James’ Obituary
LAMB, James Harris ~ Age 91, passed away peacefully at home in Somerset, on Friday, July 2, 2021, after battling many health challenges over the past few years. During the last few weeks, James was in the company of his family who were able to be a support as he was cared for at home. James was born June 5, 1930, to the late Hennigar and Emma “Frances” (Griffin) Lamb in Morristown, Nova Scotia where he first attended school, made lifelong friends and developed a love for farming. At the age of seven, he started his first business selling magazines door to door via horseback. When James was 14, his father was seriously injured by a horse, so he left school in grade nine to take over the responsibilities of working full time to support the family. He later studied and completed his grade 10 provincial exams. Dad’s deep sense of responsibility followed him throughout his life. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Margaret Alveretta Lonergan, and together they raised eight children. They built James H. Lamb Farms Ltd., a dairy farm that received the Dairy Award of Excellence numerous times over the years which signifies the milk is of the highest quality. He served on the Farmers Dairy Board of Directors for several years. Even though Dad never completed a business degree he was as astute as any businessman. He set attainable goals, building his farm from humble beginnings with the help of mum and his children. Starting as a Creamery Shipper, he sent the cream from his 2-3 cows by train into Halifax. Dad did not believe in debt. He considered debt a “dirty” word. Frequently taking on any extra work he could find, be it trucking or butchering, he would work well into the night to earn and save so he could fully pay for his next purchase. If and when debt was the only option, he never took on a new debt before the old was paid. He lived this way right until the end. Many a chuckle and comment was made about the worn out, old vehicles Dad would drive. His comment even after he could have prepaid for a fleet of trucks was, “I drive what I can afford!” Show was never his way, nor did he want to be acknowledged for the financial support he gave quietly and respectfully to many who asked. Over the years through hard work while meticulously attending to the care of his animals and educating himself on all aspects of the dairy operation Dad grew his dairy farm. Meeting his goals one at a time, he was able to grow his dairy herd to over 350 cows. Dad earned the respect of many in the dairy industry including peers and industry people. He was once described as a “Pillar of the dairy industry”. Dad valued family and even though he loved us, he had high expectations. Leading by example he instilled in us a work ethic that his children and grandchildren alike have exhibited in their education and careers. He seldom verbalized his feelings as actions spoke louder than words. Our dad and granddad helped each of us to start our education and careers. His commitment over the last number of years to seeing that Mum had the best of care at home during the decline in her health is a lesson in commitment and responsibility. For a man who would be frequently described as “hard shelled”, he had a heart that overflowed with pride, joy and love for his family. Dad is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 71 years; his daughters, Marlene (Ronald) Connell, Suzanne (Bev) Spicer, Sherilyn (Lindsay) Kinsman, Joanne (David) Fairfax, Beth (Ric) Hamilton; and sons, Timothy (Susan) Lamb, Bryon (Elizabeth) Lamb, daughter-in-law, Margie Lamb, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his foster sister, Faye Chase. Dad suffered many losses and hardships over the years but none compared to the passing of his son, James “Jimmie” B. Lamb; parents, Hennigar and Frances Lamb; brother, Bernard Lamb; sisters, Ethel Robinson and Elizabeth Hazelwood and his good friend, Harold Rafuse. We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dad’s caregivers who have provided care and compassion especially during these last few weeks: Peggy, Susan, Corrine, Ann Marie, Janet, Rhonda, Amanda, Samantha and Katie; all who have been the recipients of his teasing. Thank you Jim for your visits to Dad, they meant so much to him. Due to pandemic restrictions there will be no visitation and a private funeral service by invitation only will be held at Berwick Baptist Church, with Rev. Shawn Kehoe and Pastor Andrew Conrad officiating. Interment will take place in Berwick Cemetery. A video recording of the service will be available on the funeral home website below the text of his obituary after 7 p.m., Thursday, July 8. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for research into a disease that has both affected and claimed the lives of many of Dad’s loved ones. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Harris Lamb June 05 1930 July 02 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia