MOSSMAN, Vernon Bertram

2022-09-16

Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a catalyst for good in the community throughout his life, Vernon Bertram Mossman died peacefully in the company of his family on September 16, 2022, in Bridgewater, NS. He was 91 years old.

Born in Blockhouse on July 6, 1931, Vern was renowned for his voracious appetite for work, most memorably through his management of LaHave Furnishings over four decades but also in his younger years when he became one of Atlantic Canada’s first rock and roll disc jockeys as host of “Vern’s Jukebox” on CKBW. And in retirement he took on an entirely new adventure as a deacon for the Anglican Church. But that was only the tip of the Vern Mossman story. A salesman and hard worker by nature, Vern launched his working life as a boy, going door to door selling drink powders. He briefly served in the Canadian Armed Forces, based in Chilliwack, BC before returning to the Bridgewater area and involving himself in a number of retail activities. Dedicated to building his community, he was engaged in a number of public activities and on many boards including as vice chairman of the Nova Scotia Boxing Commission.

Other roles included: member of the Lunenburg County Social Assistance Appeal Board; Chairman of the Lunenburg County Vocational School advisory board; 14 years as president of the Lunenburg West PC party association; president of the Long Lake Baptist Youth Camp; member of Kiwanis Bridgewater; master of the Milton Masonic Lodge; president of the Bridgewater chapter of the Canadian Red Cross. He also held memberships in the LaHave River Yacht Club, Kinsmen Club, the Bridgewater Downtown Retail Merchants Association, the Bridgewater Curling Club, and the Bridgewater Golf Club.

Church was a passion throughout his life. As a boy, he attended faithfully - sometimes twice on Sundays - by walking to services in Mahone Bay. Prior to retirement he studied to be a lay reader before qualifying as an eucharistic minister. In that role he led worship and funeral services in small communities often many miles from his home while also traveling to serve communion to shut ins.

Vern was predeceased by his parents, Bertram and Grace Mossman, his brother, Robert and his first wife, Geraldine (Hatt), with whom he fathered eight children.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 34 years, Alexis (Donovan Brewer), daughters Patricia Menzies (Peter) and Lynn Mossman and sons Phillip (Gloria), James, Dennis, Mark (Yvette), Steven (Ann Marie) and Gregory (Judith). Also mourning his loss are stepchildren, Clyde Donovan (Pattie Ann), Eric (Deanne) and Catherine Donovan Walker. He was and will forever remain a much-loved grandfather to Ashley and Evan Menzies, Andrew and Rhea Caley, Jameson Mossman and six great grandchildren. Also mourning are step-great-grandchildren Stephanie, Lisa and Tash Pichuck and Amanda and Emily Donovan.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022, at St. James Anglican Church, Mahone Bay.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hillside care home and Dr. Everett Weagle for their expertise and caring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia.

Until we meet again, dearest Papa, rest in peace. You earned it.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca

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