CANSO: On a warm and breezy afternoon, a large crowd gathered at the Canso Seamen’s Memorial to honour those lost at sea during the 49th Annual Provincial Seamen’s Memorial Service.
The event, hosted by the Canso Lions Club, brought together clergy, politicians, local residents, and community groups in a heartfelt tribute to the region’s fishermen and fisherwomen.
Master of Ceremonies Lion Ray White and King Lion Wayne Sullivan welcomed attendees, setting a respectful tone for the service. The Aug. 10 event included participation from area churches, with Deacon Vonda Card of All Saints Anglican Parish offering the opening prayer, followed by a scripture reading by Reverend David Wheeler of Canso Baptist Church. Local singer Gertie Grant from Star of the Sea in Canso lent her voice to a poignant hymn.
Pipers Sandra and Arid MacIsaac performed a traditional lament as the flag was lowered by Harold Roberts of the 5th Canso Scouts, followed by a solemn moment of silence in remembrance of lost fishermen and women. The Honour Guard, featuring members of the 5th Canso Scouts and the RCMP, provided a dignified presence throughout the service.
Political dignitaries expressed their respect for the fishery’s vital role in Nova Scotia.
Greg Morrow emphasized the enduring importance of the fishing industry and praised the Canso Lions for their commitment to hosting the memorial year after year.
Warden Paul Long of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough reflected on the significance of fishing in Guysborough County, while Warden Greg Wier brought greetings from the District of Saint Mary’s.
While Mayor Ron Chisholm of the Town of Mulgrave shared his sympathies for families and friends affected by loss at sea.
A recurring theme in the speeches was the unpredictable nature of the sea, the dangers faced by fisher-people, and their tireless contributions to the local communities.
White highlighted two recent site improvements made possible by the Guysborough Municipal Public Works Department, under Glen Avery and Mike Hamhams. These included the installation of interpretive panels designed by Sara Mason, featuring historical information and photographs contributed by Bill MacMillian, as well as a memorial bench donated by the Baker family in honour of Captain John Allen Baker.
Wreaths were placed on the Memorial by dignitaries, family members, friends, area businesses, and organizations. King Lion Wayne Sullivan laid a wreath on behalf of Lions District Governor Debbie McGinley. Lions Juanita Dort and Janet Delorey solemnly read the names inscribed on the Memorial and those on the “In Memory” list.
Throughout the service, Brian Bouchie and Kevin O’Handley played two moving songs as tributes to the sea.
The closing prayer was offered by Deacon Vonda Card, with White expressing deep gratitude for the community’s ongoing support and thanked the Municipal Public Works crew for their assistance with the new panels and memorial bench, as well as Lion Catherine DeRabbie for her organizational help.
The wreaths will remain on display at the Memorial until Aug. 16. On Aug. 17, at 1 p.m., area boats will gather at Whitman’s Wharf to retrieve the wreaths. Led by Captain Berkley Dixon aboard the Irishtowner I, a flotilla will circle the harbour before taking the wreaths out to Chedabucto Bay for a final blessing and to be laid on the sea as a moving tribute to the fishermen lost from surrounding communities.