MOORS, DONALD CHARLES FREDERICK slipped away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 29th at his new home in the Parkland at The Gardens seniors residence, Halifax. He was 4 months shy of his 96th birthday.
Don was born to Ellen (Follett) and Mark Moors in Halifax 8 weeks after the Explosion, on January 31st 1918. He always considered himself a survivor of that disaster, even though still in the womb on that day. After graduation from Bloomfield High School and Halifax Business School, Don joined the Army briefly at the outset of World War II. He then transferred to the medical services branch of the fledgling Royal Canadian Air Force, serving at bases in Yarmouth, Moncton and Halifax with the rank of Flight Sergeant. He served in the Air Force Reserve from 1951 until 1963. Postwar, Don worked for the City of Halifax as a Public Health Inspector, then in the early 50’s he was a travelling salesman for Union Coal & Oil. In 1962, Don returned to being a Public Health Inspector for the County of Halifax and then for the Province of Nova Scotia until retirement on his 65th birthday in 1983.
Work for Don often meant a wonderful opportunity to meet and enjoy others. He maintained contact with a large group of former co-workers right to the end, and considered them great friends. Don throughout his careers strove to maintain the highest professional standards, and never compromised integrity for expedience.
In January 1941 Don married Marjorie Theakston, in January 1942 they had twins, one daughter and one son, and in January 1943 another boy. In 1951 another son was added and in 1956 their last son arrived. Family ties and family times were cornerstones of Don’s and Marjorie’s life together, with children, and later with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After he retired, Don purchased a succession of Volkswagen Westphalia camper vans, and Marge and Don spent many hours together in travel or sometimes just sitting in the van to picnic at Point Pleasant Park. Sadly, Marge moved to a care facility in 2006, and passed away in 2009. Don remained on Vernon Street until June 2013, still sharp, alert, and vibrant for his years. He loved that house, his neighbours and his neighbourhood, even when living there became sometimes difficult.
Don was a committed, practising Christian and member of the United Church of Canada. His earliest church affiliations were with Brunswick Street United, of Methodist roots, then for a long time he and Marge attended St. Matthews United. Later they found a new spiritual home briefly with First Congregationalist Church of Halifax before settling into Bethany United Church. Many of his best memories and best friends were at St. Matthews, but he quickly became part of the Bethany community.
For 12 years Don took part in the Religious Education Program at Sir Charles Tupper School in Halifax. He was awarded the Golden Apple by the Halifax School Board in 2002 in recognition of his contribution to the lives of students.
Don was active in many groups and organizations during his lifetime: the Boy Scouts of Canada as a member and Scout leader with the 35th Halifax Troop; at St. Matthews for many years in Couples Club, Men’s Club, the Sunday School program as a teacher and superintendent, an Elder, on the Mission and Service Committee and numerous other committees; the Nova Scotia Government Employees Association, the Canadian Public Health Inspectors Association, the Nova Scotia Government Retirees Association; the Charitable Irish Society of Halifax; the Elderobics Program; the group of former Flight Sergeants known as The Dodo Birds; and the Royal Canadian Legion. Don was also a frequent participant in reunions of Air Force comrades from Yarmouth. He was a constant visitor at St. Vincent’s Nursing home for 7 years, and friend to staff, clients and their families as well as the on-site family member for Marge’s care. Don was a popular and contributing member in all his involvements.
For Don, simple pleasures were the most important: a good cup of coffee on the back porch; holding his grandchildren; singing in church on Sundays; seafood chowder on Fridays and a plate of fish and chips anytime. He enjoyed so much in his 95 years: family, friends, neighbours, food, laughter, his Lazy Boy chair, pets, his comfortable mattress, writing poetry, travel, reading, an abundance of love, a phone that worked, and a time to live after work had finished.... an almost-endless list of joys that will, like the man, not be soon forgotten.
Don will be greatly missed by daughter Pamela Matthews; sons Brian (Marilyn), Don (Marcella), Alan (Cindy) and Ken (Kim); 11 grandchildren : Valerie (Matthews) Walker, Bill Matthews, Jeffrey Moors, Donald Moors, Leslie Moors, Philip Matthews, David Moors, Erin (Moors) Kendall, Alisha (Moors) Piercey, Jillian Moors and Michael Moors; 20 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law Bob Theakston (Goldie); several nephews and great-nephews; his dear friend Ruth Devenne and many other good friends, neighbours, associates and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years Marjorie (Theakston) Moors; his brother Jack and sisters Mildred, Phyllis Ross and Florence Caddell; his sister-in-law Muriel Moors and brothers-in-law Charles Caddell and Sam Ross; and his son-in-law Bill Matthews, whom he loved like a son.
Cremation has already taken place. There will be an open visitation Saturday, October 19th 7-9 PM at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be held Sunday, October 20th 3 PM at Bethany United Church, 7171 Clinton Avenue, Halifax with the Reverends Arlene Riches and Vince Ihasz officiating. A private committal will take place at St. John’s Cemetery Monday, October 21st at 11 AM.
Family flowers only please. Donations can be made to: Brunswick Street Mission, 2107 Brunswick Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Y4 or Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada, 264 Woodlawn Rd. West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B6, or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank all the friends, neighbours and service providers who worked so hard over many years to make Dad’s life easier and better.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.
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