Celebration of Life

Francis Joseph Dorrington, ONS

NEW GLASGOW – It is with deep sorrow and love that the family of Francis Joseph Dorrington, 89, announces his peaceful passing on February 8, 2022, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by the love of his family.  Born February 20, 1932, in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Ernest and Hilda (Jewell) Dorrington.  Prior to retirement from Michelin Tire, Granton, Francis had been employed as an Orderly at the Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax and earlier, as a Porter with the Canadian National Railway.  He was a faithful member of Second United Baptist Church, New Glasgow, where he served as a Church Trustee, choir member, and as President of the Men’s Brotherhood.

Francis served over 21 years as Ward One Councillor for the Town of New Glasgow taking on the duties of Deputy Mayor, a position he held for five terms over the tenure of his time on Town Council and served as Acting Mayor for a period.  Francis was the first African Nova Scotian to be elected to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, now known as the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities; the first African Nova Scotian to serve on the Executive of the Nova Scotia School Board Association; the first person of African descent on the Executive of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia; and the first African Nova Scotian to serve as the Chairperson of the New Glasgow Police Commission.  Francis dedicated his life to community service, and he was the Chairman of the Aberdeen Regional Hospital Board as well as co-lead the establishment of the first Black Gala Homecoming celebrations in New Glasgow, a tradition that continues today.  His service and community leadership was formally recognized in 2019 when he received the Order of Nova Scotia and in 2002 with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

Francis was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge for many years. His Masonic journey began with the Equity Lodge in Halifax in which he received his first of two prestigious 50-year Masonic Jewels.  He held various chair positions in both the Royal Arch Masonry as well as the Orient Council.  As a member of the Canadian Junior Chamber International, Francis became a Jaycees International Senator.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Frances Margaret (Wyse); daughters, Adriane, Washington, DC; Jocelyn, New Glasgow; Cassandra, Toronto, Ont.; and Cynthia (Wayne Hodgson), Halifax; son, Dwight (Mayple), Brampton Ont.; Lyndon (Kathleen), Langley, BC; grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, Jhordan, and Nicholas; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marie (Brian) and Ann; brothers, Thurman (Anne); Henry (Gloria); Howard (Micheline); James (Linda); Andrew (Bridget); and Leonard (Ida); sister-in-law Marlene; many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Angelo, Thomas, Sylvia, and Joseph “Joe”; son-in-law, Vannie Taylor III. A private family service was held, and a Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday June 5 at 2:00 pm at Summer Street, 72 Park St., in New Glasgow with a repas to follow.  Live streaming will be available on June 5, 2022, commencing at 1:45 pm ADT. Please click the Livestream button to the left above or alternately go to Youtube.com and search for Francis Dorrington Celebration.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Francis to Second United Baptist Church, New Glasgow or Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.

"Gone but never forgotten!"