Robie Stafford Ward
1933-2026
Robie
Stafford Ward
1933 –
2026
Robie Stafford Ward, 92, formally of Canning, passed away on Saturday, July 11, at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. Born on the family farm in Hall’s Harbour on July 18, 1933, he was the middle child of 11 children born to the late Morton and Eveline (Jess) Ward. He was affectionately known as "Pa" to his children and close friends, and "Puppy" or "Grampy" to his grandchildren.
Robie lived a long and beautiful life. As a teenager, he worked hard on the family farm, drove logging trucks during the construction of Hwy 12 from Kentville to Chester Basin, and helped unload the ships that came into port in Port Williams. He later took a job at the Scotties Potato Chips factory, which is where he met his first wife, Belle, to whom he was married for 34 wonderful years. The factory eventually moved to New Minas and became Hostess Chips. In 1970, Robie became a millwright with the Co-op Feed Mill, working faithfully there until 1985 when he became disabled.
Although Robie faced more than his share of illnesses from a young age, he truly loved life, family, and friends. He was a deeply devoted Jehovah's Witness for the majority of his life, and his strong faith anchored his love for people and his positive outlook.
Robie and Belle shared a wonderful life together centered around family and community. They enjoyed camping, lively family gatherings, gardening, and canning preserves. Their home was always filled with the warmth of freshly baked bread, the sounds of old-time country music, playing crokinole and playing cards. Countless hours were spent playing cards with his children, grandchildren, friends, and anyone else who was up for a challenge or didn't mind losing the game. They cherished every moment spent watching their grandchildren grow. Together, Robie and Belle opened their hearts and home to the community, providing dedicated respite and in-home care to intellectually challenged adults, including Robert and Ed. Robie's patience, kindness, and unwavering support provided a safe, nurturing environment for those in his care, reflecting his deep compassion and lifelong commitment to helping others.
A few years after Belle's passing, Robie met and fell in love with Patricia "Pat." They were blessed to spend 26 happy years of marriage together, sharing a love for travel, gardening, and their faith. Following Pat’s diagnosis with dementia, Robie showed incredible devotion, tenderly caring for her in their home in Canning for several years. When the time came, they transitioned into the nursing home together, where they were blessed to share the same room. Spending his final year by her side, Robie ensured that Pat was continuously looked after with the exact love and deep devotion he always desired for her, right up until his passing.
Robie had a deep passion for the outdoors and loved going beachcombing. Close in age to his brothers Merrill and Bev, the three boys spent a great deal of time together as youngsters and continued that close bond throughout their later years. Robie and Bev spent countless hours together tapping trees, fishing, and hunting. In fact, his brother and hunting partner, Bev, always bragged about what a sharp shot Robie was. Though many seasons passed with an empty truck, for Robie, it was never about the hunt—it was about the time spent together in the woods, passing down life lessons and family stories. He also loved gardening, taking great joy in sharing his bounty with family, and he loved taking his children and grandchildren fishing. Back at home, Robie was an unmatched cribbage player. He rarely lost, skunking many opponents over the years; even at 92, you were lucky if he ever let you win.
Robie’s greatest legacy is his large, beautiful, blended family, which grew to include 9 children, 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" (Griffin); his sons, Nelson (Diane Seary) of New Minas, Neil (Denise) of Lower Sackville, and Bernard (Analiza Doberte) of Wetaskiwin, Alberta; his stepchildren from his late wife Belle, Dwight (Susan) Mossman of New Minas, Sherry (the late Clarence) Wambolt of Italy Cross, and Peggy van Hattem (Lester Hatt) of Kentville; as well as his stepchildren from his wife Patricia, Jeff Coleman (Dan Ferguson) and Sandra Coleman (John Therrien), both of New Minas.
He leaves behind his sisters, Lucy (the late Adelbert) Sheffield, formerly of Glenmont, and Thelma (Phillip) Kazakoff of British Columbia; and his brothers, Morley (the late Joanna) of Hall’s Harbour, and Clinton of Kingsport.
He is also survived by his 20 beloved grandchildren: Brianna Ward of Berwick; Aiden Ward of Kentville; Erica Ward (Jeremy Sprague) of Lower Sackville; Aaron Ward (Dana Crossley) of Windsor; Thaine Ward and Keira Ward, both of Alberta; Matthew (Andrea) Mossman of British Columbia; Sherry (Luanna) Mossman of Saskatchewan; Linda Leopold (Ken Forward) of Alberta; Jody Plante (Kirk Ernst) of Maitland; Derek (Kim) van Hattem of White Rock; Darren van Hattem of Coldbrook; Sean (Johanna) Wiseman of Vancouver; Keith Wiseman of Halifax; Jaysen Wiseman of New Minas; Ralph (Robin) Keddy of Cambridge; Nancy (Jason) Lockhart of Coldbrook; David Keddy of Kentville; and Danieca Ferguson and Anthony Ferguson, both of Ontario; along with his many cherished great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Belle (Coleman) Ward; his stepson, Danny (Freda) Coleman; his brother, Merrill (the late Joy) of Kentville; his brothers, Illsley (the late Helen), Leon (the late Wanetta), and Beverley, and his sister, Flora (the late David) Collins, all of Centerville; and his sister, Marie (the late Reginald) Kinsman of Porters Lake.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Jeff for moving home from Ontario to care for his mom after her diagnosis and to look after our dad, allowing them to remain in their home for as long as they did. Deepest gratitude is also extended to Dr. Cull and the staff at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville for the wonderful care provided to our Pa during his final days.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Kentville. The memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall in Kentville on Friday, July 17 at 11am. Interment will be at Elm Grove Cemetery in Steam Mill.