Obituary of Robert Melvin Custance

CUSTANCE, Robert Melvin - age 79 of Upper Rawdon passed away peacefully on August 22, 2016, with his family by his side in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Upper Rawdon, he was a son of the late Melvin and Maggie (MacKenzie) Custance. Robert worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator with the then Department of Highways, painted heavy equipment for NS Tractors and owned and operated Custance Autobody for over 30 years until his retirement in the early 90’s due to health issues. In past years, he had a great interest in his old cars and antique car shows. Robert loved and appreciated his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan (Sanford); son, Michael (Cheryl), Halifax; daughters, Sherri (Richard) White, Upper Rawdon, Kim Adams, Mississauga and Jacqueline (Bernard) Donovan, Hammonds Plains; foster sister, Amy Sarty, Bridgewater; sister in -law, Janet Custance, Truro; 10 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by brothers; Willard and James Custance; foster brothers, George Mauger and Raymond Burnham; a daughter in infancy and grandson Justin Custance. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2 Shubenacadie. Visitation will be held 6-9pm Wednesday, August 24 in the Rawdon Hills United Church, 9 Old Trunk 14, Upper Rawdon, NS, from where a funeral service will be held 2pm Thursday August 25, Rev. Ruth Brown officiating. A private family burial will take place after the ceremony followed by a reception downstairs in the church basement. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Colchester East Hants VON, Dr. Michele MacLean and the Palliative Care Team at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the General fund for the Rawdon Hills United Church care of Sarah Withrow, 2129 Highway 14, Upper Rawdon, B0N 2N0. Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Robert may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.