RATCHFORD, DAVID ANDREW, CA - David Ratchford, age 77, of Halifax, formerly of Bathurst, New Brunswick, died June 23rd, 2014 at the VG site of the QEII. Born in Mount Royal, Quebec, David was the son of the late Cyril and Dorothy (Christie) Ratchford of Amherst, NS. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Veronica (Doucet), his daughters Kathy Ratchford, Brampton, ON; Debbie Ratchford (Mike Schofield), Halifax, as well as their mother, Loretta Horne, Moncton, NB; step-daughters Natalie Jewell, Halifax; Krista Elliott (Keith), Wallace, NS; and sister Nancy Lipscomb (Joe), Alvin, TX, as well as his five grandsons and an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his son, Frederick Cyril (Teddy) Ratchford. David graduated from Mount Allison University in 1960, where he was known as a hard hitting defenseman on the varsity hockey team. He attained his Chartered Accountancy designation in 1964, and while working with H.R. Doane & Company, lived in Halifax, Sydney, Windsor, and Digby NS, before settling in Bathurst, NB where he resided from 1970 to 2012. David was a devoted and kind husband to Veronica. Throughout their 31years together, they were each other's support, comfort and best friends. They shared many wonderful memories and milestones, and always drew strength and joy from their marriage. David was loved and respected among his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Whether dancing to Chuck Berry, or making himself laugh long before getting to the punch line of one of his notoriously corny jokes, David could always be counted upon for a laugh, a smile, and an eternally youthful sense of fun. His passions included visiting the family cottage in Tidnish, NS; golfing at Gowan Brae; turning down the thermostat; cheering on the Red Sox; and playing or watching hockey. His kind heart and boundless generosity extended to his family and friends, his series of pet cats, and anybody else who was fortunate enough to know him.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 27th from 7 to 9pm at Elhatton’s Funeral Home in Bathurst, NB. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30am at Saint George's Anglican Church, Bathurst, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the Teddy Ratchford Memorial Scholarship fund. For more information please visit www.elhatton.com.