Obituary of Brady Emmanuel Himmelman

Brady Emmanuel Himmelman 95 of LaHave, passed away peacefully Friday, February 8, 2013 in the Veterans Unit of Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg, N.S. Born in LaHave, December 31, 1917, he was the son of Edna (Josey) ( Butler) Himmelman and Andrew Simeon Himmelman. A lifelong resident of LaHave, he worked on the family farm until enlisting in the RCAF Marine Division, September 1941 where he captained rescue and supply boats between Newfoundland - Labrador and Cape Breton. Following the end of the war, he returned to his home in LaHave. After great deliberation he followed his heart and declined a post in the RCMP marine division to work the farm and operate the family run LaHave Ferry service. As Captain he continued this service for 35 years. Known as the ferryman of LaHave, he was instrumental in the modernization of the historic ferry service from rowing a skiff with his father, in his teenage years to the cable ferry in operation today. One of his proudest moments was the christening of the present cable ferry, the Brady E. Himmelman, in honour of his dedication to the tourists and people of the river communities of which he so proudly served. While overseeing a year round ferry schedule Brady continued to work the family farm and was known in the community for his strawberry and turnip crops and his Christmas trees. He also piloted ships in and out of the LaHave River. Brady took great pride in his community and was always mindful of the needs of others. He served his church and Parish of New Dublin as Warden and was a founding and honorary member of the LaHave and District Fire Department and a member of the LaHave Historical Society. He was also a Life member of the Federation of Agriculture, Lunenburg County, Empire Lodge 109, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 24, and the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Growers Association. In retirement Brady enjoyed singing with the Sons of the Sea, golf, growing giant pumpkins and campaigning in his community during election time. Brady lived by his convictions that what truly mattered was living on the homestead, working long, hard days, surrounded by the love of family and friends. His love of music and dancing, particularly the fiddle provided many opportunities for he and Ramona to entertain family and friends in celebrations in their home on the LaHave River. When his health no longer allowed him to live in the family home he accepted with grace the move to the Veterans' Unit where the love and devotion of the daily visits of his special wife Ramona provided him with much love and comfort. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ramona (Bush) and daughters, Ella Mae (Bill) Getson, Pleasantville; Valerie (Terry) Wadden, Hubley; Gail (Ron) Hatheway, Hebbville; Rhonda Himmelman, Mahone Bay. Grandchildren Jeremy, Vanessa, Jared, Nigel Getson; Cale, Danika, Liam Wadden; Oliver, Leslie, Gavin Hatheway; many nieces and nephews. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family. Predeceased by sisters, Ada Jorgensen, Loretta Howie, Elfleda Kaiser and brother, James in infancy; half-brothers, Fletcher, Asaph, Bill, Tom Himmelman, Harlan Butler; half-sisters Margaret Himmelman, Reta Brown, Emma Hebditch. Visitation will be held 2-4, 7-9 p.m., Tuesday in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, with a public legion tribute service at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 13 in St James Anglican Church, LaHave. Rev John Wright officiating. Family internment in St Peter’s Cemetery, West LaHave will follow. Family flowers only. Donations in Brady’s memory may be made to St James Anglican Church, LaHave, LaHave and District Fire Department, Fishermen's Memorial Hospital Veteran's Unit or charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Veterans' Unit, Lunenburg for their dedicated care and support to Brady.