Herbert Edward Lays
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of a husband, Dad, Grampy, great-Grampy, and friend. Herbert Edward Lays, affectionately called “Herb”, left us on July 31, 2025 at the age of 86.
Born in Antigonish, he was the son of Alongo and Grace (Whitewood) Heighton, and became the beloved son of Freeman and Ethel (Brown) Lays.
He married his true love Rhoda on New Year’s Eve in 1957. In 1969, they settled in Hopewell where they worked together to turn their house into a loving home.
Herb was a skilled machinist. He spent time at Trenton Works, Michelin, and Millwright Local 1178. He proudly ran his own business “Thistle Mechanical” in Hopewell for nine years. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix or create. It was uncommon for Dad not to be busy with something; he always had a list of tasks waiting for him. He enjoyed many hobbies and never wasted a moment-whether it was tending to bees, caring for birds, tying flies, building furniture or even panning for gold. Hunting and fishing were also among his favorite pastimes.
Dad attended Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Stellarton. His strong faith helped him remain grounded for his family.
Herb was a devoted husband to Rhoda, his wonderful wife for 65 years. He was the father of his only son Herbie (Katie) Lays and daughters Sharon (David) Mollins and Coleen (Jack) Russell. He shared sibling bonds with Thelma Walsh (Bill) of Toronto, Eleana Soloposki-Palmer from Toronto, and Marlene Ince of Stellarton. As a Grampy he cherished Sarah, Emily, Colby, David, and Natasha; as well as being a great-Grampy to Jada, Autum, Perry, and Axell.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Harold, Vernon, George, and Otto Heighton; along with sisters Marie and Verna.
Goodbye Dad; our family will always miss you. You’ll forever hold a place in our hearts.
The visitation will take place on Sunday August 3 from 1-4pm at Eagles Funeral Home in Westville. The funeral service is scheduled for Monday August 4 at 11am from Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Ibeh presiding over it all. Burial will follow at Lourdes Cemetery after the service with a reception afterwards.
The family wants to express their deep gratitude to our parents’ caregiver and guardian angel Evelyn Lockhart who made things so much easier for all of us.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Erika Tratz; we also want to thank Dr. Aldrebi who took care of our Dad along with the entire palliative care team.
If you wish to make donations please consider Our Lady Of Lourdes CWL or any charity that resonates with you.
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