Obituary of Robert Lloyd Haughn

HAUGHN, Robert Lloyd – It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our dad on July 14th, 2023 at South Shore Regional Hospital. Born in 1931 in West LaHave, to Bradford and Lugene (Richards) Haughn, he had just celebrated his 92nd year on July 1st.

Growing up on the farm in West LaHave meant hard work and that was just the way he liked it, never one to sit around; dad always liked to stay busy. Formal schooling wasn't for him, he adventured away from home as a teenager, serving on the O.K. boats and gypsum boats. He travelled overseas, to the Great Lakes, Jamaica and the Bahamas. After returning home he briefly worked for Snap on Tools & 7up before starting his lifelong career as a stationary engineer at The Dawson Memorial Hospital and South Shore Regional Hospital up until retirement. He would often take on extra jobs, plowing gardens, scraping boats, cutting wood, renovating, when he wasn't busy in the garden, volunteering or in the woods with his tractor.

Upon returning to West LaHave a young girl from Pentz named Cecilia Creaser caught his eye. He persuaded her to go out with him, and since he had already built his own house and had a nice car; she thought maybe she'd take a chance. It worked out for him as they had 63 years together and raised three children. They did all they could to provide us with the best upbringing any child could ask for. Camping was one of their favourite things to do and some of our fondest memories. We spent most summers at Risser's Beach when we weren't travelling to visit relatives in the US, Ontario or PEI. They joined the NCHA as part of The Sea-breeze Campers Club, eventually becoming president of the club, here they made many lifelong friendships at their Pinehurst Campground, National and Provincial events, they were thrilled to be awarded the family campers of the year. Dad enjoyed nothing more than a game of horseshoes or washer toss and was up for a game anytime. As time went by they were happy sitting and watching the LaHave go by at Melanie's and staying close to family; except for their occasional cruises.

Our dad's life was one of service to others, be it his community, family or one of the many organizations he supported. Looking over his many awards and plaques, it is without question his community volunteerism has and will have a positive affect on his community for generations. He was an active member of the United Church of Canada and was instrumental in the construction and planning of West Side United Church where he was a member of Session and a Trustee. He received the Provincial Volunteer Appreciation Award and award of recognition from the Red Cross for blood donations. His desire to help others didn't end with organizations, whenever a neighbour needed a hand he was always there. Even though he had very little formal education, he was considered a master builder and was sought after to build houses or do renovations. Perhaps his greatest legacy for his community would be the 50 year commitment to The Pleasantville and District Fire Department. He took great pride in the new building and the family type relationships he built there. He served as Chief from 1973-1993 and was awarded the 40 years of service in 2008, at the time, he was only the 11^th person in Canada to receive this honour. In 2018, he received his CVFSA Municipal Long Service Award for 50 years of service, award presented at MODL council meeting by Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson and councillor Martin Bell, only 40 firefighters in Canada had received this honor, he was beyond proud of this accomplishment. He was awarded the Maltese Cross, given to firefighters who show their commitment to lay down their own lives for others.

Dad's calm, kind and somewhat playful personality enabled him to graciously give of himself. He cared deeply for his family and was always eager to spend time together or help out in any way he could. He thought the world of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they adored him. He had a knackfor things to happen around him, these adventures often turned into great stories which he loved to tell. He loved a good game of cards and wouldn't miss the card parties or nights at the Whitman's. He took care of many people in his life and was thinking of them right up to the end; that's what he was like.

Forever in our hearts, he is survived by daughters, Melanie (Kevin) Keddy, West LaHave, and Myra Jean Haughn, West Lahave; son, Cecil (Wanda) Haughn, Lahave; grandchildren, Shawn (Carol-Ann) Demone, Adrian (Melissa) Demone, Amanda (Nathan) Keddy, Mathew (Mallory) Keddy, Briana Haughn, Bradford Haughn; great-grandchildren, Cameron Demone, Angelic Demone & William Keddy, brother, Paul (Jean) Haughn, West LaHave; sister, Katherine Knock, Kentville; sister-in-law, Shirley Haughn and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Cecilia; brothers, Harris Haughn, Cyril (Muriel) Haughn, sisters, Marion (Raymond) LeBlanc, Helen (Gerald) Hebb.

We would like to extend sincere thanks to Paul and Jean for being there in so many ways for dad this past year; you are truly forever in our hearts. Special thanks to Lunenburg County Home Care, VON, Community Services, Lunenburg Palliative Care, the nurse's on third floor medical, Wanda for the great meals, Rev. Neil McEwan and Sweeney's Funeral Home.

A memorial service for Robert will be held at West Side United Church, Pentz, on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 1 p.m., with Rev, Neil McEwen officiating the service. A public service of committal will be held following the memorial service, in West LaHave Cemetery. A public reception will be held immediately following the interment, at Pleasantville Fire Hall, 1665 HWY 331, Pleasantville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pleasantville Fire Dept., West Side United Church, or the West LaHave Cemetery Co. Arrangements are entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online donations and messages of condolence may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com