John Alvin Crandall

At 61 years young at the dawn of a new day, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, John was freed of illness and pain and entered eternal freedom with courage, dignity and grace. John spent much of this year in hospital with complications with his IgA Nephropathy, which is an autoimmune disease, which he was diagnosed with over 20 years ago. After years of dialysis, he received his kidney transplant 12 years ago this past May, which he was always very grateful for.   

At an early age John supported his family by working when not in school for the neighboring dutch dairy farms. While juggling both for as long as he could eventually he left school to work full-time to provide for his family as the need to support his family increased. After farming, John enjoyed going to the woods, cutting firewood, and he especially loved running the skidder. John while a man of quick wit, was also a man of integrity and perseverance. He had incredible personal strength and fortitude along with a passion for life. Believing tomorrow could be a better day he continually found ways to live life as fully as he could often in pain at levels most would crumble under. All the while, finding strength to remain kind and grateful at the same time. There will never be another John. 

Eldest son to Willis and Gladys (Brown) Crandall; sibling to Yvonne, Dale, Sharon, Theresa and Tracey; uncle to Alex, Jason, Melanie, Sarah, Emily, Shaun and Katrina; respected brother-in-law and friend to Theodore and Kelly. Through the years a forever bond remained strong with Theresa and Tracey and families. He had a wealth of knowledge of many things others may not realize. He loved animals and had a calm presence with them. He often commented that animals are smarter than many people. Hobbies and interest were anything with an engine, helping friends with woodworking and other projects, provincial politics and being with those he loved. Drives and a treat with his friend Gordon, and trips to the track with Carmen. John loved his various friends for their kind friendships and many laughs. Each helped the other to keep their cups full. A man of his word, he said what he meant and meant what he said, unless he quickly said he was joking. 

With immense gratitude, John appreciated his support teams throughout his struggles with ongoing health concerns over the years. Halifax hospitals, Valley Regional Hospital, VON and Continuing Care, Kings Point to Point and Family First Medical. Many of these people became friends as John had that charm to make friends wherever he went. An extra special immense note of gratitude to VRH’s Dr. Helson and Dr. Cull and their nursing teams in Med A and Med B and ICU and the occupational therapy care. Each of you had a special spot in John’s heart and he was pleased to tell you so as the importance of your roles to others is invaluable. 

Keeping John’s memory present in our everyday lives, in lieu of donations to a charity – consider random acts of kindness to our fellow person(s), because we all can pay it forward. Greeting strangers with a hello, helping someone who has their hands full mentally or physically, letting someone else go first in line, checking in on someone and so many other ways. Everything done with a full unconditional heart and effort counts towards making the world around us better for everyone. Be the change in someone’s day. 

To sum it up John’s way – "Thumbs up – always." 

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2026 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A private burial will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.