STRICKLAND, Charles Ellison and Marilyn Marguerite

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Ellison Strickland, 85, announces his death on December 25th, 2017. The family further announces that after a brief illness his beloved wife, Marilyn Marguerite, née Webber, 77, passed away on January 17th, 2018. Married for over 50 years they passed away but a few weeks apart respectively at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. Born in Blue Rocks, Lunenburg County in 1932, Charles was the son of the late Charles James and Grace Evelyn (Hynick) (Strickland) Oxner. Marilyn, born in Centre, Lunenburg County in 1940, was the daughter of the late Leonard Myer and Charlotte Marguerite (Meisner) Webber. Charles left school at an early age, working on the Luneburg waterfront, he began his seagoing career sailing on such vessels as the schooner “City of New York” and was proudly one of the last crew to sail on the salt banker “Theresa E Connor”. He later sailed on various scallop draggers and stern trawlers continuing his working life as Chief Engineer with National Sea Products and Riverport Seafood and retiring after more than 50 years at sea. Whilst Charles spent much of his life at sea Marilyn’s career found her working before marriage in Halifax and Toronto in the banking sector. After marriage and for many years she was employed with H&R Block in Lunenburg from where she had many long lasting happy memories of both her work and with the people whom she engaged with daily. In retirement Charles and Marilyn both very much enjoyed the simple pleasures of life which mostly involved relaxing at home with their family and friends and together enjoying weekends exploring flea markets and yard sales. After the birth of their grandson they would travel with frequency to visit their daughter Tammy, son in-law Paul, grandson Ryan and extended family in Vermont; memories that always remained close to their hearts. Charles particularly enjoyed cooking for and with family, his daily walks rain or shine through Northwest and talking with friends along the way, tending to his garden, caring for his wife and spending many happy hours with his grandson, Ryan. Charles was an avid and lifelong reader, promoting the same with his children and could always be found with a book or journal at his side. He thoroughly enjoyed the sun and sounds of the neighborhood from his deck chair or otherwise could be found in his workshop working on one of his many projects. Marilyn often enjoyed evenings with friends playing Yahtzee or Bingo which over time evolved in to Scrabble with daughter in-law Stella and granddaughters Sharon and Sharlene. Marilyn was famous for her quick wit and wry sense of humor, her home baked Christmas fruit cake, decorating the house during the holiday season and making sure there was an endless supply of potato chips and chocolate for all to snack on. She was always called upon within the family to advise on and suggest thoughtful gift ideas for family members when this proved to be a challenge. Although petite in stature, she was known by those who loved her as a real force of nature. Without ever being asked Marilyn and Charles would often reach out to lend a hand, be it to a neighbor needing advice or support, caring for their grandson after school or collecting their granddaughters from the airport in the middle of winter. Through their children, grandchildren and social-media Marilyn and Charles were fortunate to connect and create relationships with family and friends in Canada and in-laws in Sri Lanka leaving a lasting memory of love and care to those near and far. Charles and Marilyn, ever loving parents and grandparents, are survived by their son Charles (Stella) of Halifax and Colombo, daughter, Tammy (Paul) Wilson, Italy Cross; grandchildren, Ryan, Sharon and Sharlene, several nieces, nephews, brother and brother in-law John Webber, sister in-law Louise Strickland and good family friend, Frances Webber. A service to celebrate Charles’s life was held on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 and the service for Marilyn was held on January 25th, 2018 both at the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, Lunenburg. The services were officiated by the Rev. Alvin Westgate; interment will be held at later date at Sunny Valley Cemetery, Centre. Service and alms giving in their memory was held under the patronage of Carmel Xavier the mother of their daughter in-law, Stella, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or to any other charity. Card of Thanks The family of the late Charles Ellison and Marilyn Marguerite Strickland would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to friends, neighbors, family and extended family near and far who have shared their condolences, love, prayers and stories either in person, by phone, cards, social media, email or through memorial donation to various charities. We would like to extend a very special thanks to Clyde and Valerie Childs who as neighbors and friends over the years, and most especially in recent weeks provided tremendous support to the family. Many thanks to Rev. Alvin Westgate of St John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg, for his eloquent words and prayers for the family along with his gracious officiating of the services. Thanks also to the congregation of Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lunenburg, for their prayers and condolences. Further thanks to the Lunenburg Fire Department, paramedics of the EHS, doctors, nurses and staff of the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg for their emergency care for Charles and their compassion for both Charles, Marilyn and family especially Dr. Sarah Conrad and Dr. Fathi Badi for all efforts in their medical care. Finally, very warm thanks to Mike Zinck and staff at the Dana L Sweeny Funeral Home in Lunenburg for their exceptionally compassionate support at this most difficult time.