Robert “Keith” Giddens

GIDDENS, Robert “Keith” – 93, Truro, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 13, 2017 at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial, Halifax.

Born in Londonderry Station, he was the son of the late Daniel “Steele” and Pearl (Johnson) Giddens.

Raised on the family farm in Londonderry Station he left to join the army during World War II. He served as a signalman overseas and was later wounded in France. He returned home and worked as a sorter on the mail train and then in the Truro Post Office for 32 years as a mail clerk.

He loved spending time at his camp on Westchester Mountain, going four-wheeling with his children, family gatherings, fishing with his wife and children, especially fishing trips to Newfoundland with Dave and Bob. He was an avid gardener with his vegetable garden being regularly raided by his kids and was especially proud of his “glads” and blueberry bushes. He also enjoyed pool, reading and crossword puzzles, and horses. He was a great fan of the Leafs and Jays. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #26, Truro and a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Truro.

Keith is survived by his children, Karen (John) O’Toole, Sambro, David, Tatamagouche, Bob, Calgary, Heather MacNutt, Beaverbrook, Darlene (Clayton) McLeay, Central North River, Cindy (Kirk), West Gore, Gary (Christa), Lower Truro; sister, Faye McCallum, Truro; grandchildren, Bruce, Lisa, Shannon, Trevor, Andrew, Erica, Ashley, Taylor, Nicole, Kayla; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Hunter, Daniel; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Merle; a son in infancy, George Allen; granddaughter, Lindsay; sisters, Eva, Blanche, Una; brothers, Russell and Merle.

Special thanks to the staff on 6 West at Camp Hill Veteran’s Memorial for their exceptional care of their “Giddy” and also to his buddy, Con; thanks to Dr. Harold Berghuis, Truro for all the care provided over the past years.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17 from 1-2 p.m., followed by a Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service, Branch 26 at 2 p.m. with a memorial service following at 2:20 p.m., all in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro with Rev. Paul Worden officiating. Spring interment at a later date.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Camp Hill Veteran’s Memorial Garden or a charity of choice. Live webcasting of the service will begin at 1:58 p.m. (Atlantic Time) and is available with online condolences at www.ColchesterCommunity.com.