Obituary of Harold Verge Wile

On Friday, May 23, 2025, the world lost an amazing man, gone to be with his Lord and Saviour. Harold Verge Wile, of Garlands Crossing, passed away in the Infirmary Site, QEII Hospital, Halifax, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lower Vaughan, on February 17, 1932, to the late Rueben and Laura Wile. The sixth of 12 children, he lived his whole life in the same community and built an amazing life there.

As a boy he loved to fish and hunt, later sharing this passion with his own sons and brothers. At the age of 21, he fell in love and married Marguerite (Benedict) Wile, celebrating almost 73 years of marriage.

Harold was a man of great Faith, “saved at 15” he was very involved in his church. He worked with Billy Graham in the Youth for Christ Program. He also served as Overseer of The Apostolic Church of Lower Vaughan for 33 years and taught when no pastor was available. He raised his family in a Christian Home.

Harold was a man who gave back to his Community by serving on numerous board and committees: Chairman of the Housing Authority and Education for 21 years, Chairman for the Building Committee for Dykeland Lodge, securing and signing the original loan for a 40 year mortgage, Chairman of the Hants Community Hospital board during its development, was presented to Queen Elizabeth II during the opening ceremonies, Chairman of Windsor Regional School Board, Chairman of Hants West District School Board and eventually becoming Annapolis Valley Regional School Board until its demise. He also served as Chairman for New Boundaries Board for many years, well into his 80’s. He was a Municipal Counselor for 16 years and part of that time served as Deputy Warden, involved in local politics, a vocal strong Liberal his entire life.

He loved to play hockey. He was involved in minor hockey, coaching for years for both his sons. Later, he served as President of The Atlantic AAA Hockey League. He was a faithful Toronto Maple Leaf fan to the end! When coherent on his deathbed, he wanted to know the score of the hockey game, hoping for a miracle, that Toronto might win.

During his early working years, he started and operated a lumber sawmill, providing employment for men in his community. Later years he started and operated LongWile Concrete Products, a concrete block plant again providing employment for his community.

Harold worked in construction building and paving roads, as did most of his brothers. He worked for Municipal Paving, Dartmouth Asphalt, Trider Construction and Standard Paving. One of his favorite accomplishments was building and paving parts of the Trans-Canada Highway across Newfoundland. After years as a superintendent with Standard Paving he worked as Superintendent for Highways in Brooklyn, Hants County. He eventually became the President of Highway Superintendents for the Province of Nova Scotia. The highlight of his career was working for the Engineering firm of Whitman and Benn Associates, as an Inspector for many major construction projects throughout Nova Scotia. He loved this job and thought these were the best 16 years of his long career. A proud memory for his two engineering sons, Harold providing seminars at TUNS (Technical University of Nova Scotia) on the responsibilities of Inspectors. Harold finally retired at the age of 81, committing fulltime service to his wife and his passion of gardening. He discovered the joy of travel, many trips to the Caribbean with his family.

He is survived by his wife, H. Marguerite; children, Debbie Wile-Moore (Michael); Harold Jr. (Debbie); Faye Lynch (Mike) and Baruck (Laura); 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; siblings, Melbra, Daniel, Edwin and Bernard.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Leslie, Grace, Paul, Everett, Lorrena, Hannah and David.

The family would like to say thank you to the staff of the Infirmary Site, QEII for the excellent care. Special thanks to nurse, Suzy for the compassion and care not only provided to Harold, but also to the family during his last days. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where visitation will be held 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, June 2 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be held in Maplewood Cemetery, 1186 King Street, Windsor. A reception will follow in Southwest Hants Fire Hall, 1884 Trunk 14, Vaughan. Donations in memory of Harold may be made to the Vaughan Apostolic Church in Canada - Harold Wile Memorial Fund, 1222 New Ross Road, Vaughan B0N 2T0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca