ILLSLEY, Clyde Avery - age 98, of Berwick, Kings Co., passed away peacefully at Grand View Manor, Berwick, on October 8, 2015. Clyde was born on September 8, 1917 and lived his first 10 years in Falmouth, Hants Co. moving to Berwick in 1928. He was the son of the late Earl and Frances (Church) Illsley. Clyde graduated from Berwick High School, then attended the Ontario Agricultural College receiving a diploma in Dairy Science in 1935, and later working at the family Creamery business for 30 years. Following that period he moved to the gas business working with ESSO in South Berwick and Kentville. Clyde was a member of the Berwick Baptist Church serving on many committees and as a Deacon on two occasions. He was made a life time Honorary Deacon four years ago. Clyde has had a lifelong love of the Masonic Order. He was a member and of Valley Lodge No. 90, A.F. & A.M., Berwick; serving in many offices including: Master, Grand Steward, District Grand Chaplain and had recently been presented with his 65 year bar. Clyde enjoyed being a member of the third degree drama team that put on degree work at different lodges travelling throughout Western Nova Scotia. He received the Meritorious Service Award in 1985. Clyde was also a member of Cornwallis Chapter No. 26, Royal Arch Masons, Kentville, having received his 50 year jewel and also a member of Adoniram Council No. 10, Royal and Select Masters of Canada, Wolfville. He was a Charter Member of Laurel Chapter No. 67, Order of the Eastern Star, Berwick, where he served as Patron. In 1940, Clyde joined the Berwick & District Volunteer Fire Department and was an active fire fighter for 25 years serving as Fire Chief in the early 1950’s. He also served on the Western Kings Memorial Hospital Board for 25 years and as Chairman of the Board for three years. As well Clyde was a former member and Chairman of the Berwick School Board. He was a lifelong member of the Liberal Party of Canada and a strong backer of the Party and its principles. Clyde was past President of the Kings West Liberal Association and served as its Treasurer for over 20 years. As well He served as the Returning Officer for Kings West in four elections. In this role Clyde really enjoyed the interaction with all the parties of different stripes. He was a Charter member of the Berwick Gala Day Committee and of the Berwick & District Lions Club. Clyde was also a member and past President of the Berwick & District Board of Trade. He was made an Honorary Member of the Berwick Cemetery Company in recognition of serving as an active member for 45 years. Clyde was predeceased, in 2011, by his wife of 71 years, Vesta (Burgess) Illsley, an infant son, sister, Aleda Meloche, brother, Ronald Illsley and his stepmother, Gladys (Rockwell) Illsley. He is survived by his son, Garth Clyde (Gloria) Illsley; daughter, Joyce Ann (Wayne) Amirault, as well as four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A masonic tribute was held at 6 p.m., Sunday, October 11, followed by visitation from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., in the Chipman Annex of the Berwick Baptist Church, 265 Commercial St., Berwick. The funeral service followed by a reception took place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 12, in the Berwick Baptist Church. Rev. Sarah Scott officiated, with Interment in the Berwick Cemetery. Donations in Clyde’s memory may be made to the Berwick Baptist Church, Berwick Cemetery Company or Berwick & District Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1 (855) 825-3448. On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com