FAULKNER, Neil Alexander

June 10, 1929 – February 15, 2023

Neil Alexander Faulkner, 93, of Head of Jeddore, N.S., passed away peacefully February 15, 2023 at Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Dartmouth on June 10, 1929, he was a son of Harry and Annie (Mackeigan) Faulkner. During his early years he grew up in West Jeddore with the family later moving to Dartmouth. During his childhood there, he earned the nickname “Nails”, which some say is from his time spent boxing.

The newspaper was an important aspect of his life, starting as a paperboy in Dartmouth at the early age of 10. By 16, he joined the staff of The Halifax Morning Chronicle and The Halifax Daily Star. His dedication to the newspaper furthered his career to the mailing room where he was a label machine operator. He continued to advance, working 14 years as the Circulation Supervisor for the Chronicle Herald from Westphal to Port Bickerton, delivering newspaper bundles for distribution from Westphal to Jeddore, and finishing his career as supervisor at the Halifax Branch office. Throughout his life, he would often be found with a newspaper in hand, even into his final days. With 50 years of dedication to the newspaper, it earned him the nickname, “the newspaper man” and most importantly, developed lifelong friendships within the communities he served.

Visiting Jeddore with his cousin, he would meet Jean Elizabeth Bonn, his dearest friend and wife of 69 years (married July 18, 1953). Jean and Neil shared a beautiful long life together with many memories and exemplified a true partnership. Embracing the joys in life, with their travels taking them to California and Tennessee, summer holidays in Prince Edward Island, with family, and camping seasonally at Webber’s Campground in Lake Charlotte.

While his 40-year career at The Halifax Herald provided lasting memories and friendships, it was his love for the outdoors and family that he took pride in. You would often find him taking walks down his lane, working outdoors, fishing, and hunting. He had an interest in cars, always taking pride in his newest vehicle, making sure it was polished for rides into town. He had a gift for storytelling, with a calm demeanor yet child-like sense of humor that would put anyone at ease. Always with a sweet to share, even up until his last days.

He was a devoted father, grandfather and greatgrandfather who shared his passion for animals with his family, often speaking to the birds, with a stillness that had them feeding from his hands. He looked forward to visits from his grandchildren, picking food from the garden together, sharing tractor rides, and instilling in them an appreciation for the simple things in life. The pride for his family carried over to his great-grandchildren, who were always a popular topic in conversation.

For the past 5 years Neil lived with his wife at The Parkland Retirement home in Dartmouth, where he enjoyed exchanging stories in the company of staff and friends, both old and new.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; children, Karen Ann (Gerard) Wolfe, Donna (Peter) Schnare and Barry (Laurie) Faulkner; grandchildren, Sarahlynn (Slaven Prostran) Schnare, Philip Wolfe and Patti (Robert) Shea; great-grandchildren, Bryanna and Kayden Shea and Maya Schnare Prostran. He is also survived by brother, Edmund Faulkner; his sister-in-law, Joyce (Allen-deceased) Bonn; and brother-in-law, Quentin (Margaret Rose-deceased) Brown; as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Neil was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mother Annie (Mackeigan) Faulkner; brother, John (Helen) Faulkner; sisters, Kathleen Mcmaster, Edith (Clyde) Myers and Annie Faulkner (deceased in infancy); father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Nina (Jennex) Bonn; sisters-in-law, Audrey (Seldon) Doyle and Sheila Faulkner; brothersin-law, Melvin (Edith) Bonn and Cyril (Pearl) Dicks.

His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and doctors at Dartmouth General for treating Neil like their own and making him comfortable in his final days.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rowling Funeral Home, Musquodoboit Harbour, 902-8892358. Family and Friends are welcome to attend the funeral service which will be held at St. James Anglican Church - Dolby Hill, Head of Jeddore, on March 11th at 2:00 p.m., with reception to follow. Interment will take place on June 18th, also at St James Anglican Church.

For those who wish to do so, donations can be made in Neil’s memory to Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital or the Nova Scotia SPCA.