Obituary of Don Oxner

We are profoundly saddened to announce Don’s passing on March 13,2019 at the Halifax Infirmary, surrounded by the love of his family. Don was born to the late Ellen (Conrad) and Paul Oxner on October 17,1930 in Rose Bay, N.S. Upon completing his schooling, he received a business diploma from Commercial College in Bridgewater. It was on vacation from a book keeping job in Goose Bay, Labrador that he went to Saint John N.B. and happened to meet a beautiful young nurse named Betty Jean Tompkins. After marrying in 1955, they settled in her hometown of St. Andrews, N.B. When her father passed away suddenly in 1960, Don became owner/manager of C.H. Tompkins Furniture Ltd. He ran this successful business until 1983, at which time he became director of sales at the Algonquin Hotel. When he retired from the hotel, he filled his days with volunteering, splitting kindling, picking berries, fishing, beachcombing, and building wooden furniture. He always believed that there was nothing that a coat of paint (or several) couldn’t fix. Each day began with a detailed list of what was to be accomplished. Don was a devoted member of All Saints Anglican Church where he served in many capacities over the years. His faith in God was limitless and sustained him until the end. Don’s happiest times were spent at the family cottage on the Glebe Road near St. Andrews. Upon Betty Jean’s death in 2009, he moved into a home across from the cottage. He liked nothing more than sitting around a campfire, winter or summer. His love for the cottage has been passed down to three generations. Don was blessed with an enormous circle of friends, all of whom brought him much happiness over the years. However, family was always his most important priority and he was enormously proud of his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s achievements. His kindness, wisdom, and sense of humour, will remain in our hearts forever. We were so fortunate that his last three months were spent in Nova Scotia with us. Don is survived by his daughter Marilyn Webber (Robin) of Upper Lakeville, N.S. and his son Rev. Paul Oxner (Joan) of Antioch, Tennessee.; grandchildren Kari Webber (Jeff Evans), Megan Pettipas (Nick), and Greg Webber (Crystal Gauthier) and his great-grandchildren Lloyd and Ruby Pettipas. Also surviving are his brother, Frank Oxner (Marilyn) of Dartmouth, N.S.; nephews Michael Oxner and Darren Oxner, and nieces Sherry Oxner, Maureen Dow and Mary LeBrun. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at All Saints Church, St. Andrews, N.B. on April 8 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow in the church hall. In Don’s memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or simply extend a kindness to someone. Don’s family will be forever grateful to the compassionate and professional staff of the Coronary Care Unit of the Halifax Infirmary, and to Archdeacon John Matheson who travelled from St. Andrews to be with Don at this time.