Harmon E. "Harm" Illsley

Well-known Kentville resident and former Fire Chief passes away

Harmon Eugene "Harm" Illsley – age 89, of Orchard Villa West, Berwick, formerly of Kentville. With heavy hearts, we are sorry to announce the passing of our dad, grandfather and great grandfather on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Born in Lakeville, NS, he was the son of the late Pern and Annie (Spittal) Illsley, Lakeville, NS. He attended a one room schoolhouse in Lakeville, and then later attended Mack Business College. He worked for F.W. Robinson Limited for several years. He resigned from there and started working for Cody Food Equipment Limited, from where he retired. Dad was a former member of the Kings County Travellers Club Association. He was a member of the Nova Scotia Fire Chiefs and the Maritime Fire Chiefs Associations. He was the longest serving Chief of the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, with over 40 years of service. He was involved with minor hockey when sons, Bob and Bev played. He enjoyed his winter months in Florida, playing pool every morning and playing crib. During the summer months they were at Evangeline Beach. He is survived by his children, Charlene (Bernie) Davies, Sunken Lake; Robert "Bob" (Tara Ryan), Kentville; Beverly "Bev" (Shelley Watson), Kentville; Cheryll Illsley (Dave Wood), Upper Dyke; Teri (Stephen) Harris, Coldbrook; Kellie (Murray) Best, Weston; grandchildren, Kenni Bigelow, Waterville; Justin (Amy) Davies, Sunken Lake; Carla (Trevor) Spidle, Woodville; Jodey Illsley, Bishopville; Melissa (Tim) Jackson, Coldbrook; Jaymie (Kyle) Kelly, Coldbrook; Nicole Illsley, Coldbrook; Brittney Illsley (Madison Hein), Coldbrook; Tony (Tanya) Comeau, Upper Dyke; Robbie Comeau, Edmonton, AB; Chrissy Comeau (Jeff Barkhouse), Upper Dyke; Mallory and Morgan Harris, Halifax; great grandchildren, Abby and Brody Davies, Sunken Lake; Raya and Halle Jackson, Coldbrook; Bailee and Emma Kelly, Coldbrook; Kennedy and London Cross, Coldbrook; Lane and Brooke Hein, Coldbrook; Hannah (grampie’s little sweetheart) and Grace Comeau, Upper Dyke; Riley Comeau, Upper Dyke; step great-grandchildren, Owen Kelly, Coldbrook; Jemma Spidle, Woodville; sisters-in-law, Ruth Illsley, Kentville and Carthel Illsley, Kentville; several nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was predeceased by mom, Joyce (Barker) Illsley (January 2018); sister, Jacqueline Russell; brothers, Francis and John Illsley; sister-in-law, Vivian Turner; brothers-in-law, Beverley Russell and George Turner, all of Kentville. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation, by request. A celebration of Harm’s life, followed by a reception, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. Burial will take place in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Family flowers only by request. Donations in memory may be made to Orchard Villa West, Berwick. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.