Obituary of Laurie Ledwidge

LEDWIDGE, Laurie Francis, 87, Enfield, NS. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother. Laurie passed away peacefully and with dignity following complications as a result of recent surgery on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at QEII Hospital, Halifax. Born in Goffs, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Laurie lived most of his life in Enfield, Nova Scotia. He was the beloved husband of Ruth Isabel (Blois) of 59 years, loving father of Jim (Rose), Colleen (Alan), Lynn (David), Doug (Danielle) and dear grandchildren Kimberly (Scott), Kyle (Jodi), Cassie (Shawn), Lauren (Derek), Brent, Hannah, Luke and great-grandchildren Saege, Kellen, Brooke and Thomas. Pre-deceased by wife Ruth, infant twin daughter Kathleen, parents James & Ida (Patterson) Ledwidge, brothers Emery and Timothy. Survived by sisters Muriel (Borden), and Marina. Known for his strength of character, gentle humour, and kindness Laurie gained friendship and respect from all who knew him. Laurie enjoyed his family and was fiercely proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was the leader of his family and within the community. Whether travelling abroad or the woods roads of rural Nova Scotia, Laurie captured the human story and made those he came in contact with a richer person. His stories were legendary, and folks never tired of his story telling. He was comforting, wise, gentle, and strong. Among his many tributes, Laurie took pride in his involvement with Christ Anglican Church, Lantz, Enfield Fire Department, C.W. Saunders Masonic Lodge. He was honoured by Enfield Chamber of Commerce as Entrepreneur of the Year some years ago, and recently recognized by Enfield Heritage Society. Laurie was one of the founding members of the Enfield Fire Department. Laurie was the founder of Ledwidge Lumber Company, operating in Enfield for 70 years, starting with a shingle mill on his father's farm in 1943. He was the President of the Maritime Lumber Bureau 1978-1979, and President of the Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia 1983-1985. He received the Maritime Lumber Bureau's prestigious Man of the Year award in 1982; was the Chair of the Forest Advisory Council 1987-1993, and has been a longstanding member of the Nova Forest Alliance and Wood Product Manufacturers Association of Nova Scotia. Last Spring Laurie was inducted in the Nova Scotia Forestry Hall of Fame. Ledwidge Lumber, for this man of the forest, was his passion right to the end - off to the office in the morning, and woods in the afternoon. Laurie held the medical profession in very high regard, and his family would like to thank the medical team at the QEII for their care and comfort in the last two weeks of his life. Gone but not forgotten - he chose Valentine's Day to rejoin his beloved wife Ruth. Rest in peace. Visitation 6-8:30pm, Saturday February 16, 2013 in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, with funeral service 2:30pm, Monday, February 18, 2013 in Christ Anglican Church Lantz, 14 Church Lane, Lantz, Rev. Canon David Fletcher and Rev. Patricia McKenna officiating. Reception to follow in the Enfield Fire Department. Donations in memory of Laurie may be made to the Christ Anglican Church Lantz, the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia in honour of his wife Ruth Ledwidge or the QEII Health Foundation. Family and friends may send condolences to the family at: ettingerfuneralhome.com