The family of Clarence William "Dud" Cole, sadly announce his passing on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at the Drew Nursing Home, Sackville where he resided the last 5 and a half years.
Born in Westcock, NB, he was a son of the late Frederick and Daisy (Bembridge) Cole.
Clarence was one of eleven children, nicknamed "Dud" early in life by his sisters. He met his wife Madeline Allen Cole when she was a teacher in Westcock. They married October 12, 1942. He was a Flight Sergeant in the Canadian Air Force from 1940 to 1945 with his final posting in Louisburg, NS. After the war he and Madeline settled in Port Elgin and started a grocery store, making it his life's work for 64 years. He rebuilt the store after a devastating fire in 1982.
Dud was a founding member of the Port Elgin Rotary Club, and lived his life by their motto "Service Above Self". He was a Paul Harris Fellow; a Life Member and Past Master of the Westmorland Masonic Lodge, from where he received his 70 year pin; He was a member and Past Patron of Fort Monckton Chapter #11, Order of the Eastern Star; a member of the Port Elgin Trinity United Church where he sang in the choir most of his life; a past board member of the Port Elgin Newstart (PEDVAG); a past board member of the Westford Nursing Home.
He had a great love of "The Farm" where you often saw the red truck after hours. His kindness to all living creatures was evidenced by his feeding of the multitude of cats and skunks.
He had a great sense of humor, had a great love of his community and towards his fellow man. He played the trumpet in a local band.
Dud is survived by his children: Karen (George) Trueman, Aulac, NB; Dr. William "Bill" (Lorette) of Bay Side, NB.; Bonnie (Mark) Jamer, Miramichi; Ted (Sharon), Port Elgin; Shelley (Shaun) Murphy, Melrose; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Madeline; 2 grandsons, David Jamer and Logan Cole. The last surviving member of his immediate family, he was also predeceased by his 10 siblings.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home. Visiting hours will take place at the Jones Funeral Centre, 3 West Main St., Port Elgin on Monday, July 4 from 7 to 9 pm. The Royal Canadian Legion, the Masonic Lodge, and the Order of the Eastern Star will hold memorial services starting at 6:45 pm that evening. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 2 pm, Wayne Jarvis, DLM officiating. Burial will follow in the Fernwood Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in Dud's memory may do so to the Imagination Library (Port Elgin Rotary Club), Camp Goodtime (Masonic Lodge), or the charity of your choice.
Dud's family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Staff of the Drew Nursing Home; the members of the ACW; and all those community members that took time to visit with our Dad.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Dud's online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.