William Noel Hartlen

HARTLEN, William “Bill” Noel, 71 - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Bill on Monday, November 7th, 2011 in the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, N.S. Born in Halifax, December 1939, he was the only son of the late William and Myrtle (Oxner) Hartlen. Bill attended Chebucto Road School and Queen Elizabeth High School. He then began his career as a Radar Technician in the Air Force, but soon returned home to assist his father with the family concession business at the Halifax Forum, where he was held in very high esteem and employed many people in their first jobs. It was here that he met many of his closest friends. After leaving the Forum, he opened a Multi Mart Centre in Bayer’s Lake and later the Down East Lobster Feast. Then, he and his wife Gerry began Hartlen’s Catering, retiring in 2005. Bill loved spending time with his beloved wife of 35 years, Gerry; he loved family get-togethers, especially at the cottage in Ecum Secum. Fishing and hunting with his buddies and card nights at the Greco Club also played an important part in Bill’s life. Bill was a member of the Sackville Downs Horseman’s Association in the 70’s and 80’s and owned several successful race horses. Bill will be remembered as a kind and generous man who never spoke an ill word of anyone.

Surviving are his wife, soul mate and best friend, Geraldine (Gerry) Boudreau, his sons Stephen (Michelle) Hartlen, Brantford, Ont.; Douglas (Shelly) Pohl, Sambro, N.S. and Maurice Pohl, Halifax, N.S.; his daughters Ramona (Joe) Derbyshire, Sackville, N.S.; Michelle (Victor) Oldham, and grandchildren Daniel and Melanie and great-grandson Chase, Sackville, N.S.; Lisa (Paul) Dixon and grandchildren Amanda and Sarah, Sackville, N.S. Bill was predeceased by his first son Douglas Edward Hartlen. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 18th from 2-4 pm and 6-8pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel, Saturday November 19th at 2pm, Rev. Carson J. Baxter officiating. Private family burial at a later date. A very special thank you to Dr. Graeme Bethune for many years of kind and dedicated care and sincere gratitude to all the staff of 8.4 QEII Health Sciences Centre, Especially Dr. Kruger-Naug. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. Please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com