Obituary of Bliss Elwood Mosher

Bliss Elwood Mosher We (Wayne, Barry, Kenny and Tena) would like to share that our father at the youthful age of 88 has passed away. Dad would jokingly say that “If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. We are wondering if it was something in his Cornflakes that he ate every morning for the last umpteen years that was some secret to his longevity. Dad lived most of his life in his beloved village of New Germany where he was born. He was the son of Randall and Harriet Mosher. He had one sibling, Brewster. As young lads Dad would share childhood memories of them playing hockey on the New Germany Lake, playing baseball, fishing and hunting. When Dad was 16 the family moved to Timmins, ON to work in the gold mines. The family returned home after a few years and shortly thereafter he met a beautiful gal named Madelyn Rafuse. They married May 29th, 1948. They eventually purchased a small farm and spent 57 years together. We are sure that their early years of marriage must have been difficult with three little boys all close in age, one of whom is special needs. There was only Dad’s income as Mom was home tending to us kids - cooking, cleaning, laundry….lots of laundry. After our brother Kenny was born there was a bit of a drought as it took 16 years later for a baby girl to arrive. Through their hard work and efforts they made our house a home. A few highlights of their married life were their grandchildren, a trip to Expo in 1968 with Joe and Maude Hall, and a trip to BC to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. It was however, as in most marriages, the simple things they enjoyed like Sunday drives for an ice cream cone, BBQ’s at Wetstone Lake and enjoying company in their home. Many folks have had a meal at the home place and were made to feel welcome. Mom said at one time she would have liked to have turned the home into a B&B. Mom passed away on April 15, 2005 leaving Dad with a big hole in his heart. Fortunately for Dad his brother Brewster, after losing his wife, decided to move back to New Germany from Western Shore. They became like two peas in a pod. Brewster and Dad were tremendous support for one another. They attended church suppers and had a great time reminiscing about simpler times. With Brewster being back in the village this brought Dad the opportunity to spend time with his nephews and their families. He enjoyed this immensely. Sadly Brewster passed September 18th, 2011. So a little more about Dad....He was a volunteer fireman and a member of the New Germany Fireman’s band. Dad would say his pipe was his best friend and his dog, of which he had a few throughout the years, were the only ones who truly listened to him  He worked his entire life as a mechanic. He enjoyed farming as a hobby and was proud of his cattle and especially his team of oxen that he had. He was always tinkering at things as there would always be something in need of repair. He truly believed that Canada was the best country on earth and he would celebrate July 1st in New Germany watching the parade grinning from ear to ear. He had a very positive outlook on life that no matter how bad things were, they could be worse. He would always look for the silver lining. For instance, he met some folks when he was at the cancer lodge in Halifax. He would say, “If I didn’t have cancer, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have met these wonderful people.” His lodge ‘buddies’ met monthly for friendship, support and food. Speaking of food, Dad loved to eat and had a wicked appetite right up until the end of his life. He thought the world of his neighbors. Some of these people have passed away but living still are Nora, Mary and Lola who have been the epitome of who good neighbors are and what makes rural life in New Germany so special. Dad would often say,“ You never learn anything by talking. You will learn more by listening.” His listening ear would hear many stories through the years from the men ‘yarning’ in the back shop to this past year and a half where he would listen to many of the staff at Rosedale and provide counsel to many of the young girls….lol. Dad was extremely fortunate to have stayed in his home place for as long as he did. He was truly grateful for all the support that he had which allowed this to happen. He was heartbroken when the time came when he was no longer able to stay in his home. He had poured his heart and soul into his home not to mention approximately 50 years of memories. A tremendous solace for him though was that a young couple, Katie and Alex, purchased the home place. They love it and perhaps down the road will turn it back into a hobby farm so the legacy continues. We would like to make special mention to the following people for their kindness and care to Dad: Shirley Joudrey, Kevin Oickle, staff and volunteers of Meals on Wheels, staff at VON Lunenburg County, staff at Meadowbrook Manor, Jennifer Riis (NP), Dr. Pugh, and Mike Crouse, his roommate, for being such a good friend. Last, but certainly not least, the staff and volunteers at Rosedale Home for Special Care for the exemplary care Dad received. You all have gone above and beyond the call. Visitation will be held 6:00 to 9:00 P.M., Thursday September 22 in Sweeny`s Funeral Home, 4895 Highway 10, New Germany. A private family graveside service has taken place in Epworth Cemetery, Rev. Sam Jess officiated. Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be made to the Rosedale Home for Special Care recreation fund; The C.N.I.B or the New Germany Medical Centre. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or by messaging condolences@sweenysfuneralhome.com. In conclusion, with grateful hearts and sincere thanks, Wayne (Marjorie), Barry, Kenny, Tena (Beth), grandchildren Tracey, Crystal, Adam (Amanda, great grandchildren Adam and Julia).