Bazil Andrew Peters
1932 - 2014
Bazil Andrew Peters
Visitation Information
Visitation
Starting August 5, 2014
Visitation Time
Starting at 6 PM
Visitation Location
Millbrook Seniors' Centre, Millbrook First Nation
Service Information
Service Date
Thursday August 7, 2014
Service Time
11:00 AM
Service Location
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Millbrook First Nation
Burial Information
Burial Time
Later Date
Burial Location
Bear River First Nation
Requested Charity
IWK Health Centre Foundation
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WELL RENOWNED BASKET WEAVER DIES AT AGE 82

Bazil Andrew Peters - 82, Millbrook First Nation, started his journey to the Spirit World on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Born June 16, 1932, in Bear River First Nation, he was a son of the late Chief Louis Joseph Peters and Charlotte Pearl (McCumber) Peters.

Bazil is survived by his sisters, Doris Mudge, Digby; Katherine Best, Saint John, New Brunswick; brother, Leo Peters, Dartmouth; many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his partner, Edith Thomas Peters; brothers, Henry, Freeman, Joseph; sisters, Viola, Mary, Shirley, Lillian.

Bazil was a familiar face known to many around the world and especially to the Mi’kmaw and First Nation people across Turtle Island. His warm, welcoming smile and long, silvery braid invited all to his shop, Glooscap Trading Post, in Millbrook, just off Highway 102. Bazil had a gift and amazing skill for basket weaving. He and his partner, Edith, were regarded and honourary members in the craft of basketry. He was recognized for the generous contributions and donations of his Easter baskets for the children at the IWK Kermesse for over 40 years. As well, he was presented and recognized with an Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneur Award.

Bazil was very proud of his Aboriginal heritage and culture, expressing his legacy by basket weaving, speaking the Mi’kmaw language and the traditional hair braid which he proudly wore. He was a humble and respected Elder and storyteller. He loved his family very much, relating stories of his childhood with his siblings of growing up in Bear River and his days spent at the Sanatorium in Kentville where he survived tuberculosis. Although he may have appeared weak in body, he was in fact a man of great conviction and strength. Bazil had a love of people and generous heart which he showed by helping many in his community.

Although Bazil had no paternal children, he had three Godchildren, Valerie Paradis (Peters), Terrell Mudge (Peters) and was predeceased by his third Godchild, Michael Googoo. Bazil’s eyes lit up when family would visit and he showed his love of music by playing guitar, fiddle and when he made the keys on the piano sing. He will be missed by all who knew him, but most of all by two of his closest family, niece, Darlene Copeland and nephew, Woody Peters. A special thank you to the staff of Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, for making his brief stay with you warm and comfortable and a personal thank you to the staff on his wing of "Crystal Waters" for enjoying Bazil’s stories and being there for him. As well, many thanks to the community of Millbrook First Nation for being so welcoming to Bazil.

Bazil’s family will receive friends at Millbrook Seniors’ Centre, starting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2014, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Millbrook First Nation, Father Francesco Pirisi officiating. Salité will follow in Millbrook Community Hall. Interment will be held at a later date in Bear River First Nations. If so desired, donations in Bazil’s memory to IWK Health Centre Foundation or a charity of choice 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 Bazil’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

Bazil Andrew Peters