Obituary of Sydney Charles Kingham

KINGHAM, Sydney Charles “Syd” – age 89 of Enfield, formerly of Middleton, passed away peacefully on October 10^th, 2023, in Magnolia Continuing Care, Enfield.

Syd was born and raised on a farm near Edgerton, Alberta, by his grandparents. He was well known for his humour and stories especially of his early life. He shared memories of riding a horse by himself to a one room schoolhouse 3 miles away beginning at the age of 6 years old until he was 15. He would recount shooting himself in the foot at age 12 while hunting gophers. His family moved to the West Coast when he was 15. When he was 22 years old, he met 17-year-old Joan (Mahon) and accompanied her to her high school graduation.  One year later he and Joan eloped to the United States and recently celebrated their 66^th anniversary; they shared a full life and travelled the world together.

Syd loved life. He had many hobbies, flying, sailing, scuba diving, animals, travelling and more. He enjoyed the business world and spent many years in the financial industry which took him and Joan from British Columbia to Ontario, the Maritimes, Pennsylvania and Georgia. He left the financial world and came back to Nova Scotia and founded a company known in the insurance world as IFS Premium Financial Services. He started in Nova Scotia with his single engine plane and developed the Maritimes, graduating to his twin engine plane with which he developed Newfoundland and took the company across Canada.

Syd was known for his kindness. Also known as “Captain Syd” and with his 46’ sailboat, the “Rochelle”, he and Joan entertained friends and business associates. Upon his retirement, he and Joan bought a 250 acre farm near Middleton, and for 25 years they enjoyed the farm life and their animals. After a ten year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Syd was admitted to the Magnolia Continuing Care facility in Enfield in 2021.

Syd is survived by his wife, Joan (Mahon); brother, Wayne (Pat), B.C.; sisters, Judy (Bob) Knowles, Joan Ball and Dianne Smith, all of B.C.; nieces, Karen (Walter) Tingley, Lantz; Tracey (Dan) Wilson, Alberta, Xavier (Rhys) Sparkes, NZ; nephews, Blair (Darling) Houston, Costa Rica; Gregg (Kathy) Houston, B.C.; Lorn (Roxanna) Houston, B.C.; many extended family members. For over 50 years Syd and Joan enjoyed a circle of family friends that included Robin, Chris, Leslie and Mark Wilber, all of Enfield. The “group of 8” from Dartmouth; Clint (Gwen) Marble, Ron (Jean) James, Graham (Irma) Fraser, who all lived and loved life together.

Syd was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Irma (McFarland) Kingham; his stepmother, Jean; his young son, Brent; grandparents, Orville and Christine McFarland.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. Honouring Syd’s wishes a private family gathering will be held.

The family is grateful to all the staff of Magnolia Continuing Care and especially Sand Dollar Cottage including the nurses, caregivers and sitters; their kindness, love and care went far beyond what was ever expected.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Syd’s memory can be made to any animal shelter or to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Syd can be shared at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com