Obituary of John Palmer Mader

John Palmer Mader 92, Barss Corner, Lunenburg Co., passed away on Monday, September 5, 2011 at home. Born, October 8, 1918, he was a son of the late Howard and Etta (Palmer) Mader. John attended school in Barss Corner later attending Horton Business Academy. From there he attended Acadia University receiving his BSc in Math and Economics in 1941. While at Acadia, John played rugby, managed the university track team and was an accomplished swimmer. John enlisted in the Army in 1942 and received Officer training in Gordon Head British Columbia becoming a Lieutenant in the Canadian 8th Field Regiment RCA SP (self propelled). He served overseas in Italy and Northwestern Europe, returning home in 1945. Returning from the war, John operated the family business, Mader’s General Store until his retirement in 1984. John had a great sense of community involvement, believing it was a civic responsibility to be a volunteer. John was active in many ways within his community by supporting his church, two community cemeteries, the community hall, food bank, foster children and many charitable organizations. Gentle by nature, a soft spoken and a loving man, John enjoyed his family and friends. He took pleasure in his garden, was an avid outdoorsman, wild berry picker and fisherman. John was a faithful member of the Barss Corner Baptist Church and served for 43 years as the church treasurer. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 102, New Germany where he was a past president and a branch secretary for 20 years, receiving the Legion’s Meritorious Service Award in 1993. John married the love of his life M. Judith deLong on March 20, 1946 and together they raised seven children. Surviving are his wife Judith; children, Nancy (Scot) Jennings, Halifax; John (Geraldine) Mader, Enfield; Peggy (Glenn) Taylor, Halifax; Mary (Charles) Lantz, Blockhouse; Peter (Rosemary) Mader, Barss Corner; Neil (Connie) Mader, Pinehurst; Melanie Mader, Halifax; 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 1 step-great grandchild. He was predeceased by half sister, Kathleen Beck and sister, Isobel Horton. A Legion tribute service will be held at 6:15 p.m. today, Thursday with visitation following from 6:30 – 9 p.m. in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 Route 10, New Germany. Service 1 p.m. Friday in Barss Corner Baptist Church. Rev. Lloyd Baker officiating with Rev. Vaughn Henshaw assisting. Interment at a later date. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to Barss Corner Community Hall or Children’s Wish Foundation. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.