Obituaries
Gary Herman Harris
HARRIS, Gary Herman, 84, of Country Harbour – the last of the Harris brothers – passed away Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital, Sherbrooke. Born Sept. 21, 1940, he was a son of the late Alex and Thelma (Keith) Harris. Gary moved to Ontario at a young age, where he lived for 38 years before moving back home to Country Harbour and settling on the West Side, with his lifetime love, Luella MacKay. Gary was a proud brother of the Iron Workers Union, Local 721, and always enjoyed sharing stories about his time working on big projects such as the CN Tower and the Skydome. Gary could always be found in the garage having a visit with a friend, and was always willing to help with a welding project. He enjoyed rides on his four-wheeler and, later in life, drives in his antique Dodge. Over the years, Gary spent many hours volunteering in his community. Gary always enjoyed a gathering with his extended family and a reason to celebrate. Gary is survived by Luella (Gay) MacKay; daughter, Helen (Michael) Harris-Stowell, Ontario; granddaughter, Ashley Harris, Ontario. He will be deeply missed by many extended family members. He was predeceased by brothers, Brent, Carvell, Keith and Frederick. In keeping with Gary’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Interment will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery, Cross Roads Country Harbour, at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital Society – PO Box 299; Sherbrooke, NS, B0J 3C0. The family thanks the staff of St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital for the compassionate care Gary received. Online condolences: www.gwgiffin.com
Daniel Robert Laing
Laing, Daniel Robert, 45, of Antigonish and formerly of Sherbrooke, passed away at home on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Born in Antigonish, he was a son of Ola (Alec) Sutherland and the late Jack Laing. Danny’s family and friends were very important to him. He kept in contact with his friends, checking in to making sure they were OK. He worked as a carpenter, but music was his passion. He loved playing his guitar and listening to music on any kind of recording; tapes, CDs or vinyl. Danny loved going to “The City” to TAZ Records and could spend hours browsing their collection. He enjoyed traveling throughout Nova Scotia, staying in motels and sightseeing. Kayaking and spending time with his dog, Nico, were also favourite pastimes. He is survived by his partner, Janice Kelly; brother, Jeff (Penny) Laing, Sherbrooke; nieces and nephews, Taylor Laing, Hayley (Nathan) MacDonald, Mackayla Laing, Jordan Laing, Melissa (Billy) Horne, Matthew Laing; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Steven Laing. A family funeral service will be held in St. James Anglican Church, Sherbrooke, with committal service to follow in St. James Anglican Cemetery. Donations in Danny’s memory may be made to the St. Mary’s Education Center/Academy music program at shanna.benoit@srce.ca or 121 Old Road Hill, Sherbrooke, N.S. B0J 3C0. Online condolences: www.gwgiffin.com
Edith Lillian “Edie” Murphy
MURPHY, Edith Lillian, 95, of Lochaber. It is with heavy hearts, Edie’s family announces her peaceful passing on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, palliative care unit, surrounded by her family. Born in Cross Roads Country Harbour, Guysborough County, she was a daughter of the late Ernest MacLeod and Margaret Belle (Smith) Mason. During her early years, she was employed at both StFX and St. Martha’s on Tray Side. After raising a family of nine, she returned to work at the Metropolitan Store, Antigonish, and then proudly enjoyed finishing her career as a PCW with the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. She was resourceful, a meticulous homemaker and for many years enjoyed serving anyone who dropped in for a taste of her homemade goodies. She loved listening to country music as she solved her crypto-quotes, lexicons, working on her puzzles or trying her luck at a game of chance. Blessed to have her for 95 years are her nine children, Janet (Fonce) Delorey, Edmonton, AB; Buddy (Flossie) Murphy, Lochaber; Margo (Clive) MacKeen, Aspen; Carolyn (Jim) MacDonald, Lochaber; Wanda (Joey) MacDonald, Lochaber; Randy Murphy, Edmonton, AB; Bradley Murphy, Halifax; Brett Murphy, Lochaber; Dana Murphy, Lochaber; 17 grandchildren, Shane, Christopher and Wayne Delorey, Tony (Brooke), Leo (Paula), Leanne Murphy (Mike McCarron), Tania (Brad) Wadden, Trent (Heather) MacKeen, Tyson (Monica) MacKeen, Tyler (Jessica) MacKeen, Adam (Christine) MacDonald, Kara MacDonald, Aaron MacDonald, Kristen Murphy, Jennifer Murphy, MacKenzie Murphy, Riley Murphy (Dustin Boyle). She was also affectionately known as “GG” to 20 great grandchildren, Taylor, Zoe, Flora, Warren, Xander and Skye Murphy, Max and Colby Wadden, Charlie, Lily, Maddison, Brady and Finn MacKeen, Emilee, Karissa and Allie MacDonald, Aubree and Jedd Clarke, Cora and Brooks Boyle. Edie will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Janet (Louis) Butts; sisters-in-law, Linda Mason, Joan Murphy and Violet Huculak; many nieces, nephews and their families. Edie was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Andrew John Murphy; sisters, Doris (Robert) Sutherland, Roxey (Theo) Benoit, Lina (Stewart) Caddell, Nell (Murray) Feltmate and Muriel Mason, in infancy; brothers, Leonard, Clarence and Russell, in infancy; sisters-in-law, Mamie (Jack) MacRae, Margaret Murphy and Dora (Leo) Murphy; brothers-in-law, Joseph Murphy, Gerald Murphy, George Murphy, Leonard Murphy; nephews, Boyd Murphy, Joseph MacRae, David Murphy; nieces, Janie Lee Moore, Shauna Mason, Wendy Sutherland and great-nephew, Steven MacRae. The family of the late Edith Murphy thanks all staff of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, in emergency, observation, PCU and palliative care, who cared for our Mum in her final days. The kind and compassionate care you provided was certainly appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Gordon Simms and Dr. Jane Anne Howard for your exemplary care, as well as Dr. Patsy Allen for her many years of care. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Lochaber Community Centre, from where the funeral service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m., with Lewis MacIntosh officiating, followed by a reception. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Cross Roads Country Harbour. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to the Lochaber Community Centre, Evergreen Cemetery Fund or Antigonish & Area Homemaker Service. Online condolences: www.gwgiffin.com
