Obituary of Philip "Dennis" Lake

LAKE - Philip “Dennis” (Denny), age 88, of East Walton, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2017 at his recent home, the Wolfville Elms Residential Care Facility. Born in East Walton on March 17, 1929, he was the son of Philip and Myrtle (White) Lake. He was predeceased in 2015 by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Jean Mildred (Cox), daughter of the late Edgar and Mae (Patterson) Cox. Dad worked for Dresser Minerals the Barite mine as a heavy-duty mechanic and welder for many years and retired from Fundy Gypsum Millers Creek. He had a great love for his dog Smokee, always taking him for many drives in the car each day - a great loss to him when his pal passed away. All family and friends patiently listened to his many stories that he told us over and over and later they even helped finish his tale when the words weren't there. Dad’s favourite pastime was his Country dances in local communities with local bands; in his last days he took great comfort with fingers and toes wiggling to the fiddle music of a local friend whom he has gone to join. His home was always a meeting spot on the way to and from the outings they attended. We have heard many hilarious stories from these gatherings.  There were also many card games played in their home. Dad was an avid hunter and in his last years his special buddy 'Herman' drove him through many wood roads in search of the big one.  He was always busy fixing cars, lawn mowers and power saws for family and friends. Dennis is survived by his daughter, Heather (Gary) Russell; son Barry (Marina); grandsons Wesley and Kyle (Christina); granddaughters Melissa (Brandon) Schafer, Krysta (Jeff) Carl, and Kelsie (Keith Black) Lake. His great-granddaughter Kadence Schafer held a special place in his heart; everyone he met was shown her picture and in his last months her picture sat on the sofa beside him. He is also survived by step granddaughter Toni Bennett and step great-granddaughter Regan Bennett; his sister Marjorie Wood; his brothers-in-law, Bob Cox, Randy (Valerie) Cox, Francis (Sandra) Cox, and Wilson Gould; his sisters-in-law, Minnie Burgess, Penny (Jolson) Sanford, and Norma Cox, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife Jean, he was predeceased by his brothers, Avery Blenkhorn, Samuel, Chester, Basil, Melvin and Marsden; and his sisters, Evelyn, Marlene, and Phyllis. We wish to thank Dr. Burton and the Palliative Care Team – David, you were special in such a hard time; to the Continuing Care Team and VON for putting everything together so quickly, and to all the friends and family that were there with us and brought food. Special thanks also to Herman and Sharon for being there and always keeping an eye out for him when we weren't close by; to The Wolfville Elms and the great staff for the love they showed him; and to step granddaughter Toni for all the nursing support and care in his last days; we could not have done it without you. Cremation has taken place with no visitation by request. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 2pm at J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Summerville, Rev. Debra Mosher officiating, followed by a committal service at Pembroke Cemetery and a reception at the Walton Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pembroke Cemetery Fund c/o Ardith Mason, RR1 Walton, NS, B0N 2R0, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, 4646 Hwy 215, Summerville, ph 1-902-633-2431 or please visit our web site at www.allenfh.ca to sign the guest book or send private condolences.