Obituaries

With a heavy heart and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Percy Ross Sperry, age 92 of Port Wallace, Nova Scotia. He passed away peacefully at the Dartmouth General Hospital on Saturday September 16, 2023. Born in LaHave, NS. Percy was the son of the late Lillian (Bell) Sperry and the late Hector Sperry who resided in the South Shore community of Nova Scotia.

In the early years of his career, Percy worked for the Imperial Oil (Marine Division). Percy also had a successful long-time career with NS Power. He was a member of the Bridgewater - Royal Canadian Legion and a proud member of his chosen political party. He took a vested interest in community, provincial and federal politics.

Percy was a loving, nurturing father and husband to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He cherished his three children, Laurie, Michelle and Elizabeth along with his two granddaughters, Chantel and Alessandra.

Percy was often known as a jovial character and jokester. He was an avid Montreal Canadians fan. He used to enjoy taking his son, Laurie to hockey and watching the games together and often took a special interest in Laurie’s neighbourhood friends, kidding around with them. He loved laughter and playing his lively country music as well as hosting family and friends at their home and cottage. You could always drop by for some home cooking, compliments of Percy, such as his big pot of chili, and seafood chowder as he was considered by many who knew him as a superior cook. He enjoyed entertaining and always welcomed company. He provided much unconditional love to his two daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth with the hopes of the two of them having moments of joy even when they might have messed up.

When visiting his cottage, he would often take drives with his granddaughters to Stewie's Country Store to pick up the daily newspaper. He often stayed attuned with current affairs, politics and loved to banter with his friends, in addition to sharing special treats with his granddaughters.

He enjoyed daily boat cruises on the lake, often accompanied by his wife, Dawn, son, Laurie, daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth, granddaughters and cottage friends, plus his golden retrievers Nikki and Nikita and lastly his golden cocker spaniel, Bailey. He always wanted the best for his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of his athletic granddaughter, Alessandra and often “live-streamed” her Varsity volleyball games. A special memory was when her team brought the bronze medal back to Dalhousie University in 2023. Percy was such a proud Granddad! He was quite competitive and possibly could be considered jokingly, a “card shark” and often a highlight of his night would be a game of cards with Joe and friends and much to the astonishment of all, he would often win the hand!

Percy enjoyed travel and his special times to Florida with his wife, Dawn and close friends to become snowbirds upon his retirement. Percy always was dressed to the “nines” often wearing a suit and tie when he went out to gatherings with family and friends.

Percy was known for his love of family and pets including frequent visits with “Bean”, his sweet (grand) fur baby, goldendoodle during the last stages of his life. Lest not forget Coco, as the family cat held a special place in his heart too.

The last few years he lived with his caregivers, Joe and Margaret Patterson in the community of Montebello where he was provided with TLC and a special quality of life. This afforded Percy the pleasure of seeing his family and friends on a regular basis. Percy enjoyed the last celebratory milestones such as his 92nd birthday and Father’s Day. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed being a spectator at such games as baseball, professional boxing, curling and often engaged in a competitive game of croquet at the cottage with his wife, good friend Fritz, his children, Laurie, Michelle, Elizabeth, and granddaughters.

Percy showed much resiliency during these last few years and sadly this time he was called upon by the Lord to offer him peace, tranquility and reunite with his beloved wife.

He is predeceased by his wife Dawn (Wile) Sperry and survived by his beloved children, son Laurie Scott (Maria), daughters Michelle (Byron) and Elizabeth (Harry), and his cherished granddaughters, Chantel Goulet and Alessandra Nadalini.

Percy was predeceased by his seven siblings - Belle, Shirley, Marina, Hector (a.k.a. Junior) Frederick, Paul; Robert and Hector Lorraine. Percy was very fond of his brother in-laws and in particular, Wilfrid and Teddy Wile and shared a close bond with his brother, Junior. Amazingly, Percy was the last one standing and it appears he inherited the family genes of his mother, Lillian who passed at 103 years young. He is survived by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Many thanks to Joe and Margaret Patterson and niece Krista, Ian and family for their love and support. Lest not forget his best friend and long-time confidant, Alton Wareham as they shared much laughter and fun times together. He valued close friendships both past and present with Byron, Harry, Neil, Barry, Glen, Fred, Max, Raymond and Lee.

A special thank you to the staff at the 3-West and very compassionate physician, Dr. Preston who oversaw Percy’s care with his courageous battle. Special thanks to be provided to his respite workers, Louise Caza and Northwood Home Care Limited - personal care workers.

Percy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chelsea United Baptist Church, SPCA, Elder Dog or please pay it forward to a person in need. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.donaldkwalker.ca

Percy will be brought home to his resting place on the South Shore where there will be a celebration of his life in the Chelsea United Baptist Church, 2026 Highway 210, Chelsea, NS. The church service will commence on Sept 23rd at 2:00 pm for his family and friends. Reception to follow the burial service at the Chelsea Maple Grove Cemetery.