Eric Welsford Nauffts
NAUFFTS, Eric Welsford, 74, of Spanish Ship Bay passed away at home on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Born in Spanish Ship Bay, he was a son of the late Bruce and Shirley (Rudolph) Nauffts. Eric worked with his family business at Bruce L. Nauffts General Store. He and Connie owned and operated the Island View Restaurant in Liscomb and the Main Street Cafe in Sherbrooke for more than 30 years. He also cooked on offshore rigs and ships, which he considered to be a grand adventure. He was a member and past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 86, Liscomb. Eric was a founding member and remained very active in the Liscomb Volunteer Fire Department for more than 50 years. Eric was an avid gardener, growing both vegetables and flowers; he also enjoyed woodworking and spending time in his garage. The camp on the lake where he loved to spend time with the love his life of 52 years, and always waiting on family to arrive to enjoy their company. He is survived by his wife, Connie (Brigley); son, Ken (Denise); daughters, Erica (Doug) MacPherson, Carla (Derek) Battist; grandchildren; Liam, Abigail, Ryan, Sarah, Courtney, Lily, Lucas, Riley; great-granddaughter, Robin; brother, Allan (Mary) Nauffts; sister, Patricia (Kelly) Breen; daughter-in-law, Leah Reeves; many nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by a son, Jason Reeves, and an infant daughter, Shirley Nadine. A celebration of Eric’s life was held on Sept. 14 at the Liscomb Legion. Committal will take place in St. Luke’s Anglican Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Liscomb Volunteer Fire Department by email at liscombvfd@gmail.com or Liscomb Volunteer Fire Department 4319, Hwy 7, Spanish Ship Bay, B0J 2A0, or St. Luke’s Anglican Church Cemetery Fund, Liscomb. Online condolences: www.gwgiffin.com
Patricia Ann “Patsy” (Archibald) Pitts
1948 – 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann (Archibald) Pitts of Antigonish on September 8, 2025 at High-Crest nursing home in Sherbrooke. She was born on June 16, 1948 in Lochaber. She was the daughter of Mary Ceclia (Sullivan) Archibald and John Robert Archibald.
Affectionately known as Patsy, she began her working life at Goodmans in Antigonish before moving to Truro to pursue a secretarial diploma. After graduation, she worked briefly at the Nova Scotia Credit Union League and the Bergengren Credit Union, both in Antigonish. In 1977, Patsy accepted a position with the Town of Antigonish, where she built a rewarding 35-year career. She was a cherished colleague who formed many enduring friendships with both her peers and the public she so kindly served.
Patsy’s contagious smile and positive spirit could soften even the most surly or disgruntled—no one could remain sullen in her presence. She was quick with a compliment, and time spent with her always left you feeling better about yourself. Being in her presence was like feeling a warm ray of sunshine on you.
On a snowy April 17, 1971, Patsy married her life partner, Everett. Together they enjoyed a life rich with family visits, drives along the Cape and Lochaber, and the companionship of their beloved cats—Sophie, Maud, and Chester.
Family was at the center of Patsy’s life. She treasured her siblings and often visited her brothers Buddy and Phonse in Lochaber and Jean in Eight Island Lake. Her closest bond was with her sister Monica, her true confidante. The two spent countless hours visiting, chatting on the phone, and embarking on adventures together—whether attending auctions, visiting nieces in Calgary, or taking “girls’ trips” to Halifax. Wherever they went, laughter and good times followed.
Patsy loved shopping, daily walks through the Landing, and listening to music. She could often be found humming or singing along to one of her favorite songs—especially “Young Turks” by Rod Stewart. She and Everett also took great pride in their home, spending many hours perfecting their landscaping and decorating. Her interior design talents shone most brightly during the holidays, when her Christmas tree became a masterpiece that demanded an annual viewing.
Photography was Patsy’s greatest passion. Rarely seen without her Canon camera around her neck, she delighted in capturing landscapes—particularly of her beloved Lochaber Lake. But her true muses were her grandnieces and grandnephews. With patience and care, she would choose locations and poses, and they happily obliged. Thanks to Patsy, we are left with a priceless collection of snapshots of our lives, gifts we will treasure forever.
She is survived by her husband Everett; sisters Monica (Hugh) Sullivan, Antigonish; Jean Cummings, Eight Island Lake; brothers, Robert “ Buddy” (Gladys) Archibald; Lochaber; Phonse(Ann Marie)Archibald; Lochaber; brothers-in-law, John (Mary) Pitts and Hugh MacEachern, both of Antigonish; Doug MacDonald, Lochaber; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Andrew) Tate, Afton; Marsha (Fred) Vandereep, Fort McMurray, AB; Liz Archibald, MacPherson Mills; and many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.
She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Lou MacDonald; brother, Ronnie (Liz) Archibald; brothers-in-law, Stephen MacEachern and Raymond Cummings.
Funeral Mass was held at St. Ninian Cathedral on Saturday, Sept. 13. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Lochaber.
The family extends its sincere thanks to the staff of Highcrest Nursing Home for the wonderful care they provided Patsy. We will never forget your kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lochaber Community Centre or the Antigonish Chapter of CARMA. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.
