Obituary of John Basil Miller

MILLER, JOHN “BASIL” Basil Miller, 84, Bedford, NS passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017 at the QEII, Halifax surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Born in Dean, NS to the late Melville and Janie Miller, Basil was a resident of Bedford for 60 years. He was employed as a technician at CBC for 38 years, retiring in 1990. Basil was a mastermind when it came to building a house, repairing an engine, darning a sock, or tracing down a faulty wire. He was a talented musician bringing enjoyment to all with his fiddle and his guitar. Basil coordinated the Bedford Fiddle Group for over 25 years, and was a member of Downhome Fiddlers of Dartmouth, Maritime Fiddlers Assoc. and CBC Retirement Assoc. In recent years he and his wife of 20 years, Betty Ann Chennell, enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers, Florida, where they made many good friends. He will be sadly missed by Betty Ann, his daughter, Susan (Suzanne), Spondo, NS, son Greg, Lower Sackville, stepsons Jeffrey, Jon and Jason (Kimberly) Hale, grandchildren Emma, Cameron, Jacob and Carter Hale as well as brothers Ralph (Faye), Bedford and Glen, Toronto, many nieces and nephews and his buddy of 65 years Curtis McSwain . He was predeceased by his first wife, Lois (Smith), sister Lola and brother Ronald. His kind, patient, easy- going nature will be fondly remembered by his many friends and extended family. A celebration of Basil’s life will be held on Sunday, Sept.10, 2 pm at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Chebucto Rd., Halifax. All instruments welcome. Family burial at a later date. If desired, donations in Basil’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. Special thanks to Dr. Lori Wood and nurse Donna, his emergency doctor, Dr. Laura Gallaghan and the QEII nursing staff. Expressions of sympathy can be expressed to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com