Rand, John Henry

Arlington, NS

May 25, 1946 - February 20, 2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of John Henry Rand, of Arlington, N.S. John peacefully passed away in the early morning of Thursday, February 20th, 2025, at Valley Regional Hospital. John was surrounded by his loving family, after a strong and brave battle until the end.

Born in Kentville on May 25th, 1946, John was the son of Kenneth and Lily (Lytle) Rand. In 1984 he married his wife, Beverly (Fraser) Rand, and they had three beautiful children, Lisa, Christine and Charles; and shared a wonderful 40 years together at the home John built for them, in Arlington.

John grew up on the family sawmill and beef farm. He loved to put in a good day’s work at the mill and continued sawing and milling for 52 years, with his brother Everett by his side. He loved that he could share the same passion and work ethic with his son Charles, it brought him nothing but joy, and you could see just how proud he was when Charles took over the mill.

John is and will forever be known as a man of many words; he just loved to talk and share old stories, with anyone who would listen. Those who knew John knew that they had to carve out a few hours whenever they visited the mill, because there was a good chance that they would be there far longer than they thought they would be.

But above all, John’s family was the center of his world. He was a devoted husband and father and would do anything for anyone. Always thinking of everyone else, until the very end. You could often hear him saying "oh, I’m alright," whenever anyone asked how he was. He was a selfless, stubborn, and remarkable man, who will be greatly missed. But don’t worry, there’s a mini-John in Charles, so he will never be far.

John is survived by his wife, Beverly Rand; his son Charles Rand (Monica), of Arlington; his daughter Christine Steenken (Casey), grandchildren Linnea, Sofia and Jade, of New Minas; and eldest daughter Lisa Rand (Tyler), grandchildren Kaida and Ember, of Kentville.

John is also survived by his brother Everett Rand (Leslie) of Arlington; sisters, Mary Rand of Glenmont; and Susan Lyons (Bill) of Blomidon; his uncle, Ivan Rand (Lorraine) of Arlington; as well as several nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his father Kenneth Rand, and mother Lily Rand of Arlington.

In accordance with John’s wishes, a Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 25th in the White Family Funeral Home, 100 Bridge St., Kentville, NS, with a small reception to follow. Reverend Ivan Norton officiating.

Donations in memory may be made to the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation.