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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ERSKINE, Kenneth George - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth “Ken” George Erskine, age 86 of Digby on April 20, 2024. Ken passed away at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital surrounded by family. Born May 26, 1937, in Cobourg, Ontario; he was the son of the late Lily and Harry (Jackson) Erskine.
In 1954 at age 17, Ken enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy and attended the Naval School of Music at HMCS Naden in Esquimalt British Columbia, graduating in 1956 and then was drafted to HMCS Stadacona in Halifax. In November of the same year, he was drafted to HMCS Cornwallis and served until January 1961, then onto the band at HMCS Shearwater and a number of postings to HMCS Bonaventure. In 1964 he was again drafted to HMCS Stadacona Band and retired in 1979 after 25 years reaching the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class in the Canadian Navy. Following his military service, he trained as a ship’s cook and worked in the offshore oil exploration and supply services with GEO Physical Services and Suncunda Marine. In 1986 he joined DFO at Bedford Institute of Oceanography and sailed in CSS Hudson and did several trips to the Arctic sailing as Ships Purser. DFO amalgamate with the Coast Guard in the 90’s and he then sailed in a number of Coast Guard Ships as a Logistics Officer until his retirement in 2008.
Ken proudly served his country for 47 years and was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 20.
Ken loved golf, hockey, carpentry, music, and travel, but most of all cooking and socializing with family and friends. Ken was a kind hearted man with a good sense of humour, caring, and was considerate of others. He always had a wealth of stories to share from his travels around the world.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Betty MacAlpine; sister, Joyce of London, Ontario; sons, Gary, of Halifax; David (Carol) of Quispamsis, New Brunswick; daughters, Carolyn Fitzpatrick of Halifax; Diane (Anthony) Jones of Halifax; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his son, Robert; brothers, Douglas, Norman, and William; and sister, June Lenahan.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation by request. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1:00 pm in the Church of Christ at 4924 New Road, Weymouth, NS, Rev. Mel Malton officiating. Following the Service there will be a reception, and then interment in the Riverside Cemetery, Fort Point Road, Weymouth North. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hassett Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Digby, NS B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).
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