, Hants Co., Vince secured work in the construction industry in Cape Breton in 1950 and for the next four years, travelled home on weekends to be with his family. In 1954 the family finally relocated to Westmount where they still reside. After being a superintendent with several construction firms, Vince formed and operated his own successful construction company, Ells and Sawlor Limited, until his retirement in 1991.
Vince was a member and elder of Westmount United Church where he supervised the building of the upper sanctuary. In 1947, Vince joined the Royal Canadian Legion in Kennetcook and later transferred to Westside Legion, Branch 126 and in 1996 received his 50-year medal.
He was a member of WD Lawrence Masonic Lodge and transferred to Eastgate Lodge 127 and in 1997 received his 50-year jewel. Vince was also a life member of Order of Eastern Star, Queen Elizabeth Chapter and served two terms as Worthy Grand Patron of N.S. and P.E.I. Vince was a charter member of Court Weatherby of the Canadian Order of Foresters (IOF).
In 1957, Vince helped form the Westmount Volunteer Fire Department and served as fire chief for 31 consecutive years and was instrumental in rebuilding the fire hall after a tragic fire destroyed most of the structure in 1989. He was a life member of Maritime Fire Chiefs and Honorary Member of both the Westmount Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Chief Fire Officers Association. He was also an honorary life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Westmount Volunteer Fire Department.
He was selected by community council as the Citizen of the Year in 1974 in what was then District 8. Vince was a proud member of Harbourside Seniors as well as the Sydney Pensioners Club. He was also presented with a life membership for 50 years of continuous affiliation with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners, Local 1588. Vince loved hunting, fishing, bowling, a good game of tarabish and had an avid interest in restoring antique cars.
Our father was very active in his community and was always willing to help anyone who was in need of his skills or assistance. He truly was an all-around handyman as there was not much he could not build or fix. He was a true gentleman who still believed that a man's handshake was his word. He had a keen sense of humour which he retained even on his darkest days.
Vincent is survived by his devoted wife of over 66 years, Freda and was a proud father to his daughters, Maralyn (Jerome) Ralph and his children Daniel and Scott; Alda Breen and his only son, Art. He will also be lovingly remembered and missed by his grandchildren, Tracey Grabher, Michelle (Steve) Lawrence, Troy Grabher and his fiancée, Jennifer Holm and her children Carleigh and Kendall MacKenzie, Jason Breen and his fiancée, Leanne Beaton and Darren (Jennifer) Ells. His great-granddaughters, McKenzie and Kaitlyn Paiva, Jayda Lawrence and Baby Girl Ells who will arrive in June held a special place in his heart.
Vincent was predeceased by his parents, his only sister, Del (Ian) Cotterill and by Alda’s fiancée, (Singing) Peter MacDonald.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to dad’s physician for almost 40 years, Dr. Glenn Gracie. We also feel indebted to his wonderful Earth Angels, Debbie Caines and Bonnie Clark. Without their caring and compassion, and the wonderful support provided by the VON, the Palliative Care team of doctors, his nurse Jackie Barrett, DVA, and his Homecare workers Clayton, Robert, JR, Dave and Donald, as well as many others who became like part of the family. Without all of them, Dad would not have been able to have his wish to leave this world from the comfort of the home he lovingly built.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, April 30 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Ironically, Dad built and remodelled Sydney Memorial Chapel when they first started in the funeral business. A Legion Service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate Vince’s life will be held at Westmount United Church on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Bob Biggar and Rev. Tommy Whent officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.
As per his wishes, cremation will take place with burial in Selmah United Church cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to An Cala Hospice-Palliative Care, the VON or a charity of one's choice.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorial.ca or sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
