James William "Billy" Hirtle – 89, Truro, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at Wynn Park Villa, Truro. Born in Earltown, he was a son of the late Alfred and Freda (MacNutt) Hirtle.

As a young man he was recruited to join the Department of Highways when they were building and paving Highway 311 from Truro to Tatamagouche. He never looked back and became Senior Survey Technician until his retirement in 1991.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Wayne) Lynds, Bible Hill; Lana (Doug Churchill) Hirtle, Halifax; Kenda (Greg) McCallum, Valley; son, Peter (Tanya) Hirtle, North River; seven grandchildren, Andrew Lynds, Benjamin Lynds, Emma Churchill, Matthew (Dayna) MacCallum, Connor MacCallum, Rachel Hirtle, Cameron Hirtle; step-grandson, Matthew Churchill; great granddaughter, Belle MacCallum; sister, Marlene Langille, Salmon River.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy (Murdock); sisters, Elva Shearer, Phyllis Stevenson, Freda MacBurnie, Caroline McGill; brothers, Elroy Langille, Ivan Langille, Sterling Langille.

In his own words, he was "a jack of all trades, but a master of none"! In his retirement years, he and Mom spent time with family and friends camping and entertaining at their home.

Special thanks are extended to the staff at Wynn Park Villa for their outstanding care and compassion they showed to Dad over the last three years.

Private family interment will be held at Earltown Village Cemetery. If so desired, donations in Billy’s memory to Earltown Village Cemetery or Wynn Park Villa (Recreation Department) are welcomed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com