WELL KNOWN TRURO AREA MAN
PASSES
Robert Douglas "Bob"
Ripley – 94, Valley,
Colchester County, passed away at home on Thursday evening, October 9,
2014, after a lengthy illness. Born March 1, 1920, in Truro, he was a
son of the late James Trueman and Hannah Anne (MacPherson)
Ripley.
He attended Truro schools and for a short time was employed
with Canadian National Railway. At the age of 21, and while and
employee of CNR, he was a victim of a tragic railroad accident and
became a double amputee. With great strength and courage, he opened
Ripley’s General Store in 1945 and operated that business at
Valley for almost 50 years. For many years, he was the recipient of
"Outstanding Achievement" awards from Texaco Canada
Limited.
Throughout his entire life, he was fiercely proud of his
family and despite his physical handicap, he truly captured the human
story. He continued to play the violin, hunt and always made those he
came in contact with a richer person. He loved the woods and treasured
the many happy memories of trips to his hunting camp at Mount Thom.
His sense of humour was legendary and he valued his many customers and
friends, many of whom continued to visit him long after his
retirement. He was comforting, wise, gentle and strong.
A life-long member of the Progressive Conservative Party, he
had a keen interest in the affairs of his province and country. He was
well-known for his people skills and honoured to be a member of North
Nova Scotia Highlanders Memory Club. He was a member of Valley United
Church where he was a member of the choir and served on numerous
church committees for many years. He also served as Trustee of Valley
Elementary School, was a former member of Board of Directors of
Children's Aid Society of Colchester County and was a Commissioner of
Oaths for the Province of Nova Scotia.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Edith Rebecca
(Seaman); son, Robert, Halifax; daughter, Margaret (John) MacIntyre,
Kingsville; sister, Doris Kaye, Bedford; numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Margaret
Chipman (Yarmouth); brother, Donald (Ingleside, Ontario). Special
thanks are extended to the dedicated and caring staff of Earth Angels
Home Care, Truro, and Dr. Tanya Munroe.
Robert’s family will receive friends from 2-4, 7-9
p.m., Sunday, October 12, 2014, in Valley United Church, 110 Salmon
River Road, Valley, where the funeral service will also take place 2
p.m., Monday, October 13, 2014, Reverend Mary J. White officiating.
Interment in Crossroads Cemetery. Reception will follow in Valley
Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s
memory to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or Colchester
Historical Society 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 Robert’s
obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com