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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HATTER, Marven Karl - of Bedford, NS. It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Marven - beloved husband, father, Grampie and great Grampie. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving and caring family.
A kind and gentle man with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes - that was Dad. Dad was a man of great faith whose life focused around being and doing good; a light-hearted soul who was as easy as a Sunday morning, and always, truly, young at heart. Dad's favorite saying was "It's a good day to be alive." Throughout his life, he was always grateful for every moment and felt blessed by every person he met. Never an unkind word for anyone, Dad was not only a perfect gentleman but also a gentle man. A proud man with great humility who worked hard, and gave generously of his time to his many friends, his community, and especially to his beloved family.
Dad was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, to Jennie (Fagan) and Philip Mclaughlin and grew up in Port Elgin, New Brunswick. After the early passing of his parents, Dad, along with his brother and sister, was raised by his grandmother who instilled in him his strong work ethic, sense of duty, perseverance, the value of being a good listener, being measured in words, and who fostered in him a great respect for others. He was an intelligent man, an avid reader who grew up poor, in humble surroundings, and studied by kerosene lamp, graduating with honours from Saint Clement's High School at the age of 15. Dad pursued his studies, as he did his involvement in the sports of boxing and running, with great determination. He was proud to show his first place medal and to tell the story of the time when he was running in the 50 yard dash at Stadacona and lost one of his sneakers half way through, but still he pressed on and won the race.
Marven started his work career in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving on the HMCS Magnificent and HMCS Algonquin. He then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force based in CFB Chatham, NB. Upon departure from the Air Force, Marven prepared for his career in the insurance industry by completing his A.I.I.C. with the top mark in all of Canada. This started his long and successful career, working as an insurance adjuster at a national firm where he worked his way up to become the company's regional manager for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Although highly regarded in his career, Dad welcomed the opportunity to retire and spend time with his family. Dad's first and most important mission in life was being the husband to his one true love Muriel for over 59 years, as well as the leader, teacher, and protector of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren - all of whom he cherished. Dad was known to do "drive-by's" of his children's homes on his many evening drives around Bedford just to see that everything was in order. "Grampie" always had a pocket full of five dollar bills to pass out to his grandchildren - pretty much every time he saw them.
Throughout the years, Dad felt strongly about giving back to his community, becoming one of the original leaders of organized hockey in Spryfield, President of the GK Butler Home and School Association, served on the Atlantic PC Association, ran for city council, and was very active in the Insurance Claims Association of Nova Scotia, the Insurance Institute, the Honorable Order of Blue Goose, Insurance Anonymous and The City Club. More recently Marven and Muriel have been sponsoring a child from the Philippines through the Chalice organization.
Dad touched everyone who ever had the great honor of meeting him; and, immeasurably enriched the lives of those who had the wonderful blessing of being a member of his family - his most cherished legacy. Dad's strength, wisdom and compassion will live on in the hearts and in the lives of everyone who has known him.
Marven is predeceased by grandson, Jeffrey MacLean; brother, Frank Kingston of Dalhousie, NB; sister, Lorraine Patrick, Los Angeles, CA; and his favorite aunt, Eva Brown, Halifax. Survived by his loving and caring wife and soul mate, Muriel (Horne) of 59 years; sons, Bill (JoAnn), Mike (Pam), Dave (Christine); daughters, Lori (Rod) MacLean, Lisa (Frans) Heidweiller; brother, Jack Fagan, Edmonton, AB; sister-in-law, Margie Kingston, Dalhousie, NB; grandchildren, Jennifer, Bill (Raylene), Brittany (Terrance), Michelle (Jordon), Melani , Justin, Kelli, Courtney, Tyler, Andre, Richard, Kimberley, Chris, Matthew, and Christopher; great grandchildren, Ryker, Zane, Quinn & Baby MacLean to arrive in October. The most recent member of the family, Braxton Marven, was born just three hours before Grampie's passing. Grampie, always putting others first, waited to know that Braxton had safely arrived into this world, before his passing.
The family would like to offer many thanks to the doctors and nurses at 8.4, Halifax Infirmary, and 5A - VG Site, also to Dr. Robert Scovil for the great care and attention he gave to Marven and to our family. Visitation on Thurs. Oct. 2 @ 2-4pm & 7-9pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax (902-455-0531). Funeral Service to be held Fri. Oct. 3 at 2pm @ St. Ignatius Church Bedford, NS. Reception to follow. Father John DeCoste & Deacon Tom Smith officiating. Family interment at Brookside Cemetery at a later date. Donations to Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society-www.craigscause.ca would be greatly appreciated.
"Sometimes in life one is fortunate enough to meet someone who does not have to say many words or be the center of attention to get an everlasting message of strength and kindness through that will carry on with you forever." (Dignity Memorial)
Ships served in:
(MH01) CORNWALLIS platoon photo (MH02) Marven Hatter and unknown friend in front of St-Laurent block at HMCS CORNWALLIS
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