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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
STEELE, Joseph Raymond Brent - Long-time New Glasgow resident, Brent Steele, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Hector and Irene (Brunelle); brother, Allan; and his wife of 43 years, New Glasgow native, Nancy (Neima) Steele.
Born in Brownsburg, Quebec, Brent grew up playing sports and was an Army Cadet. In 1956 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Brent graduated top of his class from Cornwallis and it wasn’t long before he met his wife-to-be, Nancy. Demonstrating excellence as a sailor, he was selected for the University Naval Training Programme which brought him to St.F.X. in 1961, where, in addition to his full-time studies, he helped raise his three children at the time.
Following graduation with a Bachelor of Science and officer commissioning, was a full and rewarding Naval career. Brent and his family moved frequently with postings from coast to coast. That was the Navy life. He served on many ships including as the first Weapons Officer of HMCS HURON and XO of the French speaking HMCS SKEENA. Throughout, with the family in tow, Brent was always family first. Brent and Nancy proudly represented Canada and the RCN as a Staff Officer with NATO headquarters in Brussels, followed by Naval Attaché in Moscow, in the height of the Cold War. Returning to Halifax one last time, Brent retired from the RCN in 1988. Following stints as a dog breeder and a senior role with the N.S. Commissionaires, Brent and Nancy returned to New Glasgow in 1999 and enjoyed retirement together.
Brent was a long-time member of the Bluenose Curling Club, the Y and Abercrombie Golf Club where he truly enjoyed the camaraderie of the "Legends". Brent was also a dedicated community member volunteering with many organizations including: Saint Vincent de Paul Society; Chairman of the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society as well as the Helpline.
Twenty plus years ago, while skating at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium, he met Heather who, in his words, "became an important part of his new life and a major factor in his decision to remain in New Glasgow". Brent and Heather married at St. John the Baptist Church where they maintained their membership. On February 27, 2025, they would have celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary. They enjoyed wintering in Florida and summer trips to Quebec and Ontario to visit family.
Brent is survived by his current wife, Heather (Richards) Steele; his children: Raymond (Della), Jeffrey (Victoria), Steven (Laura) and Linda (Eric); his grandchildren: Brittany, Emily, Julia, Colten, Courtney, Steven; great-grandchildren: Theo, Delilah and Ben; and his sister, Joanna Mauro. He also leaves behind Heather’s two sons: Christien Lefebvre (Leola) and their children, Abby, Anna and Ava; Justin Lefebvre (Debbie) and their children, Mackenzie, Gabrielle and Charlotte; sister-in-law, Veronica Richards. He was predeceased by brother-in-law, Brian Richards (Coco) and sister-in-law, Susan Richards.
There will be no visitation or funeral by request. A private family burial will take place in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. (R. H. Funeral Homes Ltd)
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