White, Irving “Dean” – Family and friends, I want you to know that I have lived a full, good life. I’ve had the opportunity to travel, experience love at many levels, and meet incredible humans. I have experienced a rainbow of emotions, in particular note are the immense gratitude and hope I have found here. I am happy to have lived. Let that be a solace to anyone I am leaving behind. I love you.
I was born on August 16, 1935 to Gertrude (Mallette) and Leonard White. I passed away on May 2, 2024 at the South Shore Regional Hospital following a brief illness. My devoted friend, Sylvia Lonergan, and son of my heart, Troy Hubley, were by my side surrounding me with their love as I passed on.
I started school in the South Range Country School and then moved on to Digby Regional High School when buses started running. I graduated from there in 1953 and worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for 7 years. Transfers took me to Halifax, Summerside, and Dartmouth until I resigned and went to Alberta Bible College. After a year there, I eventually decided Church Ministry was not my calling, and I transferred to the University of Transylvania in the field of education. Wanting to teach in Nova Scotia, I was advised to take my Bachelor of Education in Nova Scotia. After a year there, I taught in Digby Regional High School and after 7 wonderful years there, I transferred to New Germany Rural High School where I finished my teaching career.
Mother was hit with Parkinson’s disease and moved to my home. Other family members had children to raise and I, a single man, happily took her in. Family members came from near and far to visit her.
I am survived by my constant companion and best friend, Sylvia Lonergan. I leave to mourn my chosen son, Troy Hubley, his wife, Sherry (Leopold), Bridgewater, and two grandchildren, Jarrett Hubley (Kalli MacDonald), Antigonish, and Mason Hubley (Caitlin Hornbeck), Bridgewater. I am also survived by 3 brothers, Gordon, Garlands Crossing, Roy (Bernice), Cambridge, and Scott (Diane), South Range and also several nieces and nephews. I am also survived by several international students who I hosted, Doris Tam, Martin Lan, Lucas Woodyat to name some that I kept in touch with over the past 30 years. Besides my parents, I was predeceased by brothers, Arthur, Donald, Stanley, Earl, George and Karl and sister Amy.
During my lifetime, I was involved in the Canadian Cancer Society, Bridgewater Tennis Club, the ARK, Flourish 55, Bridgewater Seniors’ Club, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 Bridgewater, the NDP, Tops, Ukulele Players and Elderfit. I co-sponsored Vietnamese refugees, was a member of the NSTU, Retired Teachers’ Association, Universalist Unitarian Church and South Shore Pride.
Memorial donations may be made to the Universalist Unitarian Church of Halifax, the ARK in Bridgewater, or a charity of choice.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home. There will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Dean spent 18 days at the South Shore Regional Hospital. He sincerely appreciated and commented about the compassionate and exceptional care that he received from all the amazing staff, especially Dr. Chaisson. We, his loved ones, also appreciate the care he received from all the staff in the Emergency Department and on the Medical Floor. They were excellent.
Dean – Simply put, there is a huge void in our lives that will never be filled. You and Sylvia were with us for every holiday meal, birthday and anniversary celebration and innumerable non-occasion events. You never “fathered” a child but you “fathered” so many. You were a friend to everyone and judged no one. We thank you for your love, friendship, guidance and generosity. May you find eternal peace in the arms of your Heavenly Father. We love you and will miss you. Forever remembered by Sylvia, Troy, Sherry, Jarrett, Kalli, Mason and Caitlin.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0