Obituary of Kenneth Bryden

BRYDEN, Kenneth Walter — 81, passed away peacefully in QEII Health Sciences Centre on Friday, October 2, 2009, from pneumonia and complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ken was born in Halifax on February 4, 1928. He was one of six sons of the late Gladys Maude (Hawboldt) and George Gilbert Bryden. Ken was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Maxine Joan "Patricia" (Sears) Bryden (August '09). Ken's first job was at HMCS Dockyard as a plumber's apprentice. During the later part of the Second World War, Ken was a member of the Air Raid Police (ARP) responsible for alerting the public of possible enemy invasions. He joined The Herald newspaper working with his uncle, Gordon Bryden in the Carpenter Shop in the mid-1940's. One of his early jobs at The Herald was to run down the street to the competition, The Star and peer in the window to estimate when their newspaper would hit the street. Later The Herald purchased The Star newspaper and The Mail-Star was born. In time Ken replaced his uncle as head of the Carpenter Shop and was joined by his brother George in 1964. Ken remained with The Halifax Herald Limited for 42 years during which time his responsibilities grew to include mechanical, maintenance and upkeep of the Herald building and additional properties. Ken followed in his father's footsteps as a carpenter and in his early years began building homes in the Spryfield area, one of which - with much help from his brothers - became the family home where he and Maxine "Patricia" lived for almost 55 years. In 1957 Ken built the first of two cottages they would own in Turtle Cove on beautiful Big Lake Mush-a-Mush where at one time four of the Bryden brothers had side by side properties. The cottage was just one of Ken's many interests. In his early years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, waterskiing, exploring new places in Nova Scotia, long drives on dirt roads, cooking, baking bread, making pickles, travelling and being in the company of children - teaching them about nature and the outdoors. He was an avid gardener both at the cottage and at home for many years. He was always doing something interesting and had a very inventive mind. Ken cherished time spent in the company of his granddaughters and "his" little dog Wesley who always made him smile. Ken is survived by daughters, Pamela (Brad Swim) Doyle and Nancy (Randy) Barkhouse; granddaughters, Kira Doyle, Skylar Barkhouse and Amber Barkhouse. Also surviving are brothers, George (Mabel), Allen (Catherine), both of Halifax; Robert, Country Harbour; sisters-in-law, Alice Bryden, Halifax; Marguerite Bryden, Stewiacke; brothers-in-law, Donald (Dodie) Sears, Hantsport; Leslie "Bood" (Betty), Halifax, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by brothers, Reginald, Finlay; sister-in-law, Shirley and infant sister, Gladys Irene. Arrangements are under the care and direction of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Rd., (477-5601). Visitation will take place Monday, October 5, from 6-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 11 a.m. in Emmanuel Anglican Church, 322 Herring Cove Rd., with Rev. Diana Brett-Frye as celebrant. A reception will follow in Emmanuel Anglican Church Hall. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. in Emmanuel Anglican Church Cemetery, Sussex Street. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmanuel Anglican Church, Cornwall District Volunteer Fire Department or an animal shelter of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stephanie Connedis and the nurses and staff of 8.2 QEII for the care and comfort given to our father and to us during Dad's hospital stay and passing. We would also like to thank the many caregivers at Melville Lodge for their kindness and cheerfulness to Dad while he resided there.