Eric William Lawson Pace

It is with love that we announce the peaceful passing of Eric Pace, at the age of 89, in Camp Hill Hospital. He was the son of Louise (nee Ayers) of Lamaline, Newfoundland and Eric B. Pace of Glen Margaret.

Eric spent his early years in Hackett’s Cove, where his parents owned and operated a General Store. He attended a one-room school in Hackett’s from Primary to Grade Six. His family moved to Halifax following his father’s illness. He attended Cornwallis Junior High School and Queen Elizabeth High School, where he met Elaine in grade 10, and so it began. Eric developed a fondness for sports including baseball and hockey; he played hockey at the secondary and varsity levels. He attended Mount Allison University and received his B.A. in 1958. He went on to attend Pine Hill Divinity School in Halifax and, while there, was assigned as Student Minister to Brunswick Street United Church. He was ordained a Minister of the United Church of Canada in 1960 and began his ministry with the Goshen Pastoral Charge in Guysborough and Antigonish Counties. He and Elaine were married in West End Baptist Church, Halifax, that same year. During his Berwick ministry, he was the Fire Department Chaplain and enjoyed coaching fastball and participating in camp leadership. He was introduced to curling, which he continued to enjoy for many years and passed down his love of the sport to his daughter, Joanne. Eric was a Manpower Counsellor with the Federal Department of Manpower Services in Saint John, NB. The family returned to Halifax, where he was employed as Supervisor and eventually Director of Staffing for the Province of Nova Scotia, retiring in 1993. Over his lifetime, he remained involved with the local and regional church serving as Elder, Secretary and Chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee. His other endeavors included Director of Mixed Curling at Mayflower Curling Club, Chair of the Board for Windsor Elms Seniors’ Home and Chair of several congregational committees and events. Throughout his life, he was a member of numerous golf clubs, a sport he passionately embraced with the company of great friends, including Wayne Redmond. Following retirement, he and Elaine enjoyed 12 years wintering in Florida, while operating “Julia’s Antiques” from their fishstore during the summer months. By this time, they had moved to Hackett’s Cove and William Black Memorial Church became their much-beloved home congregation, completing the circle.

Eric is survived by his wife Elaine (nee Wagner), his children Gregory (Elsie) of Hantsport, Joanne MacGillivray (Daniel) of Falmouth, and grandchildren Mark and Brian MacGillivray and Eric, Matthew and Sarah Pace, as well as his brother Glenn (Beverley) of California. He is also survived by brother in-law John (Marge) Wagner and nieces and nephews: Craig Connolly, Nancy Snow, Julie Ann (Wagner) Stienburg, David Pace and James Pace. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Thelma Boutilier (Melvin) and sister in-law Judy (John) Snow.

A special thank you to family, friends and caregivers who have provided support and companionship over the past few years. Also, thank you to the staff on 3 East, Camp Hill Hospital, especially nurses Amanda and Ariane.

Visitation will be held at Snow’s Funeral home, Thursday, January 22, 2-4pm. The funeral will be held at William Black Memorial Church, Glen Margaret, Saturday, January 24, 11am. Reception to follow in the Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to William Black Memorial Church or charity of your choice. Online condolences please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com