Herbert Freaze Ferdinand

West Pugwash, NS

1935 – 2025

Herbert Freaze Ferdinand, 89, of West Pugwash, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born in Pugwash, he was the son of the late Alice and Howard Ferdinand. Herbert lived a full and joyful life, marked by a deep love for people and a strong devotion to his family, especially his beloved wife, Shirley.

He had a lifelong passion for horses, tractors, and fishing. At just 14 years old, Herbert began his career on the water before moving on to become an ironworker, a trade he practiced for over 40 years. He helped build numerous bridges across the Maritimes, including the iconic Seal Island Bridge in Cape Breton, where he met the love of his life, Shirley. Herbert was a proud member of the Iron Workers Local 752. He worked for several companies, including ROBB engineering, Maritime Steel, and Ocean Steel.

Herbert was predeceased by Shirley Edith Ferdinand (Gilbert), his wife of 60 years. He leaves behind his loving children: David Ferdinand (Susan) of Pugwash; Brenda Vale (Robert) of Moncton; Patty Ferdinand (Dave) of Pugwash; and Kevin Ferdinand (Misty) of West Pugwash.

He was a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren, Michael, Julie, Amanda, Mark, Colin, Allison, Alissa, Molly, Nikki, Peipei, Payson, Trent, and Drew and great-grandfather to Nora, Lucah, Everett, Isaiah, Joseph and Brooks.

He was also predeceased by his siblings Evelyn, Betty, Garnett, Douglas, and two infants who died in infancy, Howard and Effie. He is survived by his siblings Howard, Freddy, Gloria, Angel, and Francis.

Herbert will be dearly missed and always remembered for his personable nature, strong work-ethic, and humility.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the VON workers and to the additional caregivers: Denise McGrath, Tammy Brown, Mary Ferdinand, and Francis Ferdinand.

A celebration of Herbert's life will be held at 2:00 p.m, Wednesday, July 16 in Mundle's Funeral Home, 10235 Durham Street, Pugwash, NS, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Reception will follow the service with interment in Palmerston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the VON, the Cumberland Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice.