Kenneth Leo “Ken” MacFarlane, 86, of the Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow formerly of Stellarton passed away April 11, 2015 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Truro on August 3, 1928 he was a son of the late Frederick James and Zylpha (Wheaton) MacFarlane.
Ken grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia in a large blended family, having been the youngest of 17 children. His first job was a night watchman position at the local Stanfield’s Plant. He married Ruth Davis, his high school sweetheart on July 27, 1950, and moved to the Annapolis Valley to pursue a career as a high tension lineman for the NS Light and Power Company. The family then moved to Stellarton in 1956, where, he started his own electrical contracting company, Lightning Electric Limited, having worked as an electrical contractor on many of the commercial, industrial and residential developments in the Pictou County and Port Hawkesbury areas until his retirement in 2000. All of his five sons worked for his company at some point, with three becoming professional electricians.
He was a member of the Stellarton Lions Club, serving as King Lion in 1974. He was a member of Fuller I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 5 until its closure, serving as Secretary for many years. He was a member of Sharon St. John United Church, serving on several boards over the years. He was also a member of a men’s barber shop style chorale for several years, singing tenor and later bass roles. Ken and Ruth danced with the Trenton Twirlers for several years. A hunter and woodsmen of the highest order, Ken was also a member of the Thistle Handgun Club where he won many provincial and national competitions on behalf of the club and the province.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Ruth Thelma MacFarlane, Stellarton; five sons: David (Marlene),Hantsport; Chris(Veronica), Stellarton; Kimberley(Debbie),Stellarton; Gregory (Sylvie),Ottawa; Robert(Claire), Eureka; a sister Alice Rose Boutilier, Truro. He was affectionately known as “Grampie Grizz” by his grandchildren, Shaun, Meaghan, Chrisgina (Kevin)Avery, Violet, Elizabeth, Brittany, Maxim, Ian, Kristen and Kimberlee; and 6 great-grandchildren, Karleigh, Sienna, Christopher, Luke, Kennedy Ruth and Joseph.
He was predeceased by a granddaughter Victoria Ashley, brothers, Cecil MacFarlane, George MacFarlane, Frederick MacFarlane; Burton Griffith, Joseph Griffith, David MacFarlane, Herbert MacFarlane, Dexter MacFarlane in infancy, sisters, Elsie Forrester, Bessie Blades, Evalina Griffith, Lillian Etter, Jacqueline MacIndoe, Harriet Langille and Elixis in infancy.
His remains will rest at the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow for visiting after 7pm Monday. Funeral services will be held at 2pm Tuesday from the Sharon St. John United Church, Stellarton with Anne Hoganson presiding. Burial will take place at a later date at Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Ken may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
The family want to express their sincerest appreciation to Dr. Watters and staff of the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital for the excellent care provided to Ken, as well as to the staff of the Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow.
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