Roy Percy Keith Rhyno

Rhyno, Roy Percy Keith of Maitland Hants Co, passed away in the Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro on October 28, 2011. Born in Cheverie, Hants Co., July 27th, 1931 he was the son of the late Ralph and Pearl (MacKeil) Rhyno. When Roy was four years old he and his family moved to South Maitland and then to Stewiacke where Roy began his schooling. Roy then spent a period of time living with his maternal grandparents in Urbainia, Hants Co. Upon his mother’s death he returned to Urbania and did grade ten in a one room school house. Roy went to Colchester County Academy in Truro for grade eleven where he continued to excel and then to Windsor Academy for grade twelve. While here, he had to walk to the train station every morning and return by train in the evening. As a grade twelve student, he occasionally substituted for teachers. This was a job he loved and one which would eventually become his life long career. During the summer following grade twelve, Roy ob tained his temporary C teaching license and taught in the Urbania school where he had once been a student. Next, Roy graduated from Teachers’ College in Truro and then move d to Sheet Harbour to teach grades seven and eight. Following this, he returned to Hants County to become the principal of a two room school in Mill Village. Roy then moved to Halifax to teach at South Armdale School where he became principal for the next six years. While teaching in Armdale, Roy studied at Saint Mary’s University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude. Roy moved on to Queens University for his Master of Arts and while here taught undergraduate English. Roy’s next teaching post was in Lower Sackville, Halifax County and following this he taught at Hants North Rural High School for almost four years. Moving back to Halifax, he taught at Richmond School. At the same time, he attended Dalhousie University and earned the credentials to become a Guidance Councillor. In 1968 he became the Guidance Councillor at Bloomfield School where he remained until his retirement. Retirement proved to b e busier than ever for Roy and his passion for history became the focus of his life. He spent a great deal of time in researching antiques and in restoring and preserving heritage buildings and homes. Roy’s home, “Springhurst”, became the first municipally and provincially registered house in the area. In the 1960’s Roy joined the East Hants Historical Society where he served in various offices over the years and recently was made a life member. He was also a very active member of the East Hants Historical Museum Committee in Lower Selma. Another of Roy’s main interests was the church. He was a member of St. David’s United Church in Maitland, served in various positions and sang in the choir for many years. Roy is survived by his wife, Joan, and brother Keith (Susan) both of Maitland. Visitation will be Sunday, October 30th 7– 9 and Monday from 2 – 4 at Ettinger Funeral Home , 2812 Main Street, Shubenacadie, Exit 10 off Highway 102. Funeral services will be held at the St. David’s United Church, Maitland on Tuesday 2 PM, with Rev. Garnet Parker and Rev. Debra Mosher officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Island Cemetery. Reception to follow in the United Church Hall, Maitland. Family flowers only,donations may be made to the Roy Rhyno Scholarship Fund care of the East Hants Historical Society or a charity of your choice. On line condolences may be made to the family at ettingerfuneralhome.com