Eldred Leon Cove, 85, of Amherst, NS, son of the late John and Gladys (Brooks) Cove passed away on Aug. 13, 2015, a month after making the very difficult and brave decision to discontinue his dialysis treatment. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice he decided it was time to go and much like most things he did in his life, he preferred to face his final journey with quiet dignity and without a fuss.
He leaves behind his grieving children: Shelley, Tammy (Bruce) Brooks, Dale (DeeDee), Susan (Larry) Hunter; his grandchildren: JD Brooks, Miranda Brooks, Caitlyn MacDonald, Catherine Belliveau; great grandchildren: Claire Stubbs and JysellaDee Brooks. He is also survived by his brothers: Wyman (Grace), Edwin (Beatrice), David (Barb) and Darrell (Lori), his sisters: Marilyn (Gary) Humphrey, Bev Fox; sister-in-law and dear friend Pat; and many nieces and nephews, including special niece and friend, Jackie (Lorne) Boutillier.
We would be remiss if we did not also include the wonderful staff of the Georges L. Dumont Hospital’s dialysis ward, especially those in the home dialysis unit, who over the past 13 years became like a second family to Dad. The compassion, caring and outstanding medical care you gave to Dad did not go unnoticed.
Besides his parents he was also predeceased by Marjorie (Ogden) his wife of almost 60 years and his beloved brother John.
Dad was an auto mechanic for more than 40 years, first at Murdock Motors and then for many years at Tantramar Motors, both in Amherst, NS. He also taught mechanics courses in the evenings for many years. He was a knowledgeable and principled man who not only took great satisfaction from his work but also in sharing his vast knowledge of all things mechanical with anyone who asked his advice.
His passion was reserved for old classics and hot rods and although sadly he never got to have one of his own, his hands have helped breathe new life into many classic cars still on the road today.
He had a kind of magic when it came to repairing these old beauties and to this day there are "car guys" who claim Dad was the only mechanic in the area who could properly tune a tri-power carburetor set up.
Old school in his work ethic, he rarely let anything keep him from the task at hand whether it meant using black electrical tape to hold a sliced fingertip on or working through a bad bout of pneumonia. When Dad was working on it the job got done.
A lifetime learner Dad sought knowledge; he loved to read, the peace and quiet of a walk in the woods and discovering new things, but mostly he loved his kids. Though a man of few words he made his feelings for us abundantly clear through his many sacrifices and long hours of hard work to ensure we were well taken care of. His inspections of our vehicles, whether wagons, bicycles or cars, were always conducted with the thoroughness of a man who didn’t ever take his kids’ safety for granted. Long before seatbelts were mandatory, he installed them in his old ‘65 Chev Malibu, to ensure we were safe and secure and possibly to keep four little kids from driving him crazy on long holiday drives.
With his passing we are left with only the valuable lessons and wonderful memories he’s given us and with the hope that somewhere he’s racing down the highway in the bright red hot rod of his dreams.
According to Dad’s wishes his remains were cremated and an informal gathering in his memory will be held from 2 to 4 pm on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Furlong’s Funeral Home on 70 Church Street in Amherst.
Dad’s final road trip will begin at 4 pm immediately following the gathering. The procession will leave Furlong’s Funeral Home in Amherst, NS and proceed to the Amherst Head Cemetery on Beecham Road. If any classic, antique or hot rod car owners would like to join us on this special cruise it would be much appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Eldred's online memorial at www.furlongjones.ca or through the funeral home Facebook page.