STELLARTON – Orville Thomas Symonds (Big O), 70, of Stellarton, NS passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in the Palliative Care Unit, Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Clarks Harbour, NS, he was a son of the late Thomas and Lura Symonds.
Orville enlisted in the R.C.A.F. at 17 and after five years of service he then joined the Ontario Provincial Police. Later, he was employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs from where he retired with 25 years of service. Always interested in his community, Orville served as a member of the Nova Scotia Police Review Board, Past President of Abercrombie Golf Club, member of Stellarton Lions Club, Bluenose Curling Club, Stellarton Legion, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council, and the Tim Horton’s Group who met at the local mall. Orville was a cheerful, well liked gentleman whose passions were his family and his golf. He will be remembered for his many stories, which were often taller than himself.
Orville is survived by his wife, Jean (Sutherland); son, Kirk (Dawn), Bridgewater, NS.
He was predeceased by an infant son, Scott; and brother, George.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation by request. A memorial mass will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Reception will follow at the Sister Catherine Steele Center.
Donations in Orville’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, Aberdeen Hospital or the Pictou County S.P.C.A.
Arrangements are under the direction of the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton.
angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca