With much sadness, we announce the passing of Johnnie Erwin Lepper (John, Dad, Papa). He was 79 and from Central New Annan. He passed away December 17 at the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Johnnie loved driving trucks. He started out at the Tatamagouche Creamery, where he would pick up cream from all the local farms. He also drove some for Ray Thompson in the 1970's. He was also the "contact man" for hiring trucks in the area. John bought his first dump truck in 1970 and owned two more over the years. Johnnie was always a hard worker and he loved being first in line. Later, he hauled fish to points in New Brunswick and Maine until he was employed with the Department of Transportation. There, he drove the salt truck for 35 years. John also was employed with his friend Garth Wilson many summers.

John also loved to farm and graduated from the farm course at NSAC after his school years. He and his family raised purebred Shorthorns of which he was very proud. He could tell you their pedigrees without looking them up in a book. John retired from the Department of Transportation in 2013 and farming in 2015. He thought a lot of his grandkids and loved being called Papa. Papa loved watching Victoria ride her horse, driving to the Shell for tea, puzzles, John Wayne movies, watching the news, and phoning Justin.

Johnnie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy, and by his children, Jonathan, Justin (Amanda), Jarvis (Amanda), and Julie-Ann (Jacob). He was the proud Papa of ten grandchildren. His siblings are Donald (Joyce), David (Patti), Joan (John), Betty (Donnie), and Wanda. He was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Mary, and brothers Douglas and Gregory.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche. There will be a graveside memorial in the spring for family and friends at Bell Gift Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Shorthorn Association or any charity of choice.