Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
Arthur Frederick Chisholm – 98, Great Village, passed away on
Friday, April 28, 2023, after living a life of service and support for
his family and friends, his employers, and his communities,
contributing to the fabric of Nova Scotia.
Born in Highland Village, Art was the only son of the late
Judson L. and Abbie (Layton) Chisholm and was the first person in his
family to attend university. He was accepted at Mount
Allison University in pre-engineering, graduating in 1946.
He met his soon-to-be wife, Shirley Lewis, on a blind date on her
birthday, and they were married nine months later in
1946.
After graduation from Mt. A., he attended Nova Scotia
Technical College in Halifax, graduating in 1948 with a degree in
Civil Engineering.
For the next 35 years, he worked at Dalhousie University,
teaching surveying to student engineers and, as Director of Physical
Plant, was responsible for managing the existing buildings, central
plant, grounds, and support systems at the university, as well as
planning and construction of new
buildings.
Within his oversight, he acted as liaison between the
stakeholders, architects, and contractors of major projects among them
the Student Union Building, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Killam Library,
and the crown jewel for him, Sir Charles Tupper Medical building, all
of which were constructed under his guidance. He was
presented to the Queen Mother upon the opening of the Tupper
building.
He was active in the National Association of Physical Plant
Administrators and was the President for the Eastern Region of APPA
for two years. He also served as President of the Faculty Club while
employed at Dal. He was President of the Association of Nova
Scotia Land Surveyors where he also was on the Board of Examiners and
a Life member of the association.
In Halifax, he volunteered as a trustee and elder at Bethany
United Church, and also acted as Cub and Scout leader over the
years.
In 1983, he and Shirley retired to his family home in Great
Village, where he continued his life of service and community
activity. He served in various roles in the Royal Canadian Legion
(Branch 72) where he was a life member, he was President of the
Seniors’ Club, the Seniors’ Council and participated in the Seniors’
Secretariat, President of the Historical Society of Great Village,
President of the Historical Society of Colchester County, Elder,
Steward, and Treasurer at St. James United Church where he also sang
in the choir. He received an outstanding member award from
the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs for his work as Director
and Treasurer, he was President of the Cemetery Company and President
of the Clan Chisholm Society of Nova Scotia
(twice).
In 1992, during the Provincial Volunteer Week, he was
provided with recognition from the Premier, Don Cameron, for
Exceptional Volunteer Service for the County of Colchester, and in
October of 2019, Art received a resolution from the House of Assembly
to recognize his contributions.
On November 11, 2018, when the beautiful and massive bell in
the St. James United Church in Great Village rang 100 times to signify
100 years, he pulled the bell for more than 60 pulls while
demonstrating to the other person how it was done. He did it
again a year later in 2019 at age 95 when the bell was again rung 100
times.
His life of service was also constant in his devotion for
Shirley through her later years as she suffered from dementia and
crippling arthritis, caring for her totally on his own in their home
until her death in 2012. Committed to keeping busy, he took
up “engineering” quilt tops, sewing over 100
quilts. He was a generous supporter of various charities and
causes, especially for research into Alzheimer’s
disease.
An avid outdoorsman, gardener, and creator of brilliant
shortcuts of efficiency in everyday life, he remained active, alert,
and continued to live in his own home until his death.
Along with his parents, Art was predeceased by his wife,
Shirley (Lewis); sister, Ruth McKinnon. He is survived by
four children, Richard (Maureen), Nancy (Hubert Smith), Patricia Isnor
(John), Alexander; four beloved grandchildren, Fiona Chisholm (Garth
Murphy), Jacqueline Mahoney (Andy), Nicholas Isnor, Craig Comeau
(Janet); six great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces from his and
Shirley’s families.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner
Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the a service of
celebration of Arthur’s life will be held 1:30 p.m., Monday,
August 14, 2023. If you knew him, we hope you can join us. Interment
in Mahon Cemetery, 8480 Highway 2, Great Village. In the meantime, if
you are interested in honouring Arthur Chisholm, donations may be made
in his name to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or any charity of your
choice. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by
viewing Art’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A
Condolence” at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
1924 2023
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice Arthur Frederick Art Chisholm 1924 2023
obituaries notice Arthur Frederick Art Chisholm 1924 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Arthur Frederick Art Chisholm 1924 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
