|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
FELTHAM, Vaughn Eric - It’s strange the things that pop in your head when you sit down and think about the life of someone. I know for some its all about their accomplishments, great deeds, world travels. We all started somewhere, worked somewhere, had families-either by blood or by choice. While these are all wonderful things, sometimes it’s the little moments that stand out in our minds.
Dad was born in the small community of Northport on the Shinimicas River in Cumberland County. The eldest child of Eva (Pipes) and Charles Feltham, he had two brothers, Russell (Vivian) and Glen (Anne) and a little sister, Linda (Richard).
At the age of 17, Dad joined the Canadian Navy and started seeing the world. In 1960 he married Bonita Jean Lewis and by 1968, they added five children to their family, Allen (Pat), Laurie, Eva (Steven), Mark (Lorraine) and Yvonne (Mark).
Away at sea for many of our younger years, he missed out on so much but made the most of his time at home. I remember those big cans of Quality Street candy he would bring back with him. A pretty piece of jewelry for Mom. Refilling our cases of Pop Shoppe pop and going to the drive-in in our pajamas. Trips up to Nanny and Grampy’s at the shore and always stopping at the Fundy Dairy Bar for ice cream on the way. Digging clams in the river and raiding Nanny’s garden for peas and rhubarb.
Dad left the military after 22 years and settled into civilian life on the South Shore working at Michelin. It wasn’t an easy transition for any of us. Dad was a very independent, strong willed person and so were his children. Though we occasionally clashed, sometimes spectacularly, Dad only wanted what was best for his family. And still, there were those trips to Northport, until the passing of his father in February 1992 and his mother in March 1994.
Eventually, Dad retired again and embraced his two favorite hobbies…. gardening and woodworking. Every year, Dad’s garden got bigger, and my son loved “shopping” in Grampy’s yard. I wasn’t sure if it was for the fresh vegetables or because he loved the rainbow of colors between the rows. You see, Dad had a love of exotic wood, and he would spread the sawdust between the rows of his garden. Yellow! Red! Purple! It was a sight to see. I lost count of the number of beds my Dad built. My son and I each have one. Plus, an entertainment stand, a butcher block, a hope chest and countless turned bowls. Dad was very talented in both his hobbies, and he shared the fruits of his labors freely.
While Dad may have missed out on his children’s young years, he made the most of his time with his grandchildren, Eric, Terra Jean (Chris), Jessica (Russell), Alex, Stephanie (Raymond), Kylea (Kyle), Benjamin, Carter, Mitchell, and Andrew. I have very fond memories (and pictures) of Dad, holding Andrew’s hand as they explored the tidal pools on the beach at Northport. Dad also had ten great grandchildren. Parker, Wyatt, Chase, Marcus, Wesley, Reddick, Max, Elena, Rhilynn, and Madilynn. And although he was not able to hold them all, he was so very proud to call them “his”.
Time marches on and life begins to catch up with us all. In 2014, Dad suffered a stroke that effected a great deal of his life. Not able to tend his garden. Not able to work in his shop. His world had changed drastically, and he began to age before our eyes. He talked of “home” frequently. Talked of packing up and going back to the shore for good. Then in August 2018, we lost Laurie to cancer. Losing a child, no matter their age, takes the wind from your sails and darkens your world. Mom, Dad’s anchor in life, deteriorated and was moved to a nursing home where she went to sleep and never woke up on December 28, 2023. Dad’s safe harbor was gone, and he was adrift. On February 15, 2024, that stubborn, feisty, determined man simply went to sleep and joined Mom. Though our family is devastated by Dad’s passing, we take comfort in the fact that he left peacefully and is no longer in pain.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers Funeral Home. There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. A celebration of life for both Mom and Dad will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Feed Nova Scotia or the SPCA. Online condolences may be made below.
Give Laurie and Mom a kiss for me dad. XOXO (Chandler's Funeral Home 19 Feb 2024)
|
