George Fairn

FAIRN, George Stuart, 88, of Nictaux passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at noon Saturday, 8 September 2018. He was born in Lawrencetown, Anna. Co., to the late George E. and Wilma (Phinney) Fairn. He is survived by his wife, Lynda and her daughter, Alison Videto; his son, Michael and his wife, Belle; his daughter, Kim and her husband, Frank Van den Heuvel, all of Middleton; his grandchildren: Andrew (Holly) of Churchville, Pictou Co., Ashley (Derek Lawrence) of Westville, Pictou Co., Channa Bromley and Hayley Van den Heuvel of Dartmouth, and Quinn Van den Heuvel of Middleton. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Brenton and Annabella Fairn, and Ethan and Hunter Lawrence; Belle’s daughter, Debbie (Kelvin) Cole of St. Albert, AB. and their children, Joshua and Sophie Cole; Belle’s son, Robert Grant of Duncan, BC; and Andrew and Ashley’s mother, Sheila Wheeler of Stellarton; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Jean (Kaulbach) in 1997, a son Stephen, in infancy; a granddaughter, Lilly, in infancy; his brothers, Vincent and Robert, and his sister, LaVerne. He graduated as Class President from the Maritime College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University in 1955 and then practiced pharmacy in Bridgetown, Saint John, NB, and Middleton and area for almost 60 years. His entrepreneurial and innovative approach to pharmacy is evidenced by him being one of the first—if not the first—pharmacists to discontinue the sale of tobacco products in his store. He established the Healthcare Shuttle to transport Middleton and area residents back and forth to Kentville and Halifax/Dartmouth for medical appointments. And he was one of the first pharmacists in Nova Scotia to introduce clinical patient counselling. His work in pharmacy was recognized by him being presented with the A.H. Robins’ Bowl of Hygeia in 1985 and he was named an Honorary Life Member of the NS College of Pharmacists in 1998. He was a member of the NS Medical Services and Insurance Commission for six years. George was a member of Nictaux Baptist Church; a 49 year member of the Rotary Club of Middleton, in which he served as Secretary, Vice-President, and President. He was very proud to be named a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow—one of Rotary’s highest honours—in 1994. He was a Charter Member of the Bridgetown Lions Club. His service to the community included a total of six years as a Middleton Town Councillor (1966-67, 1972-74), Chair of the Middleton Business Improvement District Commission, and as a member of the Annapolis Valley Affiliated Boards of Trade. His love for all things military was evidenced by him being a member of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment while in Saint John and Commanding Officer of ‘D’ Company, West Nova Scotia Regiment, Middleton. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration. George was a Charter Member and Past President of the Annapolis Valley Historical Society and continued as a member until his passing. He was also a Director of the Pine Grove Cemetery Company and of the Twelve Baskets Food Bank. He was proud to have been recognized for his work in the community with the presentation to him of the Canada 125 Medal in 1992. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed doing puzzles of all kinds, especially Sudoku, to keep his mind sharp. Visitation was Tuesday, 11 September, 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448, and a Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, 12 September, 2 pm at Nictaux Baptist Church, with Rev. Bill McLeod officiating. Family flowers only, please. After a private family burial, there was a reception in the Nictaux Fire Hall. Donations in George’s memory may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation, Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum, or Rotary International Foundation. The family extends a sincere and heartfelt thank you to EMS and the Nictaux Volunteer Fire Department for their prompt and capable response. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com