FALKENHAM, Elvin Rupert

The sun shone brightly on the morn of Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020 when our dear father Elvin Falkenham passed away of natural causes in his 97th year at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. The previous evening at bedtime he had told his daughter, “Goodnight sweetheart, love you”. Elvin Rupert Falkenham was born April 20,1923 at home on Kaulbach’s Head (present day Lunenburg Golf Course) where his family farmed for many years. He was the youngest of seven children born to Willis Isaac and Emmie Kate Falkenham. In 1930 they moved to Lilydale and started Wayside Dairy farm. In 1941 Elvin graduated from the Lunenburg Academy. During this time he continued to help his father with early morning milk deliveries and other farm chores. While skating at the local arena he met his future wife Marion Dares and they were happily married in 1946. They actively worked together on the farm and created a successful life while raising their three children. His son Peter continues the family tradition of running the three generation family farm. Throughout his life, Elvin was very involved in many organizations. He was a director of the Dairy Bureau of Canada from which he received a silver medal for exceptional contribution to dairy marketing in Canada. He was president of the Lunenburg County Federation of Agriculture, director of the Animal Breeder’s Co-op, director of the Farmer’s Co-op, and a founding director of the Co-op Abattoir in Halifax. He acquired a DeLaval dairy equipment dealership and installed milking machine units throughout the county while his wife and father did the milking at home. They also used their farm as an experimental farm station through the Department of Agriculture Research Center in Kentville. Elvin became a director and judge on the Nova Scotia Rural Beautification Committee after winning awards for the family farm. He was co-founder and leader of the Hill ‘n Dale 4-H Club for many years. In addition to the agriculture industry he was Deputy Warden and councillor for the District of Lunenburg for a number of years. Elvin was a faithful councillor and choir member of Zion’s Lutheran Church. He loved to sing and was a member of the Lunenburg barber shop group “Sons of the Sea” and the Lutheran Church Men’s Choir for 25 years. As an active member, fundraiser and director of the Bluenose Golden K Kiwanis club, he helped support the Senior Wheels Association of Bridgewater. He received a 25 year plaque from International Kiwanis for his dedicated service. Elvin supported many worthy causes and was a great ambassador for Lunenburg, always stopping to welcome and chat with tourists. He was a member of the Heritage Society and co-authored the book “Please Pass The Butter”, containing family stories and a collection of dairy slogans that were displayed on his roadside billboard in Lilydale and enjoyed by many for over 30 years. Their granite tombstone, taken from the brook running through the pasture, has an engraved picture of the farm with the slogan “Please Pass The Butter”. Elvin and Marion, his devoted wife of 71 years, worked all their lives on the farm but were able to travel and enjoy winter vacations, agricultural tours to New Zealand, Australia and many southern cruises with close friends and family. He also enjoyed playing cards, following the stock market, swimming laps in the local pool, singing and entertaining visitors with a meal. No matter what event he attended, he always promoted and requested a glass of cold milk. Elvin was the last survivor of Emmie and Willis’ seven children. He was predeceased by his five brothers Roy, Willis Jr., Guy, Armond, Keith (died in infancy), sister Mabel Saxby, and his beloved wife Marion (Nov. 27, 2017). He is survived by his daughters Faye (Robert) Conrad, Halifax; Vickie (Frank) Allen,Corkums Island; and son Peter (Kathie Kirkpatrick) Lunenburg; nine grandchildren Nicole, Kimberly, and Matthew; Sarah, Dana, and Jeffrey; Stacey, Nicholas, and Andrew; as well as seven great grandchildren Jameson, Nala, Mason, Milo, Benjamin, Julia, Madeline and numerous nieces and nephews. Our Dad was our patriarch, our proud supporter, family historian, storyteller and generous in helping his family and community. Dad and Grampie will forever be missed. We can envision him singing with the angels to our mother and past family. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, Lunenburg. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cremation has taken place Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Earth Angels, all hospital workers and especially Dr. Catherine Kelly for her many years of dedicated and compassionate family care.

A celebration of life graveside memorial service for Elvin Rupert Falkenham, Lilydale, will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg, Pastor Rick Pryce officiating. Elvin passed away on April 5, 2020 in his 97th year at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L Sweeny Funeral Home, Lunenburg. For complete obituary please see www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca