Donald Murray Myers

Myers, Donald Murray, 93, father and grandfather, died peacefully on 12th July 2016 at the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building, 6 East. Born June 17th, 1923 in Cole Harbour, Guysborough County, he was the son of Edna (Munroe) & Seldon Myers.

Don enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 and served as a wireless mechanic in Burma as part of 436 Transport Squadron. He served as air crew dropping supplies to Allied troops in the jungle from C-47 Dakotas, for which service he was awarded the Burma Star. Friendships established in Burma with Barney Nunns, Oliver McNichol and Archibald Adams became lifelong and were reinforced through reunions of the 436 Transport Squadron “Canucks Unlimited”.

On return home, Don rejoined Wm. Stairs Son & Morrow Limited before moving into the Insurance business, first with Hardy Freeman, and then setting up his own business – D.M. Myers Insurance Agency, now operated by his son Ken.

Don married Donna Holt in Saint John NB in 1951. They were married for 51 years until Donna’s death in 2002. They lived for 45 years on York and Cornwall Streets where they proudly watched their four children grow, leave home and chart their own course, welcomed spouses and grandchildren and enjoyed the friendship of their neighbors. Throughout their life together they were devoted to numerous community services and charities such as Plan International (Foster Parents Plan of Canada). Retirement gave them the opportunity to fulfil ambitions to travel including trips to Hong Kong, London, Israel, Greece, Spain and extended visits with friends in Victoria.

Don was an active member of First Baptist Church, Halifax for over 60 years, serving on the Board of Deacons and many committees. He loved the church music he’d grown up with, the choirs of First Baptist, Symphony Nova Scotia, the concerts of the St Cecilia Society, and the Kiwanis Music Festival. On visits to St. John's he attended choral festivals and Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival. A Saturday rarely passed when he didn’t listen to Saturday Afternoon at the Opera. He continued to enjoy musical sessions in his last months with music therapist Johanne Gallant.

While living in Halifax most of his life, Don’s love for Cole Harbour and Guysborough County never diminished and regularly drew him back. The journey would always include dropping in to child hood haunts and checking up on friends and family in Goshen, New Harbour, Larry’s River and Charlos Cove among others.

Don enjoyed the comradery of others particularly if it involved a good meal, a cup of tea and a piece of homemade pie. Always a meticulous barbecue chef, he became fond of cooking and prepared countless meals in the church kitchen. He took pride in sharing his famous fish cakes with everyone and made them for the First Baptist Church Tea & Sale for many years.

Don served on the Board of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Nova Scotia Division, the Board of the Northwood Foundation, and was a charter member of the Armdale Kiwanis Club, serving as President and eventually as the Lieutenant Governor for Eastern Canada and the Caribbean.

A Life Member of the Mayflower Curling Club, he enjoyed both playing and watching the game.

He is survived by his daughters Brenda, London, England, Heather (David Thompson), St. John’s, sons Gordon (Alix Goulet), Toronto, Ken (Bethany) Halifax, grandchildren Emily Myers, Toronto, Rosemary Myers, St. John’s, Ruth and Adam Myers, Halifax, his sister Margaret Collins, Ottawa, nieces and nephews and by Donna’s sisters Lorraine Spracklin (Ed), Halifax, Carol Barton (Jack), Saint John and brother Ken Holt (Bobbie), Saint John.

He was predeceased by his brother Lloyd, sisters Jean, Dolly and Dorothy, brothers-in-law William (Bill) Sinclair, Ernest Collins & Spurgeon Myers, and his sisters-in-law Fran Myers and Kay Holt.

Don’s family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of the Veteran’s Memorial Building, particular those who work on 6 East, for the care and attention shown to Don. Your work is outstanding.

Donations in Don’s memory will be gratefully accepted by QEII Foundation (music therapy program Veterans Memorial Building) and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“Keep us mindful of the needs of others”

Visitation will be held on Monday evening the 18th July 6-8 pm at Cruickshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax with memorial service at First Baptist Church 1300 Oxford Street at 1030 on Tuesday July 19th.