Central West River – Robert “Neil” Firth, 64, of Central West River, passed away peacefully September 25, 2009 in the Palliative Care Unit of Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with his family by his side.
Born in Pictou, he was a son of the late Gordon and Mildred (Haley) Firth.
Neil was a graduate Pictou Academy. He always had a great passion for planes and in his younger days became a recreational pilot.
He was employed as “The Best” steam fitter/pipe welder, and worked in various construction jobs throughout Canada, retiring from Scott Paper in Abercrombie.
As a hobby, Neil spent many hours making ‘Cub Cars’ with his boys and won numerous competitions throughout the Maritimes.
He was a very compassionate man, with a huge heart and an unconditional love for animals.
Neil is survived by his four sons: Shawn, Coquitlam, B.C.; Jason, Salt Springs; Ryan (Lisa), Halifax; Christopher, Calgary, AB; a grandson, Nathan; brothers, Gordon (Geraldine), Pictou; and Bob, Green Hill; step-brother, Dale MacMaster, Hamilton, ON; step-sisters: Betty (Victor) Dickie, Brookfield; Shirley Davis, Barrie, O.N.; Helen (Ronnie) Eastcott, Debert; sister-in-law, Phyllis MacMaster, Oxford; brother-in-law, Bill Johnson, Seafoam; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and four legged best friend, Newton.
He was predeceased by his sister, Thelma Johnson and step-brother, Frank MacMaster.
Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday from McLaren Funeral Home Chapel, Pictou, with Neil’s cousin, Rev. Joanne Vines officiating.
Burial will be in Haliburton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Neil’s memory may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit, Pictou County SPCA, or a charity of your choice.