Wilfred Franklin Percy
March 17, 1944 – July 10, 2018
Wilfred Franklin Percy – March 17, 1944 – July 10, 2018
It is with inconsolable sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, husband, and friend Wilfred (Fred) Percy. Born in St John’s Newfoundland, Fred traveled widely throughout his life but kept the memories of “home” close to his heart. Having left Newfoundland in 1960 at the age of 16, Fred being the eldest son of ten children, was always looked upon for support of his younger siblings. One can only imagine the logistics of traveling in a Station Wagon from St John’s to Toronto Ontario! It made for many amusing and funny stories in the years that followed.
Fred was a strong advocate for education and encouraged many who knew him, to pursue their dreams and to challenge their abilities to the fullest. Fred completed Post-Secondary studi es in several industrial trades from George Brown College in Toronto. With over 50 years of tradesman experience, Freda ttained Master Status in the fields of HVAC, Gas Fitter, Boiler and instructor status for OSHA Occupational Health & Safety. Later, Fred became interested in combustion systems such as industrial asphalt burners and showed such precision in maintaining large driers, that his skill set was sought after across North America. Whether working alongside his colleagues in a team environment (Black & MacDonald; Gentec; Carmichael Engineering), or from his own private practice, Fred maintained a high level of professionalism in all his projects.
Fred met his lifelong friend and companion Alice (nee Briand) in the 1960’s while living and working in Toronto. Having an East Coast connection, the two hit it off and developed a bond that would lead them to marriage. Fred has two daughters, Laurie-Lynn (Douglas) McGlynn of Toronto, and Dyane (Mark) Horton of Halifax. Both daughters grew up in Ontario and have many fond memories of visiting relatives during summer holidays, camping trips and learning how to fish, winter skating on the family pond, and much more too numerous to mention here. One memory that stands out for Laurie-Lynn, is the family trip to Disney World in the 1970’s. Five adults and three children drove from Nova Scotia to Orlando Florida in two cars. You can imagine the number of stops made along the way!
Having a love for Country and Celtic music, Fred enjoyed playing the guitar and wrote beautiful songs, some quite humorous while others were thoughtful and touching. One that comes to mind was Fred’s homage to Terry Fox written in 1981 and aired on CKDY local radio and published with the Canadian Songwriter’s Association. One highlight of Fred’s life was the clandestine meeting of legend Johnny Cash after a concert in Halifax. Other pastimes include teaching his grandson Nathan how to play checkers and best of all, showing him the secrets of his magic tricks, which was always a hit at birthday parties and family gatherings.
Fred was always an extremely positive person, even up until the end. He always maintained a glass is half full outlook. He was compassionate, hardworking and loved being a grandfather. He enjoyed “comradery” between friends and family and was always willing to wind down after a long day, sharing a few laughs and listening to his beloved country music.
Fred is survived by spouse Alice, daughters Dyane (Mark Horton) and Laurie-Lynn (Douglas McGlynn), grandchildren Hannah (Horton) 14, Nathan (Horton) 11, Oliva (Horton) 6, Hannah (McGlynn) 20, Rhiannon (McGlynn) 16, late parents Wilfred and Sheila (Crewe), sisters the late Joan (the late Ben, Dawn, Ben Jr. and Todd Derksen), the late Donna (Melissa Sinclair), Yvonne (Davies), and brothers the late John (Kathy, the late John Jr., Daniel, Mary-Ann) Spencer (Jean, Kenneth, Sheila, Greg and ex-spouse Yvonne), the late Wayne (Lorna), David (Bonita, Michae l), Gary and wife Norma, Robert, sister in law Ruby (the late Roy)Hubley-Briand, Lee (Alicia, Austin, Morgan) Briand. Special mention to Tyrone from Gentec and Mark Harnish from Black & MacDonald. Dad mentioned you both often.Acknowledging all the rest of Fred’s extended family and friends.
“…It’s a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we’re on the way to there
Why not share
And the load doesn’t weigh me down at all
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”
-written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, 1969
*The family would like to welcome all visitors to sign the guestbook and share any memories or photos of Wilfred.
**Please also consider donating to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
As per Fred’s request, cremation was selected and no formal funeral arrangements will occur. Fred’s daughters will have a small family reception to share memories of their beloved father and friend.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
– Traditional Irish Prayer
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Wilfred Franklin Percy March 17 1944 July 10 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia
