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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
VARNER, Loran Keith - Shelburne. A devoted and loving father passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on June 5th, 2012 at Roseway Hospital, Shelburne. Born in Jordan Falls, he was the fourth son of the late Powley and Leah Matthews. When dad was 15, he joined the Merchant Navy serving on the Lady Nelson from 1943-1945. In June 1949, dad joined the DND Fire Department Halifax Dockyard and in 1967 accepted a promotion to CFS Shelburne, retiring as Fire Chief in 1983. Dad is best remembered for his musical talents and the giving of this special gift to his community. Dad was a member of several bands over the years, including Harbour Lites, Cellar Blue, Goodtymes Band and Evergreen, ending his musical career 2 years ago after playing with them for over 31 years. Once a month for 29 years, Evergreen played for the Senior Dances at Barrington Lions Hall. His music took him to other provinces and from one end of Nova Scotia to the other. Dad attended many music festivals and looked forward to them all, especially the Hank Snow Tribute every August. He made several CD’s with Evergreen and in 2006 made a CD saluting the Veterans and War Brides. In December of 2011 after a two-year hiatus, he took up playing one more time to entertain his family at Roseway Manor. Dad was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 63, Shelburne, served for over 25 years with Shelburne Lions Club where he held several positions; N.S. Guides Association, Charter Member of the Spry Harbor Atoms Softball Association, where he played the position of pitcher; Hank Snow Society and past member of the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department. In his younger years dad played a lot of sports. He was on hockey teams in the Halifax area, he bowled, played pool, darts, curled, golfed and played ball for several Shelburne area teams. Dad loved relaxing at his camp at Clements Pond where he spent many, many days and nights feeding his feathered friends and squirrels with his camping buddies, Don, Lori, Lynne and Leigh. Dad is survived by son, Loran (Connie), Halifax; daughters, Diane (Hector) Isenor, Westphal; Deby (Danny) MacAlpine, Shelburne; Susan (Fred) Davis, Jordan Ferry; Earlene (Derek) Rennehan, Shelburne; Kelly (Adrian) Pierce, Bridgewater; friend, Ernie Davis; grandsons, Daniel, Loran, Freddie, Ryan, Ben Douglas, Isaiah, Steven, David; granddaughters, Jodi, Jamie, Samantha, Emma, Karen, Colleen, Krystal, Darlene; great-grandsons, Caleb, Blake, Cole, Camden, Nathan, Randy, Michael; great-granddaughters, Sydney, Madison, Khloe, Stevie, Thalissa; one very special daughter-in-law, Connie; sisters, Faye (Ken) Hartlen, Kingston, NS, and Hazel (Bernard) Cooke, Dartmouth; brothers, Clinton (Beverly) Varner, Kingston and Richard Varner, Dartmouth; many nephews, nieces and their families as well as his musical family, Don Randall and Lynne Crowell. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Florence Josey, brothers, Buddy, Earle, Raymond, Carl, Russell and sisters, Shirley Cameron and Ruth Russe. Cremation has taken place under the direction of H. M. Huskilson’s Funeral Home, Shelburne. Visitation will take place Saturday, June 9th from 7-9 p.m. at H. M Huskilson’s Funeral Home, 58 Bulkley Street, Shelburne, with a Lions Service at 6 p.m. and a Royal Canadian Legion service at 6:30 p.m. A celebration of dad’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 10 at 2:00p.m. from the H. M. Huskilson’s Funeral Chapel, Shelburne, with Pastor Debi Hill officiating. Family flowers only. At Dad’s request memorial donations may be made to the VON Shelburne. Interment of ashes at Pine Grove Cemetery. His children are asking his musical friends and family to bring their instruments and join us for a reception at the Shelburne Lions Hall following the service, to honor dad in the way he wanted... with music.
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