Obituary of Melbourne Augustus MacPhee

MacPHEE, Melbourne Augustus “Mel” - age 94 of Shubenacadie, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2016 in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Nine Mile River, he was a son of the late Silas and Theba (Todd) MacPhee. Mel grew up in Nine Mile River and in his younger years worked at various jobs from wood camps to the CNR. After meeting the love of his life, Lorna, in the 1940’s they purchased a farm in North Salem until 1965 when they moved to Shubenacadie. His final job which he enjoyed the most, was driving a school bus for the children of East Hants until his retirement. One of Mel’s passions was his gift of music and his opportunity to share that gift with all who wished to join in or listen. Best known for his fiddle, banjo and MacPhee’s orchestras, over the span of 8 decades. He will be sadly missed by son, Avard (Gail) MacPhee, Shubenacadie, granddaughters Michelle (Matthew) Caldwell, Greenfield; Tara (Payne) Nickerson, Middle Sackville; great grandchildren, Jenna, Sarah, Isabella and Izaak; sister-in-law Lorna Barr, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Lorna; brothers, Elwin, Raymond, Percy, Murray and Maurice in-infancy; sisters, Elsie Bowman and Dorothy Clark. Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 6:30-8:30 pm Thursday, January 5 in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2 Shubenacadie. A funeral service will be held 2pm Friday, January 6, in Shubenacadie United Church, 2869 Highway 2, Shubenacadie, Rev. Martin Reid officiating. Interment will be held Saturday 4pm, May 13, 2017 in Brookside Cemetery, Mill Village. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shubenacadie United Church, Brookside Cemetery or a charity of choice. Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Mel may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com