Please note new service information has been
added.
John Kenneth “Kenny”
Retson – 81,
Brookfield. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of
Kenny on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Colchester East Hants
Health Centre, surrounded by his family. Born in Truro, he was a son
of the late Jack and Irene (Kenney) Retson.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kaye (Fisher) Retson;
daughter, Tanya Retson, North Bay; sons, Shawn, Sudbury; Darren
(Jenny), Truro; James, Brookfield; granddaughters, Tessa Pearson
(Ciaran Carter), Hamilton; Addison (Grampie called her Dora) Retson,
Truro; brother, Gene Retson (Marion); sisters, Beth Brogan and Helen
Retson; brothers-in-law, Ray (Marlene) Fisher and Max (Laura) Fisher;
sister-in-law, Brenda Visser (John); several nieces and nephews. He
was predeceased by his sisters, Vera Henderson and Edith Retson;
son-in-law, Michael Anthony; brothers-in-law, Bryan Watson, Harold
Brogan and Turk Henderson; sister-in-law, Delma Fisher, nephew, John
Fisher.
Kenny attended Brookfield Rural High School and continued his
education at the Maritime Forest Ranger School to become a Forest
Technician. His career started in Northern Ontario and he later moved
back to Nova Scotia where he worked for Riversdale Lumber –
Sproule Lumber – J.D.I. Woodlands for over 40 years. He was
a mentor to many young foresters. Kenny was an adherent of Knox United
Church where he led Cubs for a few years, was a member of the Board of
Stewards and Property Committee for many years. He was well known for
his pancake making.
Kenny’s greatest passion was singing, being a
member of Knox United Church Senior Choir and the John Fisher Male
Chorus for over 60 years. Kenny also had a passion for curling and was
the first president of the Brookfield Curling Club. He was Monday
Night Commissioner for many years and won many trophies locally and
provincially. One of Kenny’s great loves was gardening and
he had one of the best gardens in Brookfield. He liked bowling,
snowmobiling, going on fishing trips, walking the wetlands, going to
the gym, making maple syrup, going to hockey games and ball games. He
enjoyed watching the Blue Jays and surprised Tessa on her 25 birthday
by taking her to a game in Toronto. He coached minor ball, was a
member of the Brookfield Athletic Association and Big Game Hunt
Committee for many years. Kenny loved spending time at the cottage in
Bass River from age 1 to 81. He enjoyed walks to Red Rock and fishing
bass from the shoreline. He was thrilled when Addison caught her first
fish.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses, VON
staff, and family and friends who helped Kenny get through this past
year of ill health.
Kenny’s family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m., Sunday,
May 22, 2022, at Knox United Church Hall, 53 Highway 289, Brookfield,
followed by the celebration of life service at 2 pm in the church,
Reverend Michael Henderson officiating. Reception will follow in the
church hall. Private interment in Brookfield Westside Cemetery, Carter
Road, Brookfield.
If so desired, donations in Kenny’s memory can be
made to Knox United Church, P.O. Box 83, Brookfield or by e-transfer
to the treasurer, Lori Nielsen at
knoxbrookfieldtreasurer@gmail.com or to Brookfield Curling
Club, 55 Carter Road, Brookfield by cheque or e-transfer at macdougall_darren@yahoo.com
or a charity of choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner
Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence
may be sent to the family by viewing Kenny’s obituary online
and selecting “Send A Condolence” at
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Kenneth Kenny Retson 1940 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia