Obituary of Austin Frederick Stiles

STILES, Austin Frederick “Ozzie” - Age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Hillside Pines Nursing Home, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.  Born in Dorchester, New Brunswick, he was the eldest of three children to the late Martha Ida (Brownell) and Arnold William Stiles.

Ozzie worked for The Halifax Herald/Mail Star in the mailing room while living in Halifax and moved to Bridgewater in 1970 to head up the circulation and distribution of the newspapers for the South Shore. After being requested to move back to Halifax, he resigned, took an insurance course and became an insurance agent, working for Penney’s Insurance until he retired. He also worked part time as a Walmart Greeter in his later years – a job he loved. Ozzie became involved in many clubs and organizations including Kinsman, Bridgewater Chamber of Commerce, Golf Club President, Curling Club President, but his most proud and greatest accomplishment was being Bridgewater’s Town Crier for 40 years. This opened many doors to travel, town crier championships, and his ability to proudly represent his town all over the world. 

Ozzie is predeceased by his wife, Gail Ethel (Bowser) (January 1998); his brother, Bill; his sister, Elizabeth; and most recently, his second daughter, Angela Dawn Stiles-Bodkin (February 7, 2026).

He is survived by his first daughter, Sharon Whiting, Bridgewater; his two grandchildren, Matthew Whiting, Bridgewater; and Lexxie Stiles, Vancouver; and his later in life love, Mona Dennison, also of Hillside Pines. Thank you to all his Hillside Pines family for caring for him. 

There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request. Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Bridgewater Baptist Church, 564 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater; with Rev. Dr. Aaron Kenny officiating. A private family interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. A reception to follow, in Bridgewater Baptist Church foyer. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Ozzie to your charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.