Obituary of Joseph Albert Verge

It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Al Verge, age 90 of Bedford. Born on September 7, 1931 in Carleton-Sur-Mer, Quebec, he was the son of the late Edmund (James Stewart) and Catherine Mary (Keays) Verge. After a short battle with cancer, he passed on September 27, 2021. Al joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 where he was eventually posted to Halifax. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. It was here, in Halifax, where he met and married the love of his life, Margaret. Upon his retirement from the navy in 1974, Al spent the remainder of his career at Environment Canada as Chief of Finance, Atmospheric Environment Services, Atlantic Region, until his retirement in 1991. An avid golfer, Al spent his childhood working as a caddy at the Carelton-Sur-Mer golf course that his father founded. Al played weekly, right up until August 2021, with his son Ken, and son-in-law Ron, holding memberships over the years at several courses. Al and Marg were also seasonal campers at Klahanie Campground in Aylesford, for over 25 years. In his younger years, Al was an avid hunter and fisher, having the opportunity to get not one but two moose, over the years. He also was a talented carpenter building a cottage and several homes, including the one where he lived. Al is survived by his wife, Margaret, twin sister Edith and sister Lillian, daughter Linda (Ron) Edmonds, sons Ken (Debbie) Verge and Mark (Cathy) Verge. He is also survived by grandchildren Sara (Matt) Bonin, Erin Edmonds, Justin, Alexander (Valérie), and Allison (David) Verge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Al was predeceased by brothers Edmund, James, and Percy, and sisters Patricia, Lydia and Aileen, and daughter in law Brenda Verge. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the service will be by invitation only. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Al to Hospice Halifax or the Canadian Cancer Society. We want to extend a special thanks to the staff at the QEII and Victoria General Hospitals and especially the staff at Hospice Halifax, for their care and compassion for Al’s final days.