Obituary of Junior Teakles

It is with great sadness that the family of David “Junior” Hartley Teakles announce his passing which occurred on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Dr. V. A. Snow Centre, Hampton, NB. Born in Norton, NB, on January 26, 1937, he was the son of the late Hartley and Agnes (Given) Teakles.

Junior is survived by his loving wife Shirley Teakles (Payne) of Hampton, NB; step daughter Carmen Meehan (Lloyd) of Jeffries Corner, NB; grandchildren: Cory Kennedy (Michael), Sarah Meehan (Jared), Catherine Meehan and Shaun Meehan (Kate); great grandchildren: Rory, Kieran, Isla, Maeve, Norah and Will; sister Verna Desruisseau (Roland); brothers-in-law: Henri Clement, James Payne (Ethel), Edward Payne and Bob McLaughlin; sister-in-law Valarie Goddard (Carl) and Gloria Payne; aunts: Beatty McGinnis and Eunie O’Donnell; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Junior was predeceased by his sisters: Darlene Clement and Bernadine Teakles; brother-in-law Frank Payne; sisters-in-law: Bonnie Payne and Judy McLaughlin; father-in-law John Payne; and mother-in-law Doris Payne (Adair).

Junior grew up in Norton with his parents, Hartley and Agnes, and his three sisters Darlene, Verna and Bernadine. He got an early start on perfecting the art of teasing with his sisters.  When Junior was around, he always had something to say and it was usually funny.

Junior and Shirley were married for 58 years.  In the early years of their marriage they lived in Norton.  Next, they bought a mini home and lived in Sussex Corner for a short time.  But they were country people and needed their own space so they bought property in Newtown and moved the mini home.  It was there Shirley and Junior started a bit of a farm.  They raised some pigs and chickens and they had what they called a garden.  Others called it a plantation because it covered almost an acre!  They also got their first dog, Jake, and wherever Junior was you could be guaranteed that Jake was with him.  They loved Newtown and their friends there but Norton was calling.  They bought the property of his uncle and aunt, Lance and Margaret, on the Teakles Road. While not exactly in the village, it is in the boundaries of Norton.  They lived in their camp while Roland and his crew built their house across the road. The camp was not that big but they always had company.  There were many cards games and stories shared there and during one election, it was noted that there were 2 Liberals, 2 Conservatives, 2 NDP supporters and 1 COR all sitting at their table.  Junior would say he had the gift to bring everyone together! And, of course, there was always a pot of tea on the stove.

That tea became Junior’s new drink of choice when he made the decision to quit drinking.  In June of this year, he would have in 47 years of sobriety.  He was very proud of this and he had every right to be. In those early months of getting sober, he got a paint-by-number kit and painted a beautiful picture of the Last Supper and you saw that picture on the wall as soon as you walked into their house.  Junior also helped many others in their journeys to get sober.  He would get calls in the middle of the night and he would go to whomever needed his help. 

When he was younger, Junior loved to hunt, fish and just get out into the woods.  As he got older, he preferred to simply watch from his chair by the window all the animals that came into their fields. And he always had a dog there with him.  Ben, Nick, Clancy, and finally Rowdy could always be found close to him because they got treats, pets and talks.  As everyone knows, Junior loved talking and the more people around to talk to, the better.  So his jobs at the garage in Sussex and the gas bar in Norton were perfect fits.  People coming and going all day and he could tell the same joke or story and no one was the wiser!  He visited Darlene and Henri often and he always looked forward to the family gatherings at Verna and Roland’s house and cottage. And he missed his sister Bernadine when she passed away.

Junior loved his grandchildren.  He pretended to not like the hugs Cory, Sarah and Catherine always gave him but you knew he secretly loved their attention.  When they were little, he would bring home gifts he bought at Daley’s.  The Teletubby coloring books and the huge tube for sliding were big hits. He always had peppermints in his pocket and he allowed them, encouraged them really, to pick his pocket and grab some when Grammy was not looking.  Sadly, Alzheimer’s robbed him of knowing he had 6 great grandchildren. They will see pictures, hear stories and because his grandson, Shaun, recently moved home and bought their house, they will be able to play and slide and enjoy the property like he did. 

Junior worked with Currie at Ron's Esso. Both loved hunting so Junior was invited to stay at Currie's camp.  Hunting, food and stories were enjoyed. 

Junior turned 86 on January 26 and only recently did the odd gray hair become visible.  And he would be the first to tell you, he never dyed it!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (839-2156) 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB, where visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 4 to 8PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 11:00AM from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norton, NB. Interment will take place in the spring at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Norton, NB.

Donations in memory of Junior may be made to the Dr. V. A. Snow Centre, the Extra Mural Program, the Alzheimer’s Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com