Wesley Byron Jones passed away peacefully in his family home in New Glasgow on Saturday, Feb. 15th, 2025. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick on Feb. 12th, 1928, he was the son on the late Gurney Jones (River Glade, NB) and Vivenne (Dimock) Jones (Windsor, NB). Through Dad’s 20 years spent in Moncton, the makings of many life-long friendships that continued through his life began; as well, the early beginnings of his interest in business took shape. His move to New Glasgow was considered a major move, as Dad literally moved to a town where he didn’t know a single person.
Now working at Ross Furs, he soon found New Glasgow to be his new home. From his boarding house on Abercrombie Road, Dad made many new friendships. This eventually led to meeting Marjorie MacIntosh of Stellarton and to their wedding on June 11th 1955. Settling into their new home on Forbes Street, the raising of their family soon began.
And Wes did have an eye for business. Beginning at a young age he was very entrepreneurial (even before his teens), and it is not surprising that after working with Ross Furs for 15 years, he bought the business. Confidence from this led to further endeavors including, along with a partner, bringing both a Motorcycle and Snowmobiling Franchise to Pictou County. Wes then moved into building homes on spec, followed by an interest in a printing business. After the acquisition of Island Furriers, he went on to acquire numerous rental properties, both commercial and residential.
Wes always found time to be involved in the community. In his younger years he was in Cadets, a member of the Student Council, involved with Tyros, member of the Senior Choir and active in sports. Through time, he became deeply involved in the Lions Club of New Glasgow, followed by over 50 years in both the Gyro Friendship Club and the Albion Masonic Lodge.
Dad and Mom simply made sure family came first in anything they did. This included everyone being together at the summer cottage, weekend family winter getaways at the farm, packing up the family car for the monthly trips to Moncton, and the family summer camping trips throughout Atlantic Canada with the Doane family. Dad did love his overseas travel back in the 60’s/70’s. He often spoke fondly of his experiences traveling with the Moores and their experiences in Eastern Germany, UK and Northern Europe. Then there were his reunions with his Moncton friends – every year with Dave, John, Joe, Peter and more. And the Moncton families became part of our lives as well.
When having time to himself, Dad loved to build. From his teen years to well into retirement, he constructed numerous wood projects for the family. Other things he loved and spent considerable time enjoying included boating, collecting, golfing with his regulars, Bob, Jim, Emerson and Bill, Monday night poker, and monthly Investment Club meetings. Being a Grampie was something he cherished. He looked so forward to their coming for visits.
Besides Dad’s parents, Wes was predeceased by his wife, Marge, and sister Isabelle Budd. He is survived by his daughter, Karen, New Glasgow; son, Gregory Lloyd (Jane) and their children, Michael John Wesley (Amy), great-grandchildren, Conan and Maeve, Tampa Fla, Ryan Lloyd Turner Jones (Natali), Dubai AUE; son, Kevin Wesley (Patty) and their children, Michael Thomas Lund (Jillian), Gregory James Lund, Amy Marie Brown, Charlottetown, great-grandchildren, Darcie MacArthur, Timothy, Jillian, Jessica, and Oliver Brown; son, Ronald Bruce (Mary) and their children, Christopher John Wesley (Luiza), Calgary, Katelyn Marjorie, Halifax, and Michelle Lauren (Ian), Edmonton; and nieces, Roxanne, Wendy; nephews, Rick, Dan and Lee, Moncton.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Barclay and his wife Caroline who, with their monthly calls and visits over the last 5 years, provided the best comfort, reassurance and attention possible. Dr. Alten Kirk and Lorraine were also invaluable in their involvement. And with Dr. Kwasnik and Debbie coming onboard, Dad was in the best care possible. We would also like to acknowledge teams making up the Aberdeen Hospital, EHS, Continuing Care, and VON. There are far too many to name individually, but you were invaluable in being there for our father.
And of special note, there is one person who has been there every day for the last six years, caring for, being compassionate, providing minute-by-minute attention, and nurturing beyond, and that’s Audrey Ranni. Audrey was nothing short of an angel who landed to be with our father.
We, and on behalf of our father, thank you all.
Funeral 2pm Wednesday, February 26, at Trinity United Church, 151 Temperance Street, New Glasgow, with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed; two links are below. Donations in his memory may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
Trinity United Church Livestream links: