Donald Stuart Siteman

SITEMAN, Donald Stuart – It is with sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Donald Siteman, age 84, at the QEII Infirmary on June 12, 2022. Born in Lunenburg, NS on November 28th, 1937, Don was the son of the late Jamie Stuart and Deborah Isabel (Berringer) Siteman. Don and his parents lived in Lunenburg ‘next to the blacksmith shop’ until he was 3. Moving to Halifax, they settled on Duncan Street, where Don attended Chebucto Road School and then Queen Elizabeth High School before moving to Fairview. Don recounted stories of his youth bicycling through the streets of Halifax and selling newspapers on the corner of Oxford and Jubilee. He began working for Maritime Telegraph and Telephone Company on North Street in 1956 as a Central Office Technician. There he met his future wife, Ruby, who worked as an Operator. They married in a small church in St. Croix in October 1962 and made their home in Fairview, raising two sons. After a 35-year career Don retired from MT&T in 1991. From then on, he enjoyed nothing more than a quiet lifestyle at his beloved Ship Harbour cottage property – working the land, carefully carving paths and mapping his lots. He loved his bountiful garden at the cottage, and in his later years, always kept a small garden at home - potatoes and carrots being his veggies of choice! Don was an avid bagpiper in his younger years, joining the Army Reserves Piping Band as well as the QE High School Pipe Band. Most notably, he was part of the piping contingent at the opening of the Canso Causeway in 1955. Then in 2005, dressed in full regalia with his family proudly watching, he was honored to play his pipes again, taking part in the 50th anniversary ceremonies. Don’s wealth of knowledge of the Siteman family history was incredible, even receiving accolades in a published book by US author, A.L. Fullerton - ‘Descendants of Capt. Henry Siteman’. He took great pride in his detailed record keeping logs - everything from daily weather reports to the latest stock market updates. He was a very nostalgic man, loved discussing local history, and kept many scrapbooks filled with newspaper clippings and old photos. His eccentricities defined his character. He truly enjoyed the simple things in life – scoffing at doing things the ‘easy’ way. As Sinatra’s song goes . . . “I did it ‘My Way’”! He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ruby (nee Gerrard); son Mark (Denise) and granddaughter Olivia (Mark Benoit), Halifax; son Robson (Brenda) and grandson Jeffrey, Timberlea. He was predeceased by an infant sister. The family wishes to thank the staff of 7.4 QEII Infirmary, as well as staff at the NS Rehab Centre for Don’s care during the last 7 months. Cremation has taken place. A family burial will be held at Fairview Lawn Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Donald Stuart Siteman

November 8, 1937 - June 12, 2022