Arthur Frederick "Art" Chisholm
1924 - 2023
Arthur Frederick "Art" Chisholm
Service Information
Service Date
Monday August 14, 2023
Service Time
1:30 PM
Service Location
Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro
Burial Information
Burial Date
August 14, 2023
Burial Location
Mahon Cemetery, 8480 Highway 2, Great Village
Requested Charity
Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or Charity of Choice
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Arthur Frederick Chisholm - 98, Great Village, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, after a life of service and support for his family and friends, his employers, and his communities.

Born in Highland Village, Colchester County, Art was the only son of the late Judson L. and Abbie (Layton) Chisholm and was the first person in his family to attend university.  He was accepted at Mount Allison University in pre-engineering, graduating in 1946.  He met his soon-to-be wife, Shirley Lewis, on a blind date on her birthday, and they were married nine months later in 1946. 

After graduation from Mt. A., he attended the Nova Scotia Technical College in Halifax, graduating in 1948 with a degree in Civil Engineering. For the next 35 years, he worked at Dalhousie University, teaching surveying to student engineers and, as Director of Physical Plant, was responsible for managing the existing buildings, central plant, grounds, and support systems at the university, as well as planning and construction of new buildings.  Being presented to the Queen Mother at the opening of the Sir Charles Tupper Medical building was a highlight of his career. He was active in the National Association of Physical Plant Administrators and was the President for the Eastern Region of APPA for two years. He was President of the Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors where he also was on the Board of Examiners and a life member of the association.

In 1983, he and Shirley retired to his family home in Great Village, where he continued a commitment to service and community activity. He served in various roles in the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 72) where he was a life member. He was active in many organizations supporting seniors, historical societies, NS Garden Club, Clan Chisholm and others where he gave of his time readily, assisting in any role. In 1992, he was provided with recognition from the Premier, Don Cameron, for Volunteer of the year for Colchester County, and in 2019 Art received a resolution from the House of Assembly to recognize his contributions. In Halifax, he volunteered as a trustee and elder at Bethany United Church, and also acted as Cub and Scout leader over the years.  In Great Village, he was an Elder, Steward, and Treasurer at St. James United Church where he also sang in the choir. On November 11, 2018, the beautiful and massive bell in the St. James United Church in Great Village rang 100 times, Arthur personally pulled the bell for more than 60 times, repeating that effort again in 2019 at 95 – a job he had done on Sundays for years, as his father had before him.

His life of service was also constant in his devotion for Shirley through her later years as she suffered from dementia and crippling arthritis, caring for her in their home until her death in 2012. Committed to keeping busy, he took up "engineering" quilt tops, sewing over 100 quilts.  He was a generous supporter of various charities and causes, especially for research into Alzheimer's disease. An avid outdoorsman, gardener, and creator of brilliant shortcuts of efficiency in everyday life, he remained active, alert, and continued to live in his own home until his death.

Along with his parents, Art was predeceased by his wife, Shirley (Lewis); sister, Ruth McKinnon. He is survived by four children, Richard (Maureen), Nancy (Hubert Smith), Patricia Isnor (John), Alexander; four beloved grandchildren, Fiona Chisholm (Garth Murphy), Jacqueline Mahoney (Andy), Nicholas Isnor, Craig Comeau (Janet); six great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces from his and Shirley’s families. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where a service of celebration of Arthur’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, August 14, 2023. If you knew him, we hope you can join us. Interment in Mahon Cemetery, 8480 Highway 2, Great Village. In the meantime, if you are interested in honouring Arthur Chisholm, donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or any charity of your choice. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Art’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com 

Arthur Frederick "Art" Chisholm