Harold 'Ben' Kierstead

  With heavy hearts, the family announces the Wednesday, March 4, 2015 passing of Harold Lee "Ben" Kierstead, 88, of Kenneth E. Spencer Memorial Home, formerly of People's Park Tower, Moncton, and long-time resident of Havelock, NB.

  Harold was born on Canaan Road, Parish of Havelock, on October 20, 1926, son of the late Clarence Lorne and Gertrude Mae (Thorne) Kierstead.  He was predeceased in 2003 by his cherished wife of nearly 54 years, Esther Louise (Price), and by brothers Charles, Irvine, Murray, and Warren.

  Harold began working life as a teenager in lumber camps following this with various jobs before beginning a long-term career with Lafarge Canada in 1950.  He retired from Lafarge in 1987 after suffering a heart attack.

  Harold and his beloved wife Esther made their first home together in Havelock, residing in the area until relocating to Moncton in 1996.  In 1998, Harold and Esther moved to People's Park Tower where they enjoyed many new friends and activities, and were active members of the Moncton Wesleyan Church.

  Harold enjoyed good gospel music, the daily newspaper, lively discussions, games with family and friends and his volunteer activities.  For much of his life, he travelled every summer with family to his beloved Beulah Camp, at Brown's Flat, eventually owning a cottage there.

  Greatly committed to his community, Harold devoted himself to service in a number of executive positions within the local Home and School, Lions Club, and Wesleyan Church. For many years he was an active member of the Cement, Lime, and Gypsum Workers Intl Union, holding various offices and representing the local chapter at numerous meetings and conventions. Harold also received many distinguished honours and recognitions for his years of dedicated service to Saint John Ambulance, retiring from service as District Superintendent.  He was appointed a Commander of the Venerable Order of St. John in 1992.

  Harold is survived by his children: Cheryl, of Havelock, NB; Randall (Lorraine) of Dieppe, NB; Darien (Loretta) of Leduc, AB; Rodney of Moncton, NB; and Kirk (Greta) of Fredericton, NB, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, sisters-in-law Thelma Brewer and Marjorie MacFarlane, special friend Hilda Bell, several nieces and nephews.

  Resting at the Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Salisbury Road (372-4800) with visiting Sunday, March 8 from 2 - 5 pm.  The funeral will be held there in the Chapel on Monday, March 9 at 11 am with Rev. David Way officiating. Interment to follow at Fairhaven Cemetery.

  If desired, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Saint John Ambulance, and/or Alzheimer's Society, or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated by the family.

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