Jeffrey Wayne "Jeff, Papa" Lockwood – 82, Truro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Calgary, Alberta, he was a son of the late Russell and Doris (Neilson) Lockwood.
Jeff had a heart of gold, however, he was a no-nonsense kind of guy who believed in facts and standing behind doing what you say you were going to do. He served with Canadian Armed Forces from 1959 – 1982 all over the world and retired as Master Corporal. As well as serving his country, Jeff absolutely loved Canada; at least ten times he used to brag that he knew the Trans Canada so well he would drive through parts with his headlights off as he was trying to pick up radio stations from the US to keep on top of their news as well. He also loved to travel and would fully immerse himself in the culture of the area and experience how they lived.
He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, where he was about to receive his 50-year membership pin; he was also an active participant in the local Remembrance Day services and was so disappointed that he wasn’t going to be able to attend this year as he never missed attending a service.
He loved trains and was a model railroader, loved cars and owned several sports cars during his life, was an avid reader, loved to cook, especially Chinese food, and kept up on all world events, whether it was culture or sports; if you needed to know something, Papa was the expert and could give you more information than you probably asked for! Right up until his final days in the hospital, he was still putting jigsaw puzzles together in the games room and figuring out Sudoku puzzles; at home he had a vast collection of puzzles, many being 2,000 pieces. He and his wife, Helen, were the first in the area to take on the Elder Dog program; his love for animals, especially dogs, made this program something that they easily enjoyed together. He was generous to a fault, and was continually helping people out in this community by making sure they had something to eat or warm clothes.
Jeff marched to the beat of his own drum, spoke his mind, held politicians to their word and whether you agreed or disagreed with him, he was a wealth of knowledge and information; we will all miss him and his solid advice terribly. He was gruff and didn’t mince words, but he loved his family, friends and community.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Helen (Kenslow); children, Rick (Joann) Merritt, Belmont; Barry (Mary) Merritt, Castlegar, British Columbia; Brian (Dana) Merritt, Nanaimo, British Columbia; Michael (Bobbi) Merritt, Truro; 13 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; siblings, Larry (Jan) Lockwood, Vancouver, British Columbia; Lois (Ivan) Quinlan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia; Richard (Debra) Lockwood, Colorado, USA; brother-in-law, Keith Miller, Vancouver, British Columbia; sister-in-law, Patricia Burridge, Truro; several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Jordan; sister, Dale Miller; faithful canine companion, Smokey.
We would like to extend a most heartfelt thank you to all who work in the Palliative Care Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Centre; you are amazing! As well, our deepest gratitude to Jeff’s other care giver; Joann never left his side during his two week battle with cancer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where members of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, will conduct a Legion Tribute Service at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2023, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., The Reverend Lori Ramsey officiating. Reception will follow. If so desired, donations in Jeff’s memory to Truro Housing Outreach Society are welcomed. Public messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Jeff’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com