Obituary of Donald Ernest VanTassel

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, father-inlaw, grandfather, uncle and true friend. Don is the son of the late Ernest and Josephine (Ring) VanTassel of Digby NS. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Hazel Annie (Whitehead) VanTassel of Martinon NB, son Greg (Dale) VanTassel of Public Landing, daughters; Valerie (Ron) Martin of Saint John NB, Nancy (Rick) Cormier of Martinon NB, sister in laws; Alda VanTassel of Digby NS, Evelyn Whitehead of Beaverbank NS, Ruby (Whitehead) Hines of Windsor NS, Audrey Whitehead of Windsor NS, Gladie Whitehead and brother in law Herm Whitehead of Dartmouth NS, grandsons; Jamie (Angela) VanTassel, Paul (Marie-Pier) Martin, Mike (Jennifer) Cormier, Robert Cormier, several nephews and nieces. Don is predeceased by brothers; Roy (Millie) VanTassel, Gerald VanTassel, Kenneth (Nonnie) VanTassel, sister Joyce (Jack) Causley, brothers in law; Clarence Whitehead, Arnold Whitehead, Donald (Duke) Whitehead, Charles Hines, Harold (Sonny) Hines, Murray Whitehead, sisters in law; Dorthy (Babe) Hines and Hilda Whitehead. Don showed his first signs of love for gardening at a young age when he helped the neighbors in their gardens and picking cherries, which he ate and sold. As Don grew he worked in the hospitality industry working at the Victory Restaurant in Digby. At this time he married his true love in 1946. They resided in Digby until 1952 then moved their two young children to Saint John, NB. At the time Don worked as a Stewart on The Princess Helene, for ten years. He then went to The Swell Master Dredge working two years in Ontario and another two years in Saint John, In 1961 Don’s life was about to change again. His youngest daughter was born and he began working for G.B Oland and later Philip Oland. During summer months he was Stewart on the Aloma and the winter months he spent tending the Alpine Room at Moosehead Breweries. Eventually working exclusively in the Alpine Room. He enjoyed pulling pranks on his co-workers and meeting the many people who came through the Alpine Room. Don’s personality made you feel welcome and special at all times. He continued to work at Moosehead Breweries until his retirement in 1991. The family moved from Saint John to Acamac in 1958, where they lived for more than fifty years. Don was an active parishioner of St. Anne’s Church in Belmont and later the Church of the Resurrection in Grand Bay - Westfield. He was always helpful and willing hand with church supper fundraiser and all events of the church. During his retirement he continued to enjoy gardening, long walks with family and of course his dogs. For twenty years after retiring, Don and Hazel spent much of their summer time at “the cottage” in Mechanic Lake. Not wanting to miss the beauty of his flowers he made many gardens around the cottage. Not a day went by you didn’t see Don with a rake in hand or on his knees tending his flowers. Don Loved to travel with family and friends- everyday was an adventure and full of fun and laughter. For many years Don and Hazel spent every evening studying the Bible and thanking God for their many blessings. Don’s faith held him strong through many illnesses in his later years. Don will be sadly but lovingly missed by his family and many friends. Many thanks to the staff of Carleton Kirk Nursing Home, West Saint John and the staff of 3CS, Saint John Regional Hospital for his excellent care. Arrangements are under the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John NB, E2M 2L3. 506-634-1701. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at the Church of the Resurrection in Grand Bay Westfield from 1PM-2PM. A Funeral Service will follow. Interment will then take place at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations in Donald’s memory can be made to the Carleton Kirk Nursing Home, Church of the Resurrection or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com