Merle A. Stonehouse
July 18, 1920 ~ March 12,
2015
STONEHOUSE, Merle Avard, 94, of Bible Hill, passed away
peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday March 12,
2015, at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in
Millvale, Cumberland County, he was the son of the late Byers F. and
Mary (Canning) Stonehouse. He was a former member of the Bible Hill
Garden Club and a past officer of Crossroads Cemetery in
Valley. He was an adherent of the Truro Wesleyan Church. A
well-known and highly respected educator and businessman, Merle had a
distinguished career as an industrial arts teacher and administrator
in local area schools, and in various business ventures during his
long lifetime. He touched and influenced the lives of many
of his students, business associates and personal acquaintances in
addition to his many family members. Active and outgoing until his
passing, Merle was a locally recognizable, unique and interesting
individual and enjoyed sharing his life’s experiences with
"anyone who will give an old man the time of
day".
He will be sadly missed by his immediate and extended family
: daughters, Jeanie (Gordon) MacCallum, Moncton, and Ruth (William)
Parris, Truro; sons, James (Jacquie Dares), Truro, Joseph (Wendy),
Bible Hill, and Murphy (Audrey) Kemptown; nine grandchildren, four
step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, two
step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and
nephews.
Merle was predeceased by his parents; his wife Marie (Dewar)
of 68 years; sister, T. Phyllis McMasters; sons Stephen in infancy and
oldest son John Merle.
Special thanks to Dr. Bruce Philips and the nursing staff at
Colchester East Hants Health Centre, and Parkland Estate staff, for
their exemplary care.
No visitation by request. A private family funeral
service is to be held at the Mattatall~Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young
Street, Truro; interment to follow in the spring at the Crossroads
Cemetery in Valley. Donations in Merle’s memory may be made
to the Community Church in Earltown, N.S., or to a charity of
one’s choice. Private messages of condolence can be sent to
the family by viewing Merle’s Obituary and selecting Send A
Condolence at www.mattatallvarnerfh.com.