RAFTUS, David John

The passing of David John Raftus age 86 took place on March 3, 2024 at home. The next life just welcomed one tough guy. As his favorite actor John Wayne was known to be, Dad was a “big man’s man”. Dad was a straight shooter with well honed voice control methods known far and wide as someone who did not suffer fools. Beneath the oft times stoic veneer, however, was a man who truly loved his family.

Growing up, Dad did not advance deeply in his formal education but he learned many lessons from the university of the streets that served him well. Through 33 years of dedicated public service Dad rose to the rank of Captain at the Halifax County Correctional Centre and was awarded several commendations for saving both fellow officer as well as inmate lives. He was relied upon as a problem solver who ensured his fellow officers safely returned home after their shift. His name is still held in high regard by the current generation of officers who never met him in person but heard of and were taught his effective management methods.

Dad regaled his children during their frequent visits back home to “Fairbanks Street” with his favorite stories late into life. We had heard them all many times before but we listened as if we hadn’t. Events relayed were 100% non-fiction with classic yarns such as the time when as a young off-duty correctional officer he spotted an inmate on the streets who had escaped from custody days before. Did he call it in? No. He stopped his car and chased the man from the Halifax train tracks into a nearby cemetery where he ultimately secured him with his pants belt but not before falling into a newly dug shallow grave in the effort. Other classic Dad as-a-younger-man pearls involved attending local bars and ordering water or opening a can of sardines in the crowd at the Halifax Forum boxing matches in order to test his own championship black belt judo skills with those who questioned his consumption choices. Dad mentioned when his father heard, he would just shake his head and say “what am I going to do with you boy?”. Dad also enjoyed the sport and challenge of hunting deer with his brothers, in particular Eric.

Dad had a softer side too and we all have some great family memories of him. From summer cottaging on the Northumberland Strait, to many forays at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, to taking us to Birch Cove beach in Dartmouth, where he could be spotted from the water based on his distinctive crossed leg in the air tanning pose, to watching our Dartmouth Commons adult league softball games well into his 70’s, shirtless with his signature aviator sunglasses on. While relaxing at home, Dad was a movie buff known to burst out in a hearty laugh watching his favorites and also humming along to his favorite songs by CCR, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and others. He had a distinctive vernacular with interesting word choices such as “Chicargo” and “tistics” which often made their way into conversation. He enjoyed drop-in visits and hugs with his many grandchildren.

It would also be fair to say, Dad at times struggled finding a balance between the discipline required in his challenging career while also parenting eight energetic children. Those who loved him accepted him and understood his basic principles lay in bedrock family values such as honesty, fairness and loyalty. He always had the backs of his family when others dared to tread against the Fairbanks Raftus clan.

Dad was born in Halifax, on September 26, 1937 as a son of John Francis “Jack” Raftus and Helen Harriett Raftus (Busch). He had 14 siblings of which nine have now passed, including brothers, John, Nelson, Rainie, Cecil, Frederick, Paul; and sisters, Evelyn, Joyce and Joan. Surviving are brother, Eric; as well as sisters, Shirley, Barbara, Carol and Gloria.

Dad is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 64 years, Rose Marie Raftus (Hall), who kept the busy household running at all times from childhood to the present day while also attending university to earn four degrees. As noted above, Dad was part of a family of 14 siblings and he sired a big family of his own. All eight of his children survive him including daughter, Shelley (Steve); and sons, David (Karen), Peter, Michael (Cyrilla), Mark (Shelley), Andrew (Cynthia), Chris and Scott (Tammy). All will miss him dearly and carry his best traits with them. He also had 16 grandchildren – Angie, Jordan, Dylan, Kate, Jenna, Evan, Michaela, Nicole, Rebecca, Logan, Tristan, Kristen, Lacey, Emily, Brandon and Liberty; as well as greatgrandchildren, Reese and Rylee.

The family wishes to thank Dad’s caregivers who provided him great comfort in his last months including VON, Northwood Homecare and special caregiver Paulette Belge.

Dartmouth Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. An open wake/visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 1-3 and 7-9 p.m. On Thursday, March 7, at 10 a.m. a private memorial service will be held also in Dartmouth Funeral Home followed immediately by a private burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lower Sackville.