MEAGHER, J. Basil — Of Mulgrave, passed away suddenly in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish, on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the age of 73, with his family by his side. Born in Steep Creek, Basil had fond memories of spending summers as a young boy at his grandmother's home in St. Francis Harbour, where he enjoyed making hay. The family moved to Pirate Harbour where the family home remained throughout their adult lives. After graduating from Mulgrave High School in 1954, Basil applied for the RCMP in Regina, Sask., and he was conditionally accepted provided he met the height requirements within the year (which he never did, as he was an inch too short; he often joked about this throughout his life). The following years, Basil worked with various engineers as a surveyor, and also worked on the St. Lawrence Seaway as part of a survey crew. In 1956, Basil began his lifetime career with the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission and retired in 1987 after 31 years of service as Manager of NSLC. In Basil's earlier years, he enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, gardening and working at his uncle's saw mill in Steep Creek. Throughout his life, he enjoyed family vacations, especially to Prince Edward Island. He enjoyed sports, especially hockey, at both the local and NHL levels. He always followed his nephew's games who both played for the Strait Pirates, and more recently his grandnephew who played for the Halifax Mooseheads and the Truro Bear Cats. He also loved to follow both Cameron and Angus's hockey games. In his younger years, he travelled with his friends to take in various sporting events in both Canada and the United States. He always enjoyed a drink and debating politics (especially with his good friends Doo-Doo, Kevin, and Farrell). Basil is survived by his daughters, Shellagh (Bill) England, Hubbards; and Shaunna (Marvin) Scott, Pirate Harbour. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Angus, Cameron and Olivia; and his faithful companion, "Bubby", his dog. Basil is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Bernard) MacAskill, Aulds Cove; brother, Wilfred (Donna) Carter, Whitehorse; sister-in-law, Ann Marie Meagher, Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews. Basil was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Margaret "Margie"; his father, Lawrence; his mother, Lillian; and brother, Earl. Special thanks to Basil's caregivers, Johenna, Lorraine and Shirley, as well as to the staff of St. Martha's Hospital 3rd floor for the exceptional care provided to him over the past few months. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Mulgrave and Area Resting Place. Funeral mass will be held on Sunday, July 11, at 2 p.m. in St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, Mulgrave, with Father Allan MacPhie officiating. Burial will take place in St. Lawrence Parish Cemetery. Donations in Basil's memory can be made to Mulgrave and Area Resting Place. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Service Information Service Date Monday, July 12, 2010