BAIGENT, Harry Jr.
Harry Baigent Jr., 85 years young, passed away peacefully at home in Halifax, with his family at his side on Sunday, March 12, 2017.
Born in Melville Cove (Halifax), Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Harry and Margaret Baigent.
Harry was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Colleen (Bonnell).
He attended school in Sydney and Halifax. Harry was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. His career in the telephone industry spanned 36 years and included, Maritime Tel and Tel, Bell Telephone, Alberta Government Tel, B. C. Tel, Telecom Canada, and up north on the Mid Canada Line. As a result, the family moved many times including, Sydney, Montreal, Boulder (Colorado), Grand Prairie, Keremeos, Kamloops, Invermere, Halifax and Ottawa, finally retiring in Halifax. The multitude of places he lived with his family rewarded him with many lifelong friends across the country. Harry loved to play cards most, especially crib and managed to score two 29 hands during his many years of play. All of his children and grandchildren learned to count and add by sitting on his lap while he pegged his score. Harry was dedicated to his family and he had a keen interest in all their activities and sporting events. He loved keeping up with all the grand and great-grandchildren and was always one of the first to greet them when born.
He is survived by his daughters, Diane Bainbridge (Glenn), Vancouver and Wendy Brunt (Rod), Halifax and his sons, David Baigent (Jenny) and Rick Baigent (Martha), Halifax.
Harry was lovingly called “Bampie”, a nickname given to him by his first grandson, Michael. He was the devoted grandfather and great-grandfather of grandchildren, Michael (Shauna) Bainbridge, Nicholas (Pam) Bainbridge, and Lindsay Bainbridge, B. C., Adam Baigent, N.S., Kyle Baigent, Man., Mark (Kathryn) Baigent, Alta., Scott Baigent, N. S. and great-grandchildren, Connor, Logan, Aidan and Autumn, B.C. Bampie was famous for his waffle and bacon breakfasts and his mac and cheese dinners for family gatherings. Harry is also survived by sisters, Annie Lewin (103 years old) and Shirley Clarke.
He was predeceased by siblings, Alfie, George and Arthur Baigent; infant sister, Shirley and twin sister, Marge Purcell.
Harry was eternally grateful for the excellent care and concern shown by both, his family physician, Dr. C. (Ed) Kinley and hematologist, Dr. Mary-Margaret Keating. The family extends a special thank you to the caring nurses of RJF and the VON, as well as the hematology clinic, the medical day unit, and Palliative Care service at the QE11 HSC, Halifax.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, March 23, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. at 5 Ramsgate Lane in Halifax, N. S.
The funeral service will be held (on a delayed date) at Sydney Memorial Chapel (49 Welton St., Sydney, N. S.) on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the VON or Palliative Care services at the QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax N.S.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www. sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.