Francis "Walter" Pilon

We are heartbroken to share the passing of our father, Francis ‘Walter’ Pilon, on December 16, 2019 at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. He was born August 7, 1927 in Verdun, Quebec, to Joseph Victorin and Veronica Grace (O’Neill) Pilon. Raised in a loving family of seven children, Dad had a curious mind and lived actively and fully to the very end.

Dad entered the military as a boy soldier at 16 and retired from active service in 1972 having attained the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He transitioned to the Department of National Defence where he continued his professional life as a Draftsman and proud member of the Corps of the Royal Canadian Engineers. Dad met and married ‘the prettiest girl in Tantallon’, Audrey Boutilier, in 1950. Military life saw them posted to Kingston, Fredericton, London, Whitehorse and Chilliwack before returning to Nova Scotia. Together Mom and Dad built their home in Sheldrake Lake in 1973 and resided there for the rest of their lives. They raised three children, Peter, Suzanne and David, in a loving home where hospitality, warmth and creativity prevailed.

Dad lived by the motto ‘If you are going to do something, do it right.’ He was thoughtful, meticulous and could problem-solve any situation. He was quietly proud of all that he was able to do, from single-handedly building his own home to outfitting his camper vans. He was a talented painter, maintained beautiful gardens and grounds and was attentive to the smallest of details. Dad was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He was delighted to welcome his first two great grandchildren this year. Mom and Dad travelled the world and were always open to their next adventure even in their final years.

Dad is survived by his children Peter (Charlene) Pilon, Suzanne Skeete, and David (Elizabeth) Pilon; grandchildren Matthew (Kate) Pilon and Daniel Pilon, Ryan (Amelia) Gregg and Hayley Gregg, Jacob Pilon and Sacha Pilon, Lana Skeete and Jenna (Jared) Thacker; great-granddaughter, Clementine Gregg and great-grandson, Henry Pilon. Also surviving are siblings, Raymond (Rose) Pilon, Joyce Kelly, Philip (Marilyn) Pilon, Paul Pilon; and siblings-in-law, Innes (Nancy) Boutilier, Irma Boutilier, Alice Boutilier and Doreen Boutilier; and many nieces and nephews who he happily followed with his genealogy research. Besides his parents, he was very recently predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Audrey; siblings, Victor, Bob (Marie), Mary; and siblings-in-law Edward Kelly, Bruce Boutilier, Cora (George) Nash, Ray Boutilier, Doug Boutilier, Avis (Frank) Foster, James Boutilier, Elsie (Roy) Sadler, Eric (Margaret) Boutilier, Morley Boutilier and Maxine (Ken) MacKay; and by his son-in-law, John Skeete.

Visitation will be Friday, December 20, 2019 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Saturday at 9:30 a.m., both at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

We so appreciate the kindness and support of family and friends who shared their love of Dad over his long life.

Dad, you will lovingly remain in our hearts always. And, we hope that we did it right!