Laurie Albert Dorey

Dorey, Laurie Albert, 81, of New Ross, NS, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, surrounded by his family. Born in South Alton, he was a son of the late Arthur William and Annie Louise (Knockwood) Dorey.

Laurie was a man with an unbeatable work ethic. He worked as a carpenter with a career spanning over 50 years. Throughout his career, he was involved in many big projects, including when he was appointed Shop Steward during the construction of the Coldbrook and District School. In addition to his carpentry skills, Laurie was a skilled mechanic and could fix anything with an engine. He was very mechanically gifted; it appeared all Laurie needed to do was listen to your car and he could tell you what was wrong with it. These skills he passed on to his sons so they could repair their vehicles. He always said a job worth doing was a job worth doing well – always give your best.

When he wasn’t hard at work, Laurie loved to be in the woods, fishing, snowmobiling or cutting wood. His favourite pastime, however, was hunting with his sons. He was an avid hunter who also would trap fox, rabbits, beavers and bobcats, hunt for deer, and he especially enjoyed trips to the Cape Breton Highlands to hunt moose. While in the earlier days he may not have caught much with six boys trailing behind him, he raised them all to be accomplished hunters and outdoors-oriented men.

Laurie was also known to be incredibly strong, having a perfect arm-wrestling record with his boys. After one match, the boys realized how truly strong their father was.

He was very principled and could also be quite headstrong and direct – you would certainly know where you stood with him, but this never overshadowed his giving nature - he was a man who would do anything for anyone. Laurie took great pride in his Mi’kma’ki heritage. He so enjoyed his pleasant discourses with DNR officials on Mi’kmaq Treaty Rights.

Laurie is survived by wife, Kathy Lorraine (Salsman) Dorey, sons; John William, Laurie Allan, Brian Kevin, Timothy Albert, Toney Stephen, Jeffrey Myles, and daughter, Ronda Lee Toney (Dorey); brothers, Millage and Edward Dorey, many grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren as well a numerous nieces and nephews. As well as his parents, Laurie was predeceased by brother, Henry Dorey; sisters, Hattie Sproule and Florence Campeau as well as his first wife Betty Lyle Reese.

As per Laurie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Family will be having an informal celebration of life so that his many family and friends can enjoy time together sharing stories and food. Celebration of life will be held on February 3, 2024 from 1-5pm at the Forties Community Center, 1787 Forties Rd, New Ross.

Laurie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of Valley Regional Hospital and Sipekne’katik Heath Center for their care of Laurie, and to the Sipekne’katik staff of Jordan’s Principle for all of their help. You will be in our hearts and minds forever.

Donations in memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.