Obituary
THURBER, Lou Wintford – 98, of Yarmouth formerly of Barrington Passage, passed away at Veteran’s Place in Yarmouth, where he had just recently moved. Born March 7, 1924, he was the fifth of eleven children born to the late Percy and Belle (Garron) Thurber. He is predeceased by his parents; spouse, Gloria Edith (Dickie); brothers, Raymond, Earl, Clifton, Carson; and sisters, Pearle, Edna, Gertrude, Louise, Vesta. He is survived by his sister, Beulah; daughter, Judy (Don); son, Gary (Lynne); granddaughters, Beth (Ryan), Katie, Lynsay (Mark), Jillian (Shayne); great-grandchildren, Adelaide and Lucas. Lou spent his career in the education system. After graduating from high school, he taught school for two years at the age of 16, before enlisting in the army, where he spent most of his time in England. After the war, while awaiting his return to Canada, he attended Khaki University (established by the Canadian government) in preparation for entering university at home. Lou attended Acadia University in Wolfville, NS, from 1946-’49, obtaining a BA in Biology and then his B Ed in 1950. It was while in Acadia that Lou met his wife to be, Gloria. After graduation, Lou taught school in Cape Breton from 1951-’52, then taught in Dartmouth for a number of years, where he also became principal. He then taught at MacDonald High School in Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, for nine years, before returning to NS where he became superintendent of schools in Barrington Passage and Clark’s Harbour, a position he held for 13 years prior to retiring in 1979. From a young age, Lou was always involved in community activities, associations, and volunteerism. As a youth, he belonged to the Boy’s Club, the Baptist Young People’s Union, Boy Scouts and was a boy soloist at local concerts. During his first year of teaching he became leader of the Army Cadets. While in Quebec and in Barrington Passage, Lou supported several charitable organizations including, CNIB (for 23 years), the Canadian Cancer Society, the Terry Fox Run, and volunteered at local blood donor clinics. Lou was a member of the Barrington Area Lions Club (1979), where he served in a number of offices including that of District Governor (1988). He was a life member of the NS Lions Foundation and the Lions Club International Foundation. He was also a member of the NS Teachers’ Union and then, later the Retired Teachers’ Association. During their life together, Lou and Gloria were very active and social. They travelled extensively and enjoyed curling, cross country skiing, golfing, and playing bridge. They also crewed on The Sebim with Warren Doane and were international schooner champions for four years. In addition, Lou enjoyed stamp and coin collecting. He was also an avid gardener even into his nineties, which some believe contributed to his longevity. Furthermore, Lou had one of the largest private collections of antique Flow Blue china in the province. In October 2017, following his wife’s death, Lou moved to Parklands Retirement Home in Dartmouth, where he made good friends and enjoyed activities such as Bridge, Rummoli, and Pass the Ace. Family and Education were very important to Lou. He came from very humble beginnings and had high expectations for himself and others. He was very proud of the fact that 3 generations (8 members) of the Thurber family graduated from Acadia University. The family is very grateful for the invaluable friendship and support offered by George Squires to Lou while he lived in Dartmouth. The family would also like to express gratitude to Veteran’s Place for making Lou’s brief stay as comfortable as possible. During his lifetime, Lou made donations to Acadia University, the Lions Foundation and the VON. In expression of sympathy, donations in Lou’s memory may be made to these organizations. Arrangements are under the care and direction of H. M. Huskilson’s Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Barrington. A funeral service will be arranged in the spring of 2023. Online condolences may be sent to huskilson@ns.aliantzinc.ca or you may sign the guest book at www.huskilson.net
March 7 1924 December 8 2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lou Wintford Thurber March 7 1924 December 8 2022..
H.M.Huskilson funeral homes and crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Barrington, Province: Nova Scotia