It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Douglas Clayton Halfpenny on August 7, 2011 at 7 Centre Northwood Complex after a short acute illness. Doug was the eldest son of the late Russell and Beatrice (Somers) Halfpenny. Born and brought up in Middle Melford he, like many other Nova Scotians, "went down the road" to Ontario for work in his early youth where he met and married Loyola (Sturgeon) and came "home" to raise a family who now survive him: Daughters, Elaine (Gary) MacMaster, Port Shoreham; Marilyn (Peter Conrad ) MacPherson, Lawrencetown; Carol (Rod) White, Alberta; and sons Mike (Darlene) Halfpenny, Antigonish; Blair Halfpenny, Havre Boucher; and Paul (Julie) Halfpenny, Pictou. Doug is also survived by brothers, Gordon (Hazel), Melford; Everett (Wilma), Melford; Ira (Elizabeth) and his only sister Evelyn, Mulgrave. Also survived by extended family members Roderick MacPherson and Janice Pellerine. Doug was Grampy to 19 grand-children and 12 great grand-children and special to many nieces and nephews who he enjoyed watching grow up and prosper. He was pre-deceased by his wife Loyola, brothers Seymour and Calvin, brother-in-law "Vannie" Sample and his "special aunts" Nita Halfpenny and Jane Morris. Doug was a dedicated worker and supervisor at Stora Forest Industries for many years but his passion was lobster fishing and gardening and shared the bounty of that work with many far and wide. He loved music, dancing, bingo, playing cards, especially with his friend Charlie Welsh and of course a good "yarn" many of which were told at "Sam’s" store. He was fiercely proud and independent, believed in a strong work ethic and lived his life to that standard. His "gruff and rough" way was a cover for a kind and considerate man who was the "go to" man for his family and neighbours for as long as he had the capacity to do so. Alzheimer’s stole the Dad we grew up knowing and depending on ,but it was gentle on him, so we were able to get to know a different Dad, who we learned to enjoy and appreciate during the final chapter of his life and for that we are eternally grateful. Special thanks to Continuing Care workers in Antigonish and Guysborough who helped us keep Dad at home for so long. Our eternal gratitude to all the staff of 7 Centre, Northwood who attended to and loved "Poppa" as the affectionately called him, especially to staff members Sasha, Roz and Cynthia who helped us ensure Dad passed with dignity and grace on that last night. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug.11, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Mulgrave and Area Resting Place. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Aug.12 from St. James Anglican Church, Middle Melford; with Rev. Evelyn Knorr officiating. Burial at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church, Middle Melford. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com Service Information Service Date Friday, August 12, 2011