Obituary of Louis Nearing

It is with sadness that we, Shannon and Steve, announce the peaceful and dignified passing of a truly great man and "Favourite Old Guy", our Dad, (Thomas) Louis Nearing at Maple Hill Manor on January 1, 2017. Born in New Waterford on April 6, 1933, he was the eldest child born to the late Rose (Strang) and William (Bill) Nearing. Receiving his early education at Scotchtown Memorial School, he completed grade 10 at St. Agnes and entered the workforce as many young men did at the time. While never professing to be a scholar, he instilled not only a work ethic, but also the importance of education in his children. He went to "Night School" and completed his GED at the age of 40. Before we knew him, he was a Boy Scout. He loved to tell us about his time at the Jamboree in Ottawa in 1949. He loved going to the dances in town. In the early 1950’s he was also an actor (who knew!) playing the role of Sam in the CYO production "The Arrival of Kitty". We have the pictures to prove it! Dad went to work at 17 driving a truck, moving furniture and "a little bit of everything" for Schwartz of New Waterford. He developed a lifelong friendship with the Schwartz family, especially the late Irving, whom he admired and respected. At 19 he began what was to be his lifelong career; working with Maritime Tel & Tel (now Bell Aliant). He was an Installation and Repairman for the company but to everyone in New Waterford he was simply "The Telephone Man". He retired in 1990 after 38 years and four months of service. Everyone knew that Lou loved the Montreal Canadiens! He was fortunate enough to travel to Montreal, attending games with Gordie Mac Isaac and his sons over the years. He proudly displayed his allegiance to the team with a front license plate and in our ever-famous basement "museum". He loved to fish. Gabarus and Margaree were favourite spots back in the day. Later, it was anyplace there was fish. Nobody cooked up a "feed of trout" like Lou. It was the best trout EVER. More than anything though, he loved his family, especially our Mom. They met at a party at her cousin’s house and married on July 1, 1961. They were married for 49 years. Theirs was a great love. For a while he was her caregiver, rarely missing a day during her lengthy illness, visiting her in hospital or at Seaview Manor. He loved the two of us with a quiet tenderness. There were the little things, like stopping on his way home from work on Valentines’ Day to buy us cinnamon hearts and never staying "mad" at us for very long. He never went to bed until we were both safely home. We knew he would be there in the living room or kitchen waiting…the light was always on! Dad was so proud of his home and yard on Carpenter’s Hill in River Ryan. It was a home filled with love and good memories of which we are so grateful. Dad and Mom were fortunate to remain in their home for as long as possible thanks to dear caregivers Gloria, Lorraine, Jen, Alberta and others over the years. Predeceased in 2010 by his wife Betty, Lou is survived by his children Shannon (Alan Cameron), Halifax and Steve (Renee), McMinnville, TN; granddaughters, Lauren Cox (Matt Johnson), Toronto, Shelby Nearing, Layne (Chad) Mullins, both of McMinnville and Grace Cameron (Stephen Crossland), Banff, AB; his brother, Greg (Norma); sisters, Joan (Charlie) MacLean and Karen Fraser; brother and sister-in-law, Connie Morrison and Fran Campbell; nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances (Cookie) Nearing, Maureen and Reg Anthony, Kevin Campbell, Art Fraser and Mary Morrison. There really are no words to express how grateful we are to the entire staff of Maple Hill Manor who welcomed our Dad to the family last December and took such good care of all of us during this difficult Christmas season. We would also like to say a special thank you to our aunt Karen who sat with Dad everyday until we were able to be there. We are forever grateful. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St, New Waterford on Wednesday, Jan. 4, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass of celebration will take place at the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, River Ryan, with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard's Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity or association of ones' choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Go with God on the next step of your journey, with our love and with peace ……….. you have so earned it.