Obituary of Nigel Patrick Service

Service, Nigel Patrick (d. 27 January 2015 age 70 years).  Passed away unexpectedly, with his family present, at his home in Williamswood, NS.  Born to Dr. Gwendolyn F. Service (Barber) and Sgt. Patrick Service in Reigate, Surrey, UK on 18 April 1944, came to Canada in 1946 aboard RMS Queen Mary with his mother, a war bride. They proceeded to Amherst, NS, for a time and resided with his father’s family.  They soon returned to Halifax where he grew up on Young St., attending WestmountSchool, Cornwallis Junior High and QueenElizabethHigh school (1962).  Nigel attended DalhousieUniversity (’62-’64) then NSIT for Electrical Technology (1968).  Worked at Nova Scotia Power from 1964-66.  Joined CBC 1968 where we continued with his career as a Television Technician until his retirement in 1997.   On July 6th, 1968, he married his lifelong best friend Barbara Catherine Trivett at St. Paul’s Church, Halifax.  They had two sons, Peter and Paul.    Nigel and Barb were very active and engaged parents.  Nigel was active in Scouting as a Beaver, Cub and Scout Leader, ADC Harbour West and Rover Advisor.  He designed the district crest for Harbour West.  When the boys moved to Scouts he was always there to drive to events and support the program.  Nigel had a keen interest in helping the boys with their successes in Scouting which had a profound impact on their development into successful and professional adults.  Upon retirement, Nigel was a key figure in supporting Paul’s business ventures.  This allowed him to enjoy his love of travel as he a Barb would often be delivering vehicles as far west as Ontario and up to Northern Quebec.  It was these trips and Nigel and Barb often reminisce about; the people they met, the sights they saw and the experiences they had.    In 2001 their first grandchild, Anwen, was born.  In 2004 their second grandchild, Callum, was born.  There after he was known as Grampy and cherished by both.  Nigel’s affection for his pets over his life was keen as well, most notably was his German shepherd – Tank.  He shared his life with Eikoe as of late. Eikoe is partnered with Paul as a Search and Rescue Dog team for the HRSAR Team.   Nigel’s love of travel was fulfilled with their travel trailers, most notably his involvement with the Airstream Club (WBCCI).  Nigel and Barbara were instrumental in many events for the Club’s members. Nigel’s love of people was also evident in his "retirement" jobs driving busses around the region.  He enjoyed driving for the school groups, spending long days on the road to ensure his precious cargo always made it home safely.  Before that he drove the bus for his mother’s retirement home, taking great pride in helping the residents with their groceries, errands, etc.   Nigel had an intense interest in genealogy, quickly adding branches when the boys married and the grandchildren arrived. Other interests also included all things aviation.  He was always interested in Peter’s career at Air Canada.  He also enjoyed his hobby of Amateur Radio (VE1NPS) which Peter and he enjoyed together.   Nigel is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Barbara (Trivett), sons Peter (Cara Maloney), Paul (Karen Lowrey), grandchildren Anwen and Callum, brother-in-law Dr. Gordon Trivett (Anne Bagnell), sister-in-law Marjorie Belovich (Trivett).  Predeceased by his parents, mother and father-in-law Lionel and Geraldine (Corey) Trivett, brother-in-law Reverend Canon Donald Trivett.   Memorial Service with reception to follow will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3311 Ashburn Avenue, Halifax, NS at 2:00 pm Tuesday February 3rd, 2015.  Interment will be at a later date with a private service.  Donations may be made to Salvation Army, Scouts Canada or your choice.