Lewis Talbot "Lew" Flanders

Lewis Talbot Flanders, age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, with his loving family at his side.

Lew was born in Newton, Massachusetts, the only child of Lewis Talbot Flanders Sr. and Lela Jean Murphy Flanders. His father was from Brookline, Massachusetts, and his mother was from Scotch Village, Hants County. Lew came to Canada with his parents when he was seven and was raised in Brooklyn, Hants County. He travelled by train to Windsor High School in the late 1940s.

Lew joined the Air Cadets and later joined the United States Navy during the Korean War, where he was posted to the USS Coral Sea, the largest aircraft carrier at the time. He was later employed with Avon Foods as a cost accountant and then worked at the Kentville Post Office.

Lew was a member of Brooklyn United Church, St. Paul and St. Stephen United Church in Kentville, and, most recently, King's Presbyterian Church. His faith was strong and very important to him. He was involved in the Cursillo and Alpha movements and served as a team member and sponsor to many others. He was also a member of Clan Donald.

Lew was a kind, loving and giving man who helped wherever he was needed. He enjoyed good company and had a great sense of humour. Lew was a lifetime member of the Coldbrook and District Lions Club, where he served in many positions, including treasurer, monthly breakfast pancake flipper and working the Apple Blossom Parade canteen. His quick, reliable service with the 911 Sign Project had a meaningful impact on community safety, and he continued supporting it until age 92. In 2008, Lew was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Clubs International Foundation for dedicated humanitarian service.

Lew was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Kings #006 in Kentville and was proud to receive his 50-year membership pin in 2025. He was a founding and life member of the Brooklyn Fire Department in Hants County. He was very proud of his role in the founding of the fire department and was the last living member of the group that took the risk of signing the loan for the department’s first truck.

Lew enjoyed music throughout his life. He played his harmonica from the time he was a teenager and learned how to play the Dobro guitar in his 40s. He was a member of many country western bands, most recently Mixed Bag. He enjoyed taking part in many variety concerts, fundraisers, hymn sings, jam sessions, and dances. Lew was still playing his harmonica and Dobro guitar at the time of his passing.

Lew and his family enjoyed more than 60 years of cottaging at Mockingee Lake, Hants County. It was not unusual for Lew to play darts or music late into the night with the lane community, friends and family present. This was Lew’s happy place, which he shared with so many.

Lew took great pride in his family, their educational and professional pursuits and, more importantly, the adventures they’ve chosen and the lives they lead. While his musical talents have not yet appeared in later generations, his love of aircraft and models has carried on. Lew and Bessie are grateful to be considered second parents and grandparents to many.
Lew had a great love of animals and his pets brought him great joy over the years. He later enjoyed the dogs and cats that visited him, including future guide dog puppies.

Lew is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bessie Rose Rankin Smith Flanders, formerly of Pictou County; and his children, Karl Aulden Flanders and Lela "Jennifer" Christine Flanders Schofield. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Audrey Bishop Flanders; his son-in-law, Jamie Schofield; and his precious grandsons, Dawson James Schofield (Rebecca) and Cohen Lewis Schofield.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Joyce Wile Flanders, of Bible Hill, Nova Scotia; and his in-laws, Aulden Smith of Toronto, Alex Smith and Christina Muir Smith of Pictou County and Stanley Rankin and Rose Muir Rankin of Montreal.

There will be no visitation, according to his wishes. A celebration of life will take place at King's Presbyterian Church on Monday, July 6, at 2:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the CNIB Guide Dog Program https://www.cnib.ca/en/cnib-guide-dogs; the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca or charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.