William H. Pushie

Son of the late William and Essie (Pushie) Pushie West River Antigonish, Bill joined the Royal Canadian Coastal Artillery in 1927. He served from 1940 to 1945 in the 88th Bty AA in England, Italy, France, Holland and Germany. During the last 13 of his 35 years of service, Sergeant Major Pushie travelled throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as Instructional Staff to all Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. The B.S.M. William H. Pushie trophy is presented at the 2741 Chezzectcook’s Cadet Review to the most improved cadet.

In 1963 he became the Halifax County Gaoler. Despite the poor infrastructure and overcrowded conditions at that time in the jail, he was cited as having a significant positive influence with inmates especially young offenders. When this institution was merged with Rockhead and moved to Lower Sackville he was Captain of the Guards until his second retirement at age 65.

He and his wife Kae valued life-long learning. They sent their children to private schools and ensured all attained on average two University degrees to which their children, all professionals in various walks of life are ever grateful.

Bill will be remembered by his Bridge playing friends and foes for his love of the game, which he played for many years at the Masters level. He hosted dinner parties well into his 90’s in his own home having learned to cook in his mid 80’s. He enjoyed attending social events like the Robbie Burns Dinner, physical activities like swimming and especially loved hunting camp activities up to his 101st year as he was a lifelong hunter and sport fisherman. Bill’s favourite saying was, “Life is beautiful”. Bill’s progeny inherited his firm values, love of live and positive outlook.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years Mary Kathleen (Kae) Ryan, daughter Elinor, daughter-in-law Margaret Lynn, sisters Annie Bibber, Alberta Gordon, Mildred Cochoran, Nina Hamper, Susie Dragger, Essie Dragger, Ida May Black, Georgie (Charlie) MacLean and brothers Charlie, Fred, Howard and John Rod.

He is survived by his son Scott (Caroline), daughters Joan (Stan) Fage, Dr. Mary Pushie (Mel Heit), son-in law Frank Stella, eight Grand Children - Mary Clare, David, Krista, Matt, Ben, Roger, Heather and Laura – and three Great Grand Children - Meaghan, Leo and Oscar.

To all his friends and neighbours at Admiralty Place especially Elaine and Joan, his home care workers Urszula and Vera, and to all the Staff at 6 West at Camp Hill Veteran’s Memorial Hospital who made his last days the best they could be, a HUGE thank you with hugs.

Visitation J.A. Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax (902) 455-0531, Monday May 14th 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial Service Tuesday May 15th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Internment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville following reception. Please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.