Obituary of Arthur Ray Black
Arthur Ray BLACK
March 14, 1933 - February 9, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Black, 91, originally of Amherst, NS, on February 9, 2025, at the Evergreen Home for Special Care in Kentville. He was a son of Ruth and Garnet Black. Arthur is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane (née Brydon), son Dylan, and daughter Alison. Also surviving are his brothers Robin (Kelly) Black, John (Debbie) Black, brothers-in-law George Goodwin & Gerald (Kathy) Brydon; nephews Andrew Black, Mike and Mark Black; and nieces Angela Gallagher, Venessa Lusby, and Suzanna, Marni, and Julia Brydon; many grandnephews and grandnieces. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Mary Lou Goodwin, Cynthia Lusby, and brother-in-law Alec Lusby.
Arthur graduated from Mount Allison University in 1954, with a major in Classics. He was awarded a Lord Beaverbrook scholarship to study in the U.K. at the London School of Economics, also studying Classics. He had a passion for the history of Ancient Greece and Rome, which had begun with the discovery of the Amherst Public Library when he was 8 – a life-changing event for him. When he returned from London, Arthur taught at Mount Allison University and earned his education degree. His teaching brought him to Liverpool, NS, where he met the love of his life, Diane, a fellow teacher. Arthur and Diane then decided to move to Toronto to earn their bachelor degrees of library science. After working as a reference librarian at the Halifax City Library, Arthur became a school library coordinator in the Sydney system, and, later, was the school librarian at Riverview High School, Coxheath, until his retirement in 1993. Arthur and his family moved to Kentville in 1995, where he enjoyed a retirement filled with many visits to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library and the Acadia University Library. Besides reading and research, Arthur’s interests included a life-long love of history, including military history and aircraft, which began in his teenage years in Air Cadets. He had a passion for movies and music, especially for the songs of Bob Dylan. He belonged to a book club in the Annapolis Valley and he was happiest when having spirited conversations with friends about politics, philosophy, and current events. Arthur enjoyed travelling, from his summer visits to his Aunt Gladys in Toronto, to impromptu visits to New York City in his bachelor days, to family camping trips every summer. The house was filled with book, magazines, and Lego toys, which he loved to introduce to his children. Arthur had a wonderful sense of humour, a grand singing voice, and a facility for languages, especially Latin. Arthur was proud of his children, and he fostered in them a love of curiosity and learning.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Evergreen for their care of Arthur during his time there. There will be no funeral or visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arthur’s memory to the Evergreen Home for Special Care or the Annapolis Valley Regional Library. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home Coldbrook Village Park Drive, Coldbrook, NS B4R1B9
