RAFUSE, Herbert Elmer "Herb"

Age 79, of Mount Denson, Hants Co., passed away peacefully on Monday, November 22, 2021, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born on May 13, 1942, in Windsor, Hants Co., he was a son of the late Elmer “Bud” and Lillian (Thompson) Rafuse. Early in Dad’s life he realized that he had a love of cars and how they worked. He took great pride in his small fleet of old cars and was most proud of his 1977 Ford truck. He worked as a mechanic at the service station in Windsor for several years, and started Herb’s Auto Repair in 1991. If he didn’t know what was wrong with your car, it couldn’t be fixed. Dad met the love of his life in 1957. They were married for 56 years before she went to heaven in 2018. A quiet man by nature, he enjoyed the outdoors and time spent with his family and friends. Everyone was welcome in Mom and Dad’s house. He taught us many things in life. The two most important are; if you change your oil regularly, you will have many happy years with your car, and, if you spend time with your children, you will both receive and give a lifetime of happiness. One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren. Great memories were made. He and Travis enjoyed their yearly fishing trips to Cape Breton. Camping and Chinese food suppers were enjoyed with Jenna and Jessie. With the patience and love only a grandfather can give, he taught them how to fix things, drive his cars and give a loving hug. Herb is survived by his daughters, Shelley (Andy) Swinamer, Three Mile Plains; Janice (Dani) Rippey, Martock; grandchildren, Travis (Jill) Swinamer, Jessie Swinamer, and Jenna Rippey; greatgrandchildren, Breagh and Macy Swinamer; sisters, Norma Rafuse (Leon Hebb), Connie Rafuse (Wayne Young) and Brenda Rafuse (Brian Blackburn); sister-inlaw, Faye Thompson; several nieces; and one nephew. He will be missed by his cat and companion, Miss Kitty. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Madelon (Taylor) (2018); sisters, Patsy, Shirley and Linda and brother, Richard Thompson. A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, December 4th in Lindsay Windsor Funeral Home Chapel, 194 King Street, P.O. Box 2218, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0, Rev. Garnet Parker officiating. As per provincial guidelines, masks and proof of vaccinations required in the funeral home and at the cemetery. Burial will follow in Mount Denson Cemetery. He has gone to be with his beloved wife. We would like to thank friends, family and neighbors for all they have done for Mom and for looking out for Dad for the last three years. We would also like to thank the paramedics and staff of the QEII Emergency Department, Unit 7.3 and Unit 7.4 of the Halifax Infirmary. You are working during challenging times, but demonstrated professionalism, compassion and caring in our time of need. To add your condolences, click on Guestbook at: www.lindsaysfuneralhome.ca Donations in memory of Herb may be made to the S.P.C.A. To have your donation listed, please call Lindsay’s (902-798-2232).