Nelson MacEwan – 92, Truro. As the saying goes, if you are reading this I have decided it is my time to leave this earth. I made the decision on Friday, January 18, 2019, that 92 years was time to complete this journey. I have been lucky to live an active, healthy life. The only thing was I have missed my beloved Faye who has been gone 20 years; we had 50 amazing years together being blessed with our two children, Patricia and Scott. Scott’s life in Italy gave me the joys of my life, remarkable grandchildren Jesty, Darcy and Gaia. The final piece of my life was fulfilled only three months ago when I had the privilege to become a great-grandfather with the arrival of our little Tommy.

Life was good to me. Coming from a big Westville family had its challenges but we are a fiercely loyal coalmining bunch. My late parents, Tom and Gertrude (Joudrey) MacEwan, worked hard to manage this gang. My late sisters, who were so special to me over the years, Muriel (Ballem), Jean (Duncan), Brownie (Don), June (Johnnie) and brothers, Thomas, Alister, Dig (Ruth/Doreen), Bobby, Harry (Christine), Chester (Tucker), Percy (Shirley) decided to head out before me. I continued to miss and think of them daily. Fortunately I talked recently with my brother, Elwood (Doris) and visited with my youngest brother, Mike (Judy) and baby sister, Trixie (Mike) last Sunday, not knowing that would be my last time to see them here.

I started as an underground coal miner before becoming enamoured with Faye Cameron. This courtship led me into a lifelong career with the CNR. My life has been filled with adventure, joys, opportunities and challenges. I became a station agent, operator and dispatcher with the CNR; not bad for a young fellow from Pictou County.  No, I wasn’t perfect, but I tried to do no harm and lots of good. People say I was a kind and gentle guy who never wanted the limelight and took great pleasure in providing joy to others. I appreciated what people did for me and tried to be a gentleman until my time came. I want to thank my friend Jimmy for always taking the time to visit with me and for Tinker for coming into my life when I was lonely. You have given me years of companionship ("you little devil").

Now it is important for me to thank each and every one from the paramedics who came on Tuesday when Patti called to the emergency nurses and doctors who tried to figure out what was wrong. As the minutes rolled into hours coming home moved further away in the plan. As luck would have it, I was moved to D-3 and received care from a wonderful team of nurses and palliative physicians Dr. Smith and Dr. Henderson. Special thanks to Kelsey for being there at the end to support my family and me. Thank you all for your understanding and patience when I could not do what was asked plus all the kindness you provided to Patti. Thank you for trying to make my last few days restful.

I was a lucky fellow who enjoyed the outdoors, spent the summer gardening, winter wood carving and being active during all seasons. I loved my family dearly. I believe with everything there is a beginning and end and it is now my end so I can join my beloved Faye and continue on for another 50. If you would like, please remember me through kindness and support of others.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Order of the Eastern Star, Myrtle Chapter 21, will conduct a tribute service at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Celebration of life will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at St. John’s Anglican Church, 23 Church Street, Truro, The Reverend Lori Ramsey officiating. Reception will follow in Kaulbach Hall. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Nelson’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com  

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep. 

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain. 

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night. 

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.