Forrest "John" Miner

Peacefully and surrounded by love, John, fondly known as Buddy by his grandchildren, sailed away on July 25th at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was the son of Ethel (Parks) and Forrest Miner of Richardson, Deer Island.

Left on the dock are his children Mary and Peter Stevens, Wellington, NS, John and Lisa Miner, Lambert's Cove, Leonard (Lenny) Miner and Gisèle Landry, Moncton, and Philip Miner, Lord's Cove. He was so proud of all his grandchildren and took an active interest in their lives. He and his oldest grandson Mike drove across Canada, and he told many stories of this adventure. Buddy is survived by seven grandchildren: Danielle and Drew Stevens, Michael, Blake and Lauren Miner, Mylène and Cédric Miner. In recent years, Buddy took great joy in visits with his eight great-grandchildren: Savannah, Ella and Jack, Tate and Arlo, Leighton, Addison, and Evynne. He is survived by his brother Wayne Miner (Karen), St. Stephen. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his special companion, Beverly Justason.

John was predeceased by his wife Norinne (Richardson) in 2003 and by siblings: Burton, Eugene, Ellen, and Carol.

John sincerely believed in giving back. He was always helping others, whether family, friends, or colleagues. He positively impacted our community and will be truly missed by many. John often told stories about his two years in the US Army and his travels across the United States. He also worked as a fisherman and school bus driver. He retired from the NB Department of Transportation, as a Marine
Captain I on the Deer Island ferries in 1994.

John was also a founding member of the Deer Island Fire Department, serving as treasurer for several years.

In retirement, he always had a project on the go and plans for many more. His hobbies and interests included welding, carpentry, building toy boxes for his grandchildren, engine and auto repair, quilt making, and mostly sailing. He built a small dinghy to tend his sailboat. He and Bev were avid Blue Jays fans never missing a game. His most recent goal was to celebrate his 90th birthday. Although it was not the party venue we had hoped for, he still enjoyed a "feed of scallops" and birthday cake.

Donations in John's memory may be made to the Deer Island Fire Department, the Fairhaven Community Cemetery, or Bayview Christian Camp. Our family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Emily Love and the Palliative Care Team at Saint John Regional Hospital, the Extra-mural Team in St. George, and the Guardian Pharmacy Team in St. George.

Arrangements are entrusted to the St. George Funeral Home (506-755-3533) 26 Portage Street, St. George NB. In keeping with John's wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on August 17th at 1:00 PM at the Fairhaven Community Cemetery, Calder's Head.