BANNERMAN, Alexander James – 96, of Dartmouth was born in 1926 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. The son of the late George William and Lenora Everett (Gray) Bannerman, Alex passed away peacefully at home on January 22, in his 97th year. Alex was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Eunice Bishop, and his twin brother, John (Mabel). He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Joy Ann (Charles Granger), sons Jim (Heather), David, and Bill (Brenda), and grandchildren, Ryan (Nicholle), Rick (Kerstin), Corey (Krista), Philippe (Emily), Laura (Dawson), Michael, Joy Renee, Chris, and 8 great-grandchildren. He spent his early years in Kenzieville, Pictou County, graduating from New Glasgow High School and Nova Scotia Teachers College where he earned his First Class Licence and Mechanic Science Licence. He furthered his education at New Brunswick Institute of Technology and Mount Allison University. After teaching Industrial Arts for several years in Montreal, Pictou, Port Williams (where he operated the Kings County Shop Mobile), and Dartmouth, Alex moved his family to Oswego, New York where he attended New York State University and earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science degree, specializing in Industrial Education. While studying in New York he was a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, The International Honour Society for Professions in Technology. In 1972 he was awarded the coveted Laureate Citation of Epsilon Pi Tau, in recognition of his developing the first Nova Scotia Industrial Arts and Vocational Technology Summer-School degree program. He was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa (a professional organization for educators) Acadia Chapter. In 1965 he was appointed Supervisor of Industrial Arts by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and in 1968 became Inspector of all Vocational Technical Programs for the Province, retiring in 1986. He served as president of the Dartmouth Community Concerts Association, the Nova Scotia Metal Arts Guild, the Nova Scotia Association of Industrial ArtsTeachers, the Nova Scotia School Administrator Association, the Epsilon Pi Tau Chapter at the State University of New York, Oswego, and the Canadian Grandfathers of Excellence. Always interested in music, for over 30 years he sang tenor in several church choirs, enjoyed playing the piano his entire life and played alto sax with a dance band. As a young man, he loved the bagpipes and served as pipe major of the 2nd Pictou Highlanders Pipe Band. Having an affinity for all things Scottish, he never missed an opportunity to wear his kilt and Alex always had boasting rights for the most-polished shoes in the neighbourhood. He also curled at both the Wolfville and Pictou Curling Clubs. His creativity didn’t end with music, and after building the family home in 1952 he filled it with beautifully hand-crafted furniture, cupboards, cabinets, rocking horses, doll houses, toy trucks, etc. Other examples of his master carpentry and design skills are on display in unique pieces he built for both Grace United and St James United Churches. His watercolour paintings are on the walls of friends and family, and his calligraphic invitations and certificates, as well as his lovingly-created annual Christmas cards, were works of art. Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service, and interment at Kenzieville Cemetery, Pictou County are planned for a later date. Donations may be made in Alex’s name to the Grace United Church Building Fund, Dartmouth. He will be missed by many. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com
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