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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
OSMOND, Arthur Lawrence (Art) - 90, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, after a long & valiant battle with cancer.
Born in Kingston, Ontario on June 7, 1935, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy on his 17th birthday, which took him to Nova Scotia. He served 20 years on ships, including HMCS Micmac & HMCS Quebec. Among his fondest memories was being the youngest sailor on base at HMCS Stadacona. That distinction made him base commander for the day on Christmas, 1952.
In 1958, he married Ruby Elizabeth Gammon, & they built a beautiful life together over 63 years. Together, they raised four children: daughter, Cheryl (Peter Field); sons, Jim (Judi Henderson), David (Jennie Pointer), and Bob (Hope Pordy). They had seven grandchildren, Alex & Rachel Field; Halle & Taylen Osmond; Emerson, Claire, & Abby Osmond; & many nieces & nephews. Ruby predeceased him in 2021 & he longed to be with her again, which gives his family great comfort.
After retiring from the Navy, Art had a more than 20-year career working in Halifax's dockyards, playing a role in the maintenance & repair of Canada's ships & submarines. He was an early proponent of do-it-yourself culture, & he could grow, build, or fix nearly anything. His family & friends benefited from these skills, including his early adoption of at-home sourdough, sauerkraut, &, notoriously, swish barrels.
A generally reserved person, Art had a wry wit & enjoyed wordplay, idioms, & axioms, many of which his children quote often. On rare occasions, he would pick on the guitar & sing "I Had a Little Rooster," to the delight of his family.
Art believed deeply in the importance of service. He was a volunteer fireman, active in the Boy Scouts movement, & he was a dedicated member of the Eastern Shore Ground Search & Rescue Team for 35 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, & he taught gun safety courses to countless aspiring hunters.
He loved Vera Lynn, Charlie Pride, & Chopin. He was a long-suffering Toronto Maple Leafs fan & a dedicated Blue Jays booster. Many were surprised that the Jays' 2025 World Series run didn't do him in.
Art is survived by his sisters, Patricia & Janet (Pansy), both of Kingston. He was predeceased by his sister Marian, & brothers, Stuart & John.
Arthur has been cremated, & a private family interment will follow. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Musquodoboit Harbour, for their compassion & care during Art's last days. Donations in Art's memory may be made to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (www.shrm.ca) or the Movember Foundation. (The Halifax Chronicle Herald 05 Feb 2026)
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