Obituary of Hector Hortie

Hortie Hector James, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, died suddenly at home in Waterville, Nova Scotia October 13, 2009. Hector was born on the 8th August, 1921, Spirit River, Alberta to Lillian and Hector Hortie Sr. He served in the RAF during the Second World War, then earned his MSc from the U of Alberta. He worked as a horticulturalist/researcher in Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Mile 1019, Alaska Hwy., Yukon Territory. He worked with the provincial governments of P.E.I. and N.S. as well as the Federal government, as Deputy Minister of Development, Manager of EIC, and Director General of DREE. Hector retired to the Annapolis Valley, where he served the community in numerous capacities. His love of people and bettering the human condition was evident in everything he touched. He believed ???one should leave this earth a better place than when one arrived??, and his life truly did epitomize this belief, whether one-on-one or an entire community. Hector was a member of St. Anthony??s Parish, Berwick, N.S. and so enjoyed the fellowship, community and taking part in the choir and activities there. Mr. Hortie was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lillian (Provost) Hortie and his brother Paul Hortie. He deeply loved his family and we cannot describe how we will miss him always: Carolyn Hortie, Joe Hortie and wife, Connie, Elaine Passey and husband Charlie, Angela West and husband Peter, Lianne Neima and husband Jack, Theresa Gallant and husband Joe, Gloria Gallant and husband Steve, 23 loving grandchildren and 16 precious great grandchildren. Also sadly missed by his sisters Cora Molstad of Edmonton, Gladys Davenport of Ponoko and brother Bill Hortie of B.C. and a multitude of nieces and nephews all of whom held a special place in his heart. Heartfelt thanks to Dad??s dear friends Muriel Amirault, Richard and Chris Higgins and family, and Cleo and MaryAnn D??Eon. Visitation at Annapolis Valley Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Drive,Coldbrook, Thursday October 15, 2 ??? 4 pm and 7 ??? 9 pm. The funeral service will be held Friday October 16 at 1:30 pm at St. Anthony of Roman Catholic Church, Berwick, N.S. Father Shawn Cahill officiating. Interment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Kentville. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, N.S., Prostate Cancer Research, or to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made through www.annapolisvalleyfuneralhome.com