Obituary of Eric Dewitte Northup

We, the children of Eric Dewitte Northup, are saddened to announce his passing in Mayflower Meadows, Hants Community Hospital, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the age of 95, with his loving wife, Joyce and family by his side. Dad was born to Roy and Esther (Ward) in Stanley on June 29, 1930, where he and his siblings enjoyed a comfortable and loving home.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Joyce (Harvie); children, Dewitte, Halifax; Wayne (Cindi), Falmouth; Debby (Gary), Hantsport; Patty (Freddie), St. Croix; Valerie, Falmouth; Craig, Calgary; Lalia, Garlands Crossing; Wanda, Avondale and Angela, Halifax; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Garnet; sisters, Marie (John), Falmouth and Marguerite, Ontario.

Besides his parents, Dad was predeceased by brothers, Harold, Claude, Howard “Howie”, Irving and Grant; sisters, Geraldine and Florence “Flossie”; son-in-law, Donald “Weiner” Brown.

As a young boy on a bicycle (yet to own any of his many Fords), Dad delivered "hot off the press" newspapers to the eager soldiers training at the Stanley Airport, during the Second World War. He loved to reminisce about the plane ride and generous tips the soldiers offered him.

For many years, Dad was known locally for his love of boat racing and was respected within the racing circuit as being a fierce competitor, claiming many trophies and accolades.

Dad met and then married his love, Joyce, in 1953. They celebrated 72 years married this year. During their time together Dad owned and operated Northup's Garage & Body Shop in St. Croix, worked for Reg Smith's Ford dealership, Windsor, Reid Shanks Garage, Three Mile Plains and Wood Motors, Halifax, for approximately 40 years. His final and favourite place of employment was on the hill behind his own home in Ellershouse, where he spent the rest of his career in Eric Northup's Garage with his most competent and favourite assistant, Wanda. No one cleaned his wrenches and other shop tools better than she did and they kept each other company many hours of many days.

After his heart attack in his early 80's he was advised by his son, Wayne, perhaps he should retire and get himself a hobby, to which Dad replied "this is my hobby"! He continued to tinker in his garage well into his late 80's. His last few years were dedicated to looking after the well-being of Mom, Wanda and their family home until his own health deteriorated. We, his children, are forever grateful to Dad for his 24-hour care to them both.

We are comforted knowing he is now at rest, except for when he is driving his prized Lincoln, repairing the many Ford vehicles along the way, worthy to travel the streets of gold. Dad was, as the slogan goes, "Built Ford Tough!" We would like to thank all staff at Hants Community Hospital and Mayflower Meadows for the care, attention and concern our dad received and our mom continues to receive.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, November 15 in the funeral home chapel, Celebrant Helen Lindsay officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eric may be made to Mayflower Meadows, 89 Payzant Dr., Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 or a charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca