It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of (Jonathan) Dana Bay, age 72, of Beaver Brook. Dana passed away peacefully at home, August 19 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Halifax, NS, he was the son of the late Norman and Pearl (Fiander) Bay and, as a teenager, adopted himself into the family of his future wife’s parents, the late Bruce (Pampy) and Grace (Menzies) Beeler.

Dana had a varied career spanning construction, mining, cement operations, and the oil fields. He worked for many years for Arnold Selway in Alton helping to build the foundations of many barns in East Hants before moving on to work for Lafarge (now Amrize) at the Brookfield Cement Plant. This job would take him from Nova Scotia back out west and he would ultimately retire from maintenance planning in his late 60s from Teck Coal in Alberta before moving back to NS for a final time.

Dana liked to keep busy, whether fixing or building something around his own home or going off to spend the day as a handyman for others. His wife often joked that she had to plan when she would ask him to do something or he would jump up and complete it before she was actually ready!

Dana enjoyed his downtime as well, preferring to spend most of it with his wife, Bonny, his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Dana spent many hours in many rinks and sports fields across this country (and around the world) as a hockey Dad, skating Dad, and finally, synchro Dad and he was always so happy to watch all of his children and grandchildren enjoy their favourite sports.

Dana had an insatiable curiosity; he loved to read fiction, nonfiction, and was particularly fascinated by new developments in quantum physics and space exploration. Dana’s love of science and constant learning fostered the same love in his children who all work in similar fields to their father and are all also happy to spout random facts during regular conversations.

Most of all, Dana enjoyed spending time with his best friend, and the love of his life, Bonny. He was always willing, ready, and able to go anywhere with her – even to yet another fabric store. Together they raised four wonderful children, had an influence on many others who were in and out of their home, moved across the country and back multiple times, and travelled the world. With more time together, who knows what else they could have achieved?

Though a quiet man who often stood behind his wife and children, Dana was a rock and his passing leaves a gaping hole where once there was stable ground.

Dana is survived by his wife Bonny (Beeler); children, Jessica, Aaron (Dina), Caleb (Jessica), and Nyah (Harris); grandchildren, Jessa, Alison, Tycen, Keelan, Macey, Arlo, Lochlan, Fiona, and Garrett; siblings, Warren (Betty), Lorne (Alfreda), Nerissa (Warren), Anitra (David), and Christopher; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and unofficial foster children.

Dana is predeceased by his parents, his brother Killoran, his sister- and brother-in-law Doris (Beeler) and Fulton Isenor, and his son Zared.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Colchester hospital Oncology department, including Dr. Rowe and team and the Oncology department at the QEII hospital, including Dr. Jay Kumar and his team, Dr. Smith, Madison, and the palliative care team; Duana d’Entremont, N.P., and Lynn Miller, N.P., and everyone who dropped by, made deliveries, or helped to make Dana’s last days easier.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. A Celebration of Life drop in to remember the life of Dana will occur at the Riverview United Church Community Hall on Saturday, August 22 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Dana can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com