FANCY, Basil St Clair

On May 11, 2020, the kindest, sweetest man God ever put on this earth was taken home to heaven when Basil St Clair Fancy died at the South Shore Regional Hospital from pancreatic cancer. Born in 1935 to Beulah and Clifford Fancy of Westfield, N.S., he was one of sixteen children in a big, raucous family. Basil was predeceased by: brothers Borden (Basil’s twin), Elbert, Avery, Eugene, and Barry; and sisters Amy, Elva, Geraldine, Eleanor, Jean, Joan and O’Dessa. Surviving siblings are Everett (Lillian) Fancy, Pauline (Avery) Uhlman, Irving (Elaine) Fancy, and Christine (Dwight) Mansfield. All of his nieces and nephews were special to him, but Alister and he were extra close. Marguerite, his wife of 62 years, was beside him throughout their lives together but never more so than the last part of his earthly journey. He said he’d marry her again if given the chance. Basil was predeceased by his son Steven. He is survived by two children (who know they were dearly loved by him) and their spouses (who he loved like his own): daughter Maureen and son-in-law Mel Bartlett of Halifax; son John and daughter-in-law Joanne Fancy of Beaver Bank. He was blessed with four grandchildren and he was proud of you all: Mackenzie and Micah Bartlett and Spencer and Tyler Fancy. He was beyond happy when his great-granddaughter was born three years ago. Madison, you gave Great Grampie an extra big smile. While he and Margie lived in their own little bit of paradise for over 50 years next to Little Tupper Lake in North Brookfield, their last few months together were spent at Drumlin Hills in Bridgewater. The residents and staff immediately became members of his extended family and made the all-too-brief time spent there a true joy. Thanks to all of you for your care and kindnesses. Finally, finding the rights words to adequately express the family’s gratitude towards Basil’s caregivers at the South Shore Regional Hospital is almost impossible. They amazed us every day with their gentle touch, their compassion towards Basil and his family, their attentiveness to his needs, their treatment of him with dignity and respect, and their laughter at his teasing. Their genuine sadness at his passing says a lot about Basil but even more about their compassion. Saying thank you to the staff and nurses on the fourth floor isn’t enough, but we appreciate you all. The palliative care team of Dr. Gowan and nurses Kim, Louise and Rachelle not only looked after Basil physically but also eased his mind by including his family in his care. As we have told you, you are angels walking this earth. Dr. Chiasson, Basil grew to rely on your advice and guidance because you never steered him wrong. He thought the world of you, as does his family. Basil was a wonderful man who lived a full and happy life. He had friends wherever he went because everyone loved him and his smile. There will be no funeral at this time, but if you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society – a cause near and dear to his family’s heart.