Arthur George Chapman "Mannie" SEARS, 70, Brookfield died peacefully April 27, 2009, at home.
Arthur was the son of the late Arthur and Annie Sears and was born in the mining town of Springhill, N.S. in 1938. He was very proud of his family and the work ethic instilled in him by his parents.
He spent many summers of his youth in Peggy’s Cove where he sold seashells to tourists. It was a special place to him. Striking off for Dartmouth in the ‘53 Ford, Mannie met the love of his life (by the luck of the draw) and married Beverly Graham, RN.
He trained in accounting at HR Doane & Co. He worked with the City of Dartmouth, Western Furniture and moved to Brookfield in 1967 to work with Halliday Craftsman in Truro, becoming general manager.
In 1985, along with his son Luther, he built and operated The Home Place Building Supply store. Taking a sincere interest in people, his valued customers became his friends.
As a goalie he played minor and high school hockey and in later years had a shutout at the Metro Center with the Truro Flames Old Timers. He cheered on the Leafs and always enjoyed a game of pond hockey. Art served as treasurer of the fundraising campaign for the Sportsplex in Brookfield.
His strong faith in Jesus Christ has been the foundation of his life. He worked for the Lord through First Baptist Church (Dartmouth) and then at Brookfield Baptist Church where he served as treasurer, chair of deacons, choir member and Sunday school teacher.
He had a deep love and pride for his family and they will always cherish the memories of happy times together. The Sears’ could be found loaded in the old station wagon pulling a camper exploring the province or on a hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. He enjoyed political debate and was a supporter of small government. He was thrilled to have met Jimmy Carter.
Over the past number of years, he loved times at his beloved Moose River enjoying the simple beauty of creation, clam digging, dulse harvesting and fossil hunting.
He is survived by his wife Beverly; his children: Sheila, and son Anthony; Luther (Joyce) and daughters Cassandra, Allison and Sarah; Andrew (Jill) and children Rachel and Rowan; daughter–in-law Kim and daughters Chelsea and Melody; Hilary (Wayne) and daughter Meredith; Joel (Anette) and children Javier, Randy, Annie, Leahana and Alana; his sisters Kay, Cassie, Betty, Janice, Linda and brother David; many nieces, nephews and Graham in-laws.
He was predeceased by son Philip and infant daughter Jocelyn; sisters Barb, Sheila, Judy and Mary Ellen; brothers Graham and Kenny.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, April 29 from 4 to 7 p.m., both in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro; funeral service on Thursday, April 30 at 11 a.m. in Brookfield Baptist Church with Rev. Frank Locke and Rev. Daniel Cormier officiating.
Family flowers only. Donations in his memory may be made to Brookfield Baptist Church or the Nova Scotia Liver Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.colchestercommunity.com