Stephen Douglas Farmer

Born in Shelburne, NS he was the son of the late Francis Ford Farmer and Alice Marie (Robertson) Farmer. He was the grandson of the late Black loyalist refugees of the first loyalist settlers in Birchtown, NS, Otis Farmer and Cora (Wilson) Farmer. He was the great great grandson of Jupiter Farmer and Venus (Butler) Farmer. Steve was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Steve retired from the City of Halifax after 23 years of dedicated service. At the age of 14, Steve became a fisherman and had 30 years of experience on the water, he worked on several fishing draggers throughout his career. Steve also worked in carpentry and forestry and earned certificates in forestry and engineering. Steve also worked as a truck driver and lobster handler for Atlantic Connection Seafoods, he also helped out when needed at Cotters Fisheries in Lockeport. Steve left school at the age of 14 to earn money to support his family but was able to self educate and enrolled in several programs that required a grade 12 equivalent in education. He was a foster parent and brought up many children and neighbourhood children. Steve was a member of Calvary United Baptist Church in Spryfield and a visiting member of Cobequid Road Baptist Church and New Life Church in Prospect.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Ruby (Dorrington) Farmer of 48 years, the love of his life. His children Genevieve(Winnifred - Winnie) Beck, Sydney NS; Clarissa(Krette) Smith, ON; Tasha Farmer (Russell), Centre Burlington NS; Felisha Davidson (Josh), Sackville NS; Stephanie Williams, Whites Lake NS; Terry Oliver; Lynn Ryan; Grandchildren: Myka Smith, Maryn Davidson, Matthew and Gavin Beck, Tobias Smith, Laykke Williams, Isaiah, Malachi, Uriah Davidson, Kevin, A.J. and Bobby; Arlene Farmer (last living sister in law). Godchildren Monalisa Dorrington, Kelisha Saunders, Jailyn Parsons and Isabella Acker. Many aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Francis and Alice Farmer, his in laws Earl and Marie Dorrington, his brothers Wayne, Kevin, Barry, and Raymond, and his sister Carol. His sons Alphonse Latchford and Stephen Farmer Jr in infancy.

Steve was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Ruby was the love of his life and he wasn’t shy to tell anyone and everyone how crazy he was about her! He enjoyed spending every moment with her and could be seen happily sitting from dawn til dusk waiting for Ruby as she shopped, shooting the breeze with friends and strangers alike. He often enjoyed tea and sweets while sitting on the tailgate waiting. To say that Steve was punctual is an understatement, he was always wherever he had to be hours before the time he needed to be there. He was even recognized by an employer and given an award for punctuality! Steve loved to fish, he loved music (especially the oldies), you could often hear “When a Man Loves a Woman” from the yard, he loved riding his motorcycle and he loved sitting outside. He loved to watch reruns of, “The Honeymooners” “Little House on the Prairie” and “Deadliest Catch” Steve was a sharp dresser and always turned heads when he walked into a room. Steve was an avid bingo player, you knew he won when he brought home Chinese food! Steve loved to travel and he loved family vacations to his home in Florida. Steve was a man of faith and was proud to tell everyone that he knew Jesus and would be with him when he died. He stated that one of his proudest moments was the day that he accepted Jesus as his saviour and was baptised with his daughter, Felisha. He had a quick wit and always had a quick comeback. Steve was immensely proud of his hometown, Shelburne, it was always home to him,

Special thanks to his family doctor Jock Murray, Urologist Dr Ricardo Rendon, community palliative care nurses Cindy Bell and Mandy Tinnings, VON workers, Respiratory therapist and nephew Bruce Williams.

Special thank you to pastor Darren Millett of New Life Community Church for all his visitations.; to Rev Carl Price of Calvary United Baptist for his visits and support, as well as Rev Wanda Lawrence of Cobequid Baptist Church, and Sarah Goldstein at the VG.

No funeral will be held at Steve’s request. He will be laid to rest in his burial plot in Shelburne, NS. Graveside service and burial for Steve and his son, Alphonse Latchford will be held on Nov 4th, 2023 at 11:00am at the Pine Grove Cemetery with refreshments to follow at the Shelburne fire hall, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cobequid Road United Baptist Church at 526 Cobequid Rd, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3Y7, or New Life Community Church, 1760 Prospect Rd, Hatchet Lake, NS B3T 1P9