Obituary of Elwin Hemphill

Hemphill, Joseph “Elwin” Pictou It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Joseph “Elwin” Hemphill, age 84, on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home, Pictou, Nova Scotia after a short illness. Elwin was born in Georgetown, PEI to the late Milton and Martha Hemphill (Gotell) on May 12th, 1939. He was raised in Pictou and was the youngest of 10 children. Throughout his life, Elwin was always willing to share his love and pride for his family, his school and his community. It was his lifelong passion to promote and advance the Town of Pictou and its waterfront for recognition around the world. He served as a Pictou town councillor and as deputy mayor. Elwin also sat on numerous non-profit, political, NSTU, town and municipal committees and boards. He spent much of his life working to maintain Pictou Academy as a beacon of exemplary education in Nova Scotia. Elwin was unwavering in his love and support for his daughter, granddaughters and his extended family. Aside from this, he also loved music and could be found playing his harmonica and singing to any audience he could find. In retirement he spent countless hours researching his family’s genealogy, and one of the most rewarding moments of his life was travelling to Portstewart, Northern Ireland to meet family members that he had discovered through his research. He was immensely proud of the high school education he received from Pictou Academy and the undergraduate degrees he obtained from St. Francis Xavier University and the University of New Brunswick. During his university days he studied arts, political sciences, Law and ultimately found his calling as a high school teacher. Elwin taught at Pictou Academy for 27 years and left a lasting legacy. He touched the lives of many through his teaching. Elwin’s passion for education did not end on his retirement. He was a lifelong learner and delighted in sharing his knowledge with others. Elwin was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Janet (Erikkson); his parents, Milton and Martha Hemphill; brothers, Ralph, Walter (Eileen), Junior (Agnes); sisters, Thelma “Timmie” MacNeill (Pellar), Eleanor Burke (Bernie), Constance “Connie” Kent (Pat); brothers-in-law, Mervin Tucker, Archie MacDonald; and son-in-law, Ricky Sutherland. Elwin is survived by his daughter, Ellen Fanning (Don), New Glasgow; his granddaughters, Dr. Ashley Sutherland (Dr. Keigan More), Halifax and Amy Lockhart (Kenny), Westville; his great-grandchildren, Ellen and Cooper More and Blake and Luka Lockhart; sisters, Jean MacDonald, Audrey Melanson and Joyce Tucker. He also had a large extended family including Ann and Fred Erickson, Brian Fanning (Marsha), Lee Fanning (Tara), Dennis Fanning (Elizabeth MacDougall), Rory Fanning (Melanie Hill) and their families. He will be also sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. The family wish to extend their deepest gratitude to the many staff at Highcrest Place, New Glasgow and the Maritime Odd Fellows Home, Pictou where Elwin received exceptional love and care. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 4th at 1:00 pm at the Stella Maris Catholic Church, Pictou with Father Peter MacDonald officiating with burial to follow at Seaview Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #16, Pictou, following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. There will be no visitation as per Elwin’s request. Family flowers only please. Donations in Elwin’s name can be made to the Pictou Academy Educational Foundation with the intention of establishing a memorial bursary in his name