Arthur Morton Curren

A kind and gentle man has died. Our dearly loved Arthur, Dad and Grandad left us Tuesday, October 7 2014 at St. Vincent's Nursing Home to be with his beloved Isabel.

Born in Halifax on January 11, 1923 to the late Margaret ( Keddy ) and Laurie Curren, Dad grew up in Bedford on a farm which is now part of the DND Magazine. He rode his pony back and forth to school which led to a lifelong love of horses.

After leaving school he joined the shipping agency Newfoundland Canada Steamships in 1940 and during WW II did vital work preparing merchant ships for sailing. He was a respected member of the shipping community for over 46 years, rising to vice president and director of the companies Newfoundland Canada Steamships, F.K.Warren, Pickford and Black, and Maritime Protective Agency as well as being director for MacLean Kennedy. Dad also served as president of the Halifax district committee of the Shipping Federation of Canada and was chairman of the Halifax district committee of the Maritime Employers Association for a number of years.

Having met the love of his life, Isabel, in the early 1940's they married on June 23, 1945 and 69 years later he was still holding her hand and bringing her flowers.

Settling in Rockingham, Dad and Mum built a house and became an integral part of the community. Dad was a Captain in the Rockingham Volunteer Fire Department, Charter member of the Rockingham Yacht Club and taught winter survival skills to Scouts. A man of great faith, Dad belonged to Rockingham United Church and served as chairman of the building committee during construction of the current structure as well as being greatly involved in church activities over the years.

Dad loved the outdoors and was an accomplished woodsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing (which included some memorable trips to Newfoundland), snowmobiling and cross country skiing with Mum. A skilled handyman, he always kept his house and property in pristine condition and was always there when someone needed help with a project.

As kids Dad taught us many life lessons. Honesty, integrity, the difference between a Robertson and Phillips screwdriver, how to hammer a nail and build a fire are just a few examples. A job worth doing is worth doing well is something we live by. Many a time he would excuse us from a chore saying "you're only young once, go play". Thanks Dad.

Family road trips, camping in the travel trailer, skating rinks in the back yard, tire swings, hammocks, tent forts, hikes, and cutting our own Christmas tree were all things Dad provided to make childhood memorable.

With their family growing up, Dad and Mum bought a property in Malagash on the shore of Tatamagouche Bay which they enjoyed for many years before moving on to a motor home, in which they had much enjoyment travelling and making new friends.

Dad is survived by children, Paul (Jane), Yellowknife, NWT. Nancy, Halifax. Barbara (Rick) Nickerson, Dartmouth. Grandchildren, Christopher (Nicholette) Nickerson, Robert Nickerson, Thomas Nickerson, Gregory (Lorraine) Curren and Jessica Curren. His sister Marguerite Hine, Sidney, B.C., Sisters-in-law Margaret Bowering, Eva Drysdale, Myrla Drysdale all of Halifax , Elizabeth Drysdale , Charlottetown, PEI, brothers-in-law Joe Brescacin, Sault Ste Marie, ON, Dr. Ian Drysdale (Janet) Peterborough, ON, as well as 18 nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Isabel, sister Eva Brescacin, brothers-in-law Rev. Nathan Bowering, Everett Drysdale, Dr.Ronald Drysdale, Dr.Alan Drysdale and Owen Hine.

Paul, Nancy and Barbara offer many thanks to the staff at Saint Vincent's, especially the " dream team ", for the great care and attention they provided to Dad and Mum over the past few months and during this difficult time.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be published in the paper when finalized.

Should you wish, a donation in Dad's memory can be made to Rockingham United Church, 12 Flamingo Dr. Hfx, B3M 1S5 or a charity of your choice.

We love you Dad.