WELL KNOWN TRURO AREA MAN PASSES

RIPLEY, Robert Douglas “Bob” – 94, Valley, Colchester County, passed away at home on Thursday evening, October 9, 2014, after a lengthy illness. Born March 1, 1920, in Truro, he was a son of the late James Trueman and Hannah Anne (MacPherson) Ripley. He attended Truro schools and for a short time was employed with Canadian National Railway. At the age of 21, and while and employee of CNR, he was a victim of a tragic railroad accident and became a double amputee. With great strength and courage, he opened Ripley’s General Store in 1945 and operated that business at Valley for almost 50 years. For many years, he was the recipient of “Outstanding Achievement” awards from Texaco Canada Limited. Throughout his entire life, he was fiercely proud of his family and despite his physical handicap, he truly captured the human story. He continued to play the violin, hunt and always made those he came in contact with a richer person. He loved the woods and treasured the many happy memories of trips to his hunting camp at Mount Thom. His sense of humour was legendary and he valued his many customers and friends, many of whom continued to visit him long after his retirement. He was comforting, wise, gentle and strong. A life-long member of the Progressive Conservative Party, he had a keen interest in the affairs of his province and country. He was well-known for his people skills and honoured to be a member of North Nova Scotia Highlanders Memory Club. He was a member of Valley United Church where he was a member of the choir and served on numerous church committees for many years. He also served as Trustee of Valley Elementary School, was a former member of Board of Directors of Childrens Aid Society of Colchester County and was a Commissioner of Oaths for the Province of Nova Scotia. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Edith Rebecca (Seaman); son, Robert, Halifax; daughter, Margaret (John) MacIntyre, Kingsville; sister, Doris Kaye, Bedford; numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Chipman (Yarmouth); brother, Donald (Ingleside, Ontario). Special thanks are extended to the dedicated and caring staff of Earth Angels Home Care, Truro, and Dr. Tanya Munroe. Robert’s family will receive friends from 2-4, 7-9 p.m., Sunday, October 12, 2014, in Valley United Church, 110 Salmon River Road, Valley, where the funeral service will also take place 2 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2014, Reverend Mary J. White officiating. Interment in Crossroads Cemetery. Reception will follow in Valley Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or Colchester Historical Society are welcomed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Robert’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com