Vaughn Van Tassell

Chief Vaughn Van Tassell

Friday, November 25, 2005, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was a son of the late Reginald and Theta (Winchester) Van Tassell. He was born in Digby on January 22, 1936.

His passion in life was his family and his life time affiliation with the Digby Fire Department. A 40 year veteran, he was Fire Chief for 25 years and an honorary fireman for the past five years. In 2001 his number "23" was officially retired. He also received the Provincial and Federal Exemplary Service Medals for his years of service. During this time, Vaughn was committed to his family, the Department and his community. He was always looking forward, willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. I know many will remember him with the Big Number Seven watering the flowers downtown with his dog as a striker. He was a quiet man with a sense of humour, always believing that actions spoke volumes over words. He was always there to lend a helping hand, never wanting or expecting anything in return.

During his life, he was involve in many organizations, always for a purpose. A member and Chair of DARC as he felt a need to help the young people be active. He was chair of the Water Commission for over 25 years. Not only was firefighting his hobby, it was also his profession. He was employed with the Department of National Defence at CFB Cornwallis for 34 years as a professional firefighter. You would think with all these things there would have been no time for anything else. Vaughn was a doer, he loved to play hockey, his reason for joining the Fire Department way back then as the Department had a hockey team and he continued to play until the age of 62. He was also an avid ball player, sailor and downhill skier.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 44 years, Bonnie; son, Jeffrey (Lorrie) Van Tassell; daughters, Lori VanTaassell and Heather (Bruce) Brinton; grandchildren, Michael, Stacey, Amanda, Andrew, Brandon and Grace, all of Digby; brother, Dale (Patsy) VanTassell, Port Maitland.

A very special thank you to the Victorian Order of Nurses who became a very important part of Vaughn's life during this past year. Special thanks to Dr. Roy Harding, Dr. Lori Wood and Dr. Julie Petrie. Donations in memory can be made to the Digby Fire Department, Digby Victorian Order of Nurses and Digby Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jayne's Funeral Home, Digby where visitation will be held 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today. Funeral service will be held 2 pm. Tuesday in Digby Baptist Church, Rev. Donald Robertson and Rev. Leon Langille officiating. On-line condolences to: 1013@alderwoods.com.

"Well done good and faithful servant."

    More pictures of Vaughn's service are on my Photo Page. Please click here to visit this page