Obituary of Edsel Craig Mullen

Edsel Craig Mullen  (October 25, 1928 – September 3, 2018) of New Tusket, Digby County, passed peacefully at the Digby General Hospital on Monday, September 3, 2018 at the age of 89. 

Edsel is survived by brother Wallace (Hilda) Mullen of New Tusket, Digby Co., NS; sisters Vera Buice of Silver Spring, Maryland, USA; and Ercel Connor of Saint John, New Brunswick, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family throughout Canada and the United States.

Edsel was predeceased by his wife, Ernamary (Rideout) Mullen, parents Herbert and Helena (Hassett) Mullen of New Tusket; brother Leland Mullen of New Tusket; sisters Inez Sheahan of Maryland, USA; and Floris Dauphinee of Lunenburg, as well as several nephews.

Edsel enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and participating in field trials with his dogs.  He was always proud of his vegetable garden and was an avid card player.  His favourite card game was “Auction 45s” and, when playing with family, he would often jokingly place his high bid without even looking at the cards dealt to him then laugh mischievously when he would win - against the odds.

One of Edsel’s noteworthy achievements was when he, together with his brother Wallace, established Mullens Jet Black, a mink ranch in New Tusket, Nova Scotia that discovered a mutation in colour that effectively changed the course of mink ranching and put his small community on the world stage for a time.  Edsel often spoke fondly of the era and the travel and experiences it permitted him.

The family wish to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff of the Digby General Hospital for their care and attention in his final days as well as the care provided by the local community Home Care workers who provided him with assistance in recent months.  

As per Edsel’s wishes, after cremation there will be a private interment at the Havelock Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the New Tusket United Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Digby, B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).