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William "John" Essex
March 24, 1931 - October 11, 2015
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<div itemprop="description">Essex, William &ldquo;John&rdquo; <br /> <br />It is with great love and heartache that the family of John Essex announce his passing on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Stonewall, Manitoba on March 24, 1931, he was the son of the late Walter Henry and Elizabeth (Sheldon) Essex. His aunt and uncle, Doris and Albert Warburton and their family were a very special part of his early life. <br /> <br />At the age of 17, he entered the Canadian Air Force where he served for 25 years as an airframe mechanic and instructor. He then joined the Department of Supply and Services until his retirement in 1991 after which winters were spent in Punta Gorda, FL. <br /> <br />John and Fran started Square Dancing in Gimli, MB in 1959 which inspired John to share his passion for providing enjoyment to others thru his square dance calling. He served in many positions on different boards and associations throughout his calling career. John and Fran were especially honoured when Dance Nova Scotia established an award named &ldquo;The John Essex Award for Excellence in Teaching Dance&rdquo; in 1998 which is presented annually to a teacher in any dance form, who best exemplifies the qualities of dedication to students, to community and the dance. <br /> <br />John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Frances (Airth), his two daughters; Gwen (Marven) Hartlen, Porters Lake; Debbie (Stuart) Brink, Russell, Ont. He was a loving &ldquo;Poppy&rdquo; to his five grandchildren, Jennifer, Jonathan, Trina, Laura Jean, Garret and two great grandchildren, Emma and Julia. He is also survived by brother, Roy (Wilma) Essex, Winnipeg, Man.; sister-in-law Elva Broker, Port Dover, Ont.; brother-in-law Alan Sheldon, Stonewall, Man., and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Diduch and brother George. <br /> <br />Thank you so much to Dr. John McNab, Dr. Roger McKelvey and the many other doctors whose care allowed John to live as full a life as possible. Also thank you so much to all the doctors and nurses at the Dartmouth General Hospital who treated John with such kindness, dignity and respect. <br /> <br />In keeping with John's wishes, there will be no visitation. A service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, October 15, 2015, 1:00 pm in the Woodlawn United Church, Dartmouth with Rev. Phillip Kennedy officiating. A private family burial will take place after the reception. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Parkinson Society Maritime Region, 7071 Bayers Road #150, Halifax, NS, B3L 2C2 or the Woodlawn United Church, 54 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, NS, B2W 2S1 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Atlantic Funeral Homes, Dartmouth Chapel. Online condolences may be made at: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com <br /> <br /> <br /></div>