OKELL, JOHN JAMES of Truro, passed away peacefully at the age
of 89 years in the Colchester East Hants Health Center. He
was the son of the late Lewis and Mary Elizabeth Okell of Great
Barrow, near Chester, Cheshire, England. John was
predeceased by his wife, Jennifer and two sisters, Barbara and
Joan. He is survived by his three sons, Ian, Tim and Gary of
England and his stepchildren, Paul Rogers, Catherine Vallis and Jane
Ross, as well as 12 grandchildren.
In his youth, John enjoyed Young Farmers and riding with the
Cheshire Hunt. He was also a member of the Auxiliary Fire
Service during the Second World War and was farming during the day and
firefighting at night.
John was born a farmer and lived his entire working life
doing what he loved, starting as a dairy farmer in Cheshire where John
was known for having worked up a Prize Winning Guernsey herd and was a
renowned Guernsey Cattle Judge in England and the Channel
Islands.
Upon emigration to Nova Scotia in 1981, John and Jennifer
began farming a Purebred Flock of North Country Cheviots and a
Simmental and Commercial Beef Herd at the farm in Pleasant
Valley. When they retired to Princeport in 1990, John just
kept his much loved sheep and goats.
John immersed himself into his new life here by being an
active member in the Purebred Sheep Breeders Association of Nova
Scotia, the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association, of which he was
President for two terms and brought the Canadian Sheep Classic to
Truro for the original dispersal of the Arcott Breeds of Sheep, when
they were originally released and recognized as 3 separate breeds from
the Agricultural Research Center in Ottawa. John was also a
well known dealer of sheep and cattle and enjoyed his time at Maritime
Cattle Market. He was also a member of the Canadian Legion,
the Rotary Club and the Scottish Society.
We would like to thank all those involved in John’s
care, Doctor F. Slipp, the doctors and nurses of the Colchester East
Hants Health Center, the Earth Angels and the
V.O.N.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mattatall~Varner
Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, from where a Celebration of
John’s life will take place on Tuesday, Nov.
25th from 6-9 pm. Family flowers only by
request. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made
to the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Hospital Foundation Truro
or to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
John’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A
Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com