Basil O. Small

Basil passed away peacefully at his home on Grand Manan Island on August 12, 2012.  Born at Castalia, Grand Manan, August 1, 1938, Basil was the son of the late Oscar and Lula (Morse) Small   He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Kathleen (Hansen), and their three children and families:  Andrew (Anne) Small and grandchildren Mitchell and Carter; Karen (Neil) Wishart and grandchildren Laura and Brent:  James (Justyne) Small and granddaughter Louise.  He leaves his nephew Vernon (Jill) Card, niece Ramona Card and brother-in-law Arthur (Nancy) Card as well as special nieces and nephew, cousins, and friends.  Besides his parents Basil was predeceased by his only sister, Marjorie (Arthur) Card.  Basil was a graduate of the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering degree 1961 As an Athlone Fellow; he graduated from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland 1962 with a Masters of Science in Engineering.  As a result of his contributions to the NB Engineers Association, he became a Life Member in 1999.  As a member of the Rotary Club of Grand Manan, he served as President and was a board member for the Rotary Isle Estates.  The honour of the Paul Harris Award was bestowed upon Basil in April 2007.   Basil was employed in the 1960’s by the Federal Public Works Department and specialized in his great interest –building wharfs.   With project management and fostering entrepreneurship, Basil later worked for the Department of Regional Economic Expansion and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. He recognized the potential of New Brunswick’s human and natural resources and encouraged their success and development.  Following retirement in 1993, he devoted his skills to his home property on North Head, Grand Manan.  He built campsites that offer a unique camping experience on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy.  The rock arch, Hole in the Wall, is a feature of this property and lends its name to this unique Park and Campground.  The legacy of his work will be continued and maintained as one of the attractions of his beloved Island.  The family`s sincere gratitude is extended to all the health care professionals for their understanding, valuable support and compassion.  They consistently provided care with the utmost respect, and genuine sense of concern for Basil and his family.

Visitation will be at Ells Funeral Home, Grand Harbour, Grand Manan, 1199 Route 776 Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 6 – 8 p.m.  The funeral will be held 12 noon Friday, August 17, 2012 at the Anglican Church of Ascension, 6 Cemetery Lane, North Head, Grand Manan with Rev. Dana Dean officiating.  Reception to follow at the adjacent Covert Hall.  The family request that there be no floral donations.  They ask that donations go to the Swallowtail Keepers Society, Grand Manan, or the Grand Manan Hospital Foundation.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of ELLS FUNERAL HOME INC. 1199 Route #776, Grand Manan, N.B. Condolences, donations, and messages of sympathy also may be sent to: www.ells.ca, or 506-662-3116.