Rayburn W. Dares

It is with great sadness that the family of Rayburn Willis Dares , 83, of Back Centre, announces his passing on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg.

Born in Centre, July 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Willis and Annie (Levy) Dares.

Rayburn tried his hand at many things in his early years, from working in the sawmill, to fish peddling, long lining, gas station attendant and mechanic, to finally settling on a career in the marine industry as a diesel mechanic & later on as foreman of numerous maintenance staffs. He started at Industrial Machinery, Halifax and upon returning to the Lunenburg waterfront in the mid-sixties, he quickly grew a reputation, gaining respect waterfront wide for his ability and knowledge of diesel driven trawlers. Having started with the Atlantic Ship Company Ltd., he moved on to Scotia Trawlers Ltd., Deep Sea Trawlers Ltd. & finally ABCO Industries, plying his trade. But it was his Deep Sea Trawlers days he was most proud of. As he strongly influenced the hand picking of the original maintenance team that would be assembled, he spoke often & very proudly of “ HIS MEN”, long after he retired. His passion was for Marilyn & his family, first & foremost, playing cards, his gardens, the outdoors and it’s wildlife that surrounded him.

Rayburn is survived by his wife, Marilyn Joan (Tanner); daughters, Sylvia Charlton (Richard) Back Centre; Belinda Dauphinee (Paul) Liverpool; sons, Gary (Lisa), Mahone Bay; Raymond (Lee-Ann) Centre; eight grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Willis and Annie. Survived by brother, David and sisters, Evelyn Knickle, Barbara Mossman, Sylvia Locher and Rosalie Tousnard.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Blue Rocks, The Very Rev. John Wright officiating. Reception to follow at the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Blue Rocks; Grace Lutheran Church, First South; Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the Staff of Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital for the excellent care they provided for him in his final weeks.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 902-624-8241. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca