Obituary of Bernard Ronald 'Moe' Durdle, New Waterford

It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Bernard Ronald ‘Moe’ Durdle on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney. Born in New Waterford, he was the youngest son of the late George and Melina (Thorne) Durdle. He was an effective rugby player (flying position) for Central School, earning the nickname ‘Bull’, although his lifetime nickname was ‘Moe’. He was a member of Calvin United Church, New Waterford Pensioners’ Club, Central School Reunion Committee and past member of the New Waterford Fish and Game. In summers, his brother Diddie would take he, Ed and Len to Pt. Michaud Beach where they would continue to go into adulthood. He attended Central School along with his buddies, Scratch MacNeil and Lonnie Nearing. After school, he and Sid MacAulay drove the horse and wagon delivering groceries bought with stamps during the war years. He also worked at Schwartz with Jodie Ellsworth and on the garbage truck at age 16. Moe told stories of adventures with his good friends, Carl Getto and Bram Schwartz; memories of jumping clampers, playing Lee Hawkers, softball, hockey and rugby. Moe had brief encounters in Toronto and Halifax before settling in to where there is no place like, home. He re-joined his father and brothers in No. 12 Colliery and went on to work in Nos. 16, 26 and Lingan where he finished as an overman. Moe took pride in living in and maintaining his family home. He and Brenda hosted many parties for family and friends from away. Their yard was the backdrop for many wedding photos. Moe is survived by a brother, Len, Halifax; sister, Winnie (Tom) Ball, Virginia, U.S.A.; sister-in-law, Eileen (Gregor) Durdle; many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his niece, Patricia McLeod. Besides his parents, Moe was predeceased by his wife, Brenda (MacLeod) Durdle in 2018. He was also predeceased by brothers, Allister, Norman, Chester, Earl, and Ed; sisters, Belle, Hazel and Myrtle. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 11 a.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford, with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery at a later date. A luncheon will be held in the Rev. Duncan Roach Fellowship Room immediately following the service. Donations in his memory may be made to Calvin United Church or Union Grove Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.