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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
AYOTTE, Ricky Thomas - age 72, of Timberlea, passed away peacefully at home on November 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Aylmer, Que., he was predeceased by his father, Gordon Ayotte; his mother, Sybil (Teske) and stepfather, Sidney Nitschkie.
Rick served 30 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class. Never one to sit idle, Rick commenced his retirement by buying and running a portable sawmill. He also worked several years in electrical quality control for Irving Shipbuilding. Rick loved the outdoors. In his younger years, he took his family camping at Kejimkujik Park, and later on, he treasured hosting family BBQs and lobster boils at the cottage in White Point. Rick also looked forward to his annual hunting and fishing trips with his buddies from Truro and Prince Edward Island.
Active in his community, Rick coached his children's hockey and soccer teams, and more recently, he volunteered with the Queens County ATV Club, to help expand the Queens County recreational trail.
Rick devoted his life to his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marie (McCully); and his children, Jennifer (Dave) Cameron of Halifax; Chris Ayotte (Julie St. Pierre) of Stillwater Lake, and Kathryn McCulloch (Chris Adams) of Timberlea. Rick is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Agnes McCully and Joelle Caplan of Coldbrook; his brothers, Paul Ayotte of Alameda, Sask.; and Neal and Jeff Nitschkie of Buckingham, Que.; as well as his nephews, Chad, Nathan, and Anthony.
One of Rick's greatest joys was spending time with his grandsons, Luke, Henry, Joseph, Jack, and Thomas. Grampie never missed an opportunity to see them play basketball, hockey, or soccer, or sing at their Christmas concerts. He was also thrilled that Luke is considering following in grandfather's footsteps, pursuing electrical engineering in college next September. Rick will always be remembered for his strength, good nature, and loyalty. We are grateful to our family and friends, especially Ralph McCann, who have been so caring during this difficult time, and for the continuous support they provided to Rick.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be no service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Victorian Order of Nurses Greater Halifax or Canadian Cancer Society. (The Halifax Chronicle-Herald 28 Nov 2020)
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