Obituary of Carman Floyd Rafuse

Age 94, of Windsor, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, in the Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth, on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Born on December 15, 1929, in Upper Vaughan, he was the beloved son of the late Lucy “Dolly” Rafuse and grandson of the late Lucy and James Rafuse.

Carman married the love of his life, Carol Grace, on August 20, 1953. His love for Carol was like no other - he cherished every moment they had together and loved her with every fibre of his being until the day he died.

Carman worked in the automotive industry for several decades starting at R.D. Holmes, where he also returned to finish his career, many years later. One of his greatest achievements was “Rafuse Irving Service” which he proudly owned in Windsor, for 20 years. Following his retirement from the automotive industry, he worked on the implementation of the 911 service to Nova Scotians in the late 90’s and later worked for the Nova Scotia Film Board. Carman also loved spending time working in the woods on his prized John Deere, where he spent countless hours cutting wood, ensuring his home was toasty warm, even on the coldest of days. He was a life-long member of the Liberal Association and enjoyed discussing politics well into his tenth decade. He also spent many years volunteering his time on the VON Board, as well as for the Upper Vaughan Baptist Church, which as a man of great faith, held a special spot in he and Carol’s lives.

However, Carman was first and foremost a family man who was happiest when in the company of his loved ones. In the late 60’s, Carman, along with his friend and business partner, Jim Wilcox, developed 30 cottage lots in Martin’s River, Lunenburg County, where he and his family enjoyed over 20 years on the ocean at their cottage “The Six Seas”. He valued his innumerable friendships deeply and would talk for hours with friends or strangers alike. Though his family home on the lake on the Chester Road was his most treasured place to be, Carman immensely enjoyed travelling, notably his trips to Australia, Germany and China. Once their grandchildren were born, Carman and Carol spent their years at home in Upper Vaughan with their grandchildren, taking them on his tractor or on adventures into the woods, enjoying Zwicker Lake with them and providing them with never-ending love and affection.

Carman led by example, forever dedicated to his family, while never shying away from helping or serving others. He taught his loved ones the value of hard work, kindness, and of gentle compassion. Carman openly expressed his deep love and pride for his children and grandchildren and while he spoke often of how fortunate he was for his family; the true blessing is all ours. We are profoundly grateful for the gift of sharing so many wonderful years with our father and grandfather and are filled with a deep sense of peace and gratitude as we celebrate a life well lived.

Carman is survived by his children, Carla (David Graham), Cheryl (Gregg) Kennedy, Carey (Karen) and Claudia (Terence) Hynes; grandchildren, Jill (Joe) Boyd, Missy (Stef) Janichen, Jessica (Tyler) Gore, Kate (Corey) Eastman, Emily (Martin) Gallant, Nick Rafuse (Sarah Taylor); great-grandchildren, Sofia, Luka, Annie, Avery, Cooper, Marin, Stiorra and Raina. He is also survived by his chosen brother, Bernie (Mary) Rafuse and special cousin, Karl (Judi) Rafuse.

Besides his mother and grandparents, he was predeceased by his loving wife and partner of 65 years, Carol Grace (Countway).

The family would like to give thanks and express how grateful they are to all the staff at the Windsor Elms Village, particularly the staff of Meadowview and special caregivers Stephanie and Starr.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where a funeral service celebrating Carman’s life will be held on Thursday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m., Rev. Gail Whalen-Dunn officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery, Upper Vaughan. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Carman may be made to the Windsor Elms Village – Palliative Care Department, to help families remain comfortable while they are at their loved one’s side, 174 Dyke Rd., Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.