Obituary of Percy Weldon Hayne

Percy Weldon Hayne Sr., 96, Pictou Landing, a loved and loving, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by his family.

Born in Frasers Mountain, he was a son of the late Harold and Georgina (Holly) Hayne. He was a member of the former Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Trenton, and after its closure, a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Pictou Landing First Nations. Percy was a commercial fisherman for over 50 years based in Pictou Landing. He was a commercial lobster boat builder, having built over 25 vessels and the distinction of having built the first fiberglass lobster boat in the Maritimes. He was a founding member of the Northumberland Fisherman’s Association. Percy was a pipefitter, iron worker, was employed with the former Hawker Siddeley, Trenton and seasonally worked for the department of highways as a snowplow driver. In younger years was a successful lobster boat racer for which he was recognized by the Maritime Fisherman’s Museum.

Over the years, he enjoyed going to his cottage in Lochaber when he spent many enjoyable hours with family and friends, playing crib, fishing, hunting, and enjoying life. After retirement, Percy learned to play the fiddle, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Following, he began to craft fiddles, making over 45. He was widely acclaimed for his craftsmanship. Percy’s artistry extended to his poetry which he shared with those he loved. For Percy, “Life has changed; not ended!”

Surviving are daughter, Anne Louise Hayne-Vance, New Glasgow; son, Percy John Hayne (Mary Gorman), Merigomish; sister-in-law, Marie Moores, Stellarton; son-in-law, Maurice Anderson, Pictou Landing; daughter-in-law, Clarita Marshall, Westville; grandchildren, James (Mireille) Marshall, Tammey (James) Felderhof, Sonya Hayne (Calvin Stevens), John Hayne, Amy Hayne, Brian (Jennifer) Hughes, Brett Anderson, Donnie (Ali) Vance and Connie (Aurel) Camus; 23 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; niece, Donna Hayne, Stellarton; Amanda (Steven) MacDonald, Stellarton; nephews, Wade Hayne, Vancouver, B.C.; Harold (Lynn) Hayne, New Glasgow; many other nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Marguerite (MacDougall) Hayne;  daughter, Colleen Mae Dowding; son, James Marshall; grand-daughter, Katherine “Kit” Vance; son-in-law, John Vance; brothers, Harold “Buddy” and Willie; sisters, Mae MacDonald, Mabel Herring, Anna Irwin, Gladys Bingley, Georgina Bickers, Lovey Hayne and Ivella Hayne; sisters-in-law, Hannah Joyce, Alice MacDougall, Joan MacDougall, Florence Hesketh and Rita Love; brothers-in-law, Alister MacDougall and Joe MacDougall, Vernon Love, Ernie Hesketh, Edgar Joyce and Rupert Moores.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 10 in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow with Father Thomas A. MacNeil presiding. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Spring interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery, Trenton.

Donations may be made in Percy’s memory to the Christ the King Cemetery Fund. Percy’s family wish to thank the Aberdeen Hospital staff, his at  home personal care workers and Dr. Cathy Felderhof for her many years of home visits.

“As I drive the roads, what do I see,

that only God can paint a tree

green, yellow, orange and red

As far as your eye can see ahead

lakes and rivers are painted too

that’s more than a man can do.”

Percy Hayne - October 13, 2023