REV. JOHN W. MACLEOD

87, of Manning Residence, Windsor, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2012, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born on April 28, 1925 he was a son of the late Angus and Catherine (Lamont) MacLeod. John will be forever in the heart of his life partner Evangeline and his blessed and grateful children and their families. As a pastor, gentle and caring, John directly touched and brightened the lives of many people that he taught and supported in their hour of need.

John is survived by his wife, the former J. Evangeline Rafuse; sons, David, Windsor; Mark (Gabrielle), Toronto, Ont.; Peter (Tatjana), Melbourne, Australia; grandchildren, Connor, Kieran and Jenna; sisters, Gladys Freeze, Penobsquis, N.B.; Mary (Douglas) Cameron, Woodstock, Ont.; brothers, Harold "Harry", Halifax; Kenneth (Elsie), Kinross, PEI; many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was predeceased by sisters, Isabel Furness and two sisters in infancy; brothers, Wesley, David and Ewen.

Educated at Prince of Wales College, Mount Allison University, and Gordon Divinity College, Boston, John served as a minister with the United Baptist Convention for 55 years, in communities across Nova Scotia (Granville Beach, Port Royal, Port Wade, Karsdale, Victoria Beach, Port Maitland, Sandford, Beaver River, Deep Brook, Clementsport, Barton, Inglewood, Wilmot, Rossway, Centreville, and New Harbour), New Brunswick (Grangeville, Canaan, Cornhill, and Hill Grove), and PEI (Summerside and Murray River). Captain John W. MacLeod also served as a Chaplain to cadets in the Canadian Armed Forces. As Prof. MacLeod at Atlantic Baptist College (now Crandall University), John guided many future ministers. John's family and friends knew him as a superb gardener, amateur musician and piano tuner, enthusiastic traveler, lifelong sports fan (C'mon The Leafs!), tabasco sprinkler (!), and especially as an avid tinkerer.

PASTOR LLEWELLYN (LEW) R. ANDERSON

Llewellyn (Lew) R. Anderson, 71, of Berry Mills, passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital on Friday April 13, 2012. Born in Listerville, Carleton Co., he was the son of the late Robert and Blanche (Lockhart) Anderson. Lew was a former employee at The Moncton Hospital (ten years) and was a retired carpentry instructor at The New Brunswick Community College, Moncton Campus, with 22 years service. He was a member of Berry Mills Baptist Church, an active church Deacon and served his church in various other capacities in past years. In his retirement, Lew was an avid carpenter, a Lay Preacher in the Moncton area, a member of The Gideons, enjoyed listening to fiddle music and socializing with his friends and spending time with his family. Lew was a graduate of one of CABC's first Lay Pastor Training Program.

Lew will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 47 years, Wanda (Hamilton); children, Shelley Wishart (Elwood) of Chipman, Jason (Cynthia) of Dallas, Texas; precious grandchildren, Emily, Cooper and Rowan; sisters, Kathy Briggs (Malcolm), Dawn Mullin (Dennis), Merrietta (Mert) Garland (Ron), Bonny Murphy (Laurie); brothers, John (Pat), Ronnie (Julie); several nieces and nephews.

REV. DR. DENNIS VEINOTTE

Rev. Dr. Dennis M. Veinotte, 74, of New Minas, NS, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, with his family by his side, following a lengthy illness which he bore with great perseverance. Born in Cross Roads, Country Harbour, he was the son of the late Maynard and Annie (Worth) Veinotte. Dennis is survived by his beloved family: his wife of 46 years, Constance "Connie", New Minas; daughter, Lori-ann (Michael) Esser, Halifax; son, Paul (Nicole) Port Williams; brother, Clarence (the late Shirley) Ottawa; sister, Sandra (Sean) Phillips, Halifax and mother-in-law, Lauretta Barteaux, Wilmot; also, the pride of his life, his three grandchildren – Grace and Mason Veinotte and Luke Esser as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, Alton Barteaux.

From an early age, Dennis felt the call to serve God in Christian ministry. He earned BA and BD (MDiv) degrees at Acadia University/Acadia Divinity College and served in a number of student pastorates before becoming ordained, in 1962, at the Gaspereau Baptist Church. He also ministered in Baptist churches in Kentville, Windsor, South-End Dartmouth, Lancaster, Saint John and most recently, Pereau. As well, in earlier years, he was active in committee work with the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. While in Saint John, Dennis felt led to become Chaplain in the city’s hospitals. He later became Protestant Chaplain with Correctional Services Canada serving at the Springhill Institution. Continuing his studies, he earned the degrees M.Th at Acadia Divinity College and D.Min at Andover Newton Theological School, Boston, as well as accreditation with the Canadian Association of Pastoral Care and Education, now known as Canadian Association for Spiritual Care. With the latter, he was a certified teaching supervisor both in Pastoral Education and Pastoral Counselling. Dennis was a member of the NS Association of Counselling Therapists and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In 1984, Dennis became head of the Department of Clinical Pastoral Education at Acadia Divinity College, a position he held until retirement. He succeeded Dr. Charles Taylor, who, as his mentor, had a profound influence on his life. Dennis was instrumental in establishing the Valley Pastoral Counselling Centre and served as director and counsellor until ill health intervened. Dennis gave strong and effective leadership and was well respected in each area of ministry he served but he excelled as a counsellor. In this role he generously gave of his time to help many people from all walks of life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew his quiet unassuming nature, his wise counsel and his devotion to church and family. Dennis was a member of Port Williams United Baptist Church.

REV. BENNETT F. SAUNDERS

Rev Bennett Fowler Saunders of Embassy Hall, Quispamsis went to be with his Lord Jesus on Monday, February 6th, 2012. Born in Saint John, June 5th 1915, he was the son of the late Arthur and Edith (nee Fowler) Saunders. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years Edna (nee McKay) Saunders and his second wife of 13 years Olive (Silliphant-McDuff) Saunders. Bennett will be sadly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife Margaret (nee Smith Beyea) Saunders; daughter Anne Graham (Gordon) of Saint John grandchildren Jonathan Hirtle (Heidi) of Quispamsis, Jillian Comeau (Brian) of Saint John, great grandchildren Mitchell, Faith, Bennett, Grace and Shanna; step families, nieces, nephews, and many friends. In addition to his parents, his first wife Edna and his second wife Olive; he was predeceased by sisters Grace Cosman, Marion Hamm and Frances Wheaton; brother George Saunders; son-in-law Ellis Hirtle and infant great-granddaughter Zuriel Comeau.

As a young man Bennett was employed by Emery Brothers Cabinetmaking in Saint John subsequently became a skilled cabinetmaker. During the war years he worked at Havilland Aircraft in Toronto, constructing Mosquito Aircrafts. After the war he taught his skills to returning soldiers in Saint John. For 31 years he was devoted to his profession of teaching young people at Saint John Vocational School. Taking an early retirement from teaching, he studied at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville, NS. Bennett was ordained with the Baptist Convention and ministered for several years in Baptist churches in NB as well as serving others through hospital visitation in Saint John. He cared deeply for his family and his ministry.

REV. LORNE D. STAIRS

The home-going of Lorne Darc Stairs of Fredericton, NB, husband of Florence Edith (Kelly) for more than 62 years, occurred on Saturday, January 28, 2012. He was born September 5, 1923 in Nackawic, NB, son of the late Seely and Faye (Dunlop) Stairs.

He was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the Royal Air Force as a 1st Flight Lieutenant on the British Isles and involved in the first radar unit. Lorne, with his family, was a missionary in Bolivia for over 25 years with the Canadian Baptist Ministries. He also was a pastor in several New Brunswick Baptist churches over the years before and after his time in Bolivia having a special heart for the Richibucto Baptist Church. He was a member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church. In his life Lorne lived to read, study and teach.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gloria Tranquilla, Fredericton, NB; Gail Stairs, Moncton, NB; Sheila Chao (Joseph), Los Angeles, CA; Glenn Stairs (Sandra), Sussex, NB; Ann Wallin, Oakville, ON; Bryan Stairs, Oakville, ON and Owen Stairs, Moncton, NB; grandchildren, Jim (Laura), John, Giselle, Jocelyne and Joel (Meghan) Tranquilla; Andrew, Dion and Sabrina Chao; Sasha and Krista Stairs; and John and Kelly Wallin; great grandchildren, Elliot and Clara Tranquilla; one brother, Terry Stairs, Fredericton, NB; sister-in-law, Hannah Stairs, Douglas, NB; niece, Sharon Anderson (David), Douglas, NB and nephew, Dean Stairs (Stephanie), NL. He was recently predeceased by his brother, Lynn Stairs.

REV. LYNN D. STAIRS

The passing of Lynn Durward Stairs of Fredericton, NB, husband of Hannah Stairs, occurred on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the DVA Veteran’s Health Unit. Born on December 9, 1925 in Cullerton, NB, he was the son of the late Seely and Faye (Dunlop) Stairs. He was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force in England and Europe. Lynn was a missionary with the Canadian Baptist Ministries and a member of the Douglas Baptist Church. He enjoyed working in the woods, making maple syrup and gardening.

In addition to his wife, Lynn is survived by his daughter, Sharon Anderson (David) of Douglas, NB; son, Dean A. Stairs (Stephanie) of Newfoundland; grandchildren, Michael Anderson (Rachael), Michelle Hohl (George), Melody Renouf (Adam), Jasmine, Riley, Courtney, Victor, Bonnie, Elizabeth, Georgia, Charlotte and Samuel Stairs; great grandchild, Peyton Anderson; brothers, Lorne Stairs (Florence) and Terry Stairs both of Fredericton, NB; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Gideon Stairs.

REV. JOHN ORR BUNTING

Rev. John Orr Bunting, 82 years, of Riverview passed away at the Moncton Hospital on Thursday January 12, 2012. Born in Belfast, Ireland he was the son of the late Thomas and Sarah (Orr) Bunting. John was a retired Baptist minister retiring from the New Horton, Harvey and Alma Baptist church with over 30 years in the ministry.

John will be sadly missed by his wife Elizabeth "Lily" (Waring) Bunting of Monarch Hall, Riverview; daughters Lynn (Pat) Ronan of Riverview, Jacqueline Bunting (Stephen McMillan) of Moncton, and Christina Bunting of Australia; two grandchildren Shawn and Aaron; several sisters, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his only brother Scott and four of his eleven sisters.