A & E PIDGEON AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS
Nova Scotia Auctions -- Cape Breton Auctions
Canadian Maritime Auctioneers
DURHAM, NOVA SCOTIA
Phone/Fax 902-485-5968
E-mail:
info@pidgeonauctions.com
Available Monday
to Saturday inclusive from 8 am to 10 pm
by appointment or by chance - NOT Sundays or Christmas
Day
Our Staff
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RENA NICKERSON |
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FRAN FOANCE Fran has worked with us on a part-time basis for the last several years. Usually she is working "behind the scenes" setting up the sales or on telephone, books or computer, but lately she has been working at the auction sales also, displaying the finer linens & dishes & keeping everything running smoothly "on the floor". Fran can turn her hand to anything from chopping wood (she does her own) to seamstress work. She resides in Durham with her two children. Isn't she elegant here modeling furs at an auction. |
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MARGIE ANDREWS Margie has been with us for over 3 years now at the desk & everyone who knows her is aware of her great work. She knows everybody and nothing goes on from here to Halifax she doesn't know about. She's involved in everything in the community, in particular, very active on a youth ball team. She resides in Kemptown with her husband & two sons. Her older son, Ryan, worked for us in his last school year. Here she is shown with Rena at an old Country Auction this summer - a photo sent to us by a friend there which he called "Busy, Busy, Busy" - a very fitting title |
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DANA FRASER Dana has been with us over 2 years now. He just 17 but can certainly handle himself for a young lad--would put a lot of older fellows to shame when it comes to lifting furniture--that's for sure.....he's the energetic, enthusiastic young fellow with the short hair--certainly looks like he's going to go places in the future. He's in grade 12 at the new School in Alma & lives a couple miles from us at Loch Broom. See another photo of him on "news" page with his first deer |
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CHRIS FRASER |
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KATHLEEN FOANCE |
NOTE: WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REVAMPING THIS PAGE & GATHERING THE LATEST INFORMATION...SHOULD ANY OF OUR OLD STAFF VIEW THIS, PLEASE E-MAIL WITH YOUR LATEST INFO AND PHOTOS
Some details on our "old" Staff:
MATT LEES started with us in the spring of 2007. He
completed high school in the new school at Alma in spring of 2009 and is now
off to St.F.X. He was a quiet young lad who dearly loves skiing, but
we hear he's loving it at the X now.
DARCY ROSS was with us for about a year and is now working at
Michelin along with going to Community College. He is is shown at
Soccer, his number one passion in school. We understand he's off to
University now.
.
TYLER READ (yes, that is the correct spelling) Tyler has just finished
work with us in 2007 and is has taken a position at Michelin. He
has worked with us for over 3 years. He is very strong and capable, a
good talker and able to handle very responsible jobs at his age. He
has been involved in boxing during his school years. We understand he
is now working in Prince Edward Island. Here he is with
his dog, Bronson:
RYAN ANDREWS finished work with us the fall of 2006. He
went to Dalhousie University, having won scholarships there through is
involvement in "Reach for the Top" where he and his team won cross-Canada in
2005.
TY REDMOND was with us for a couple years during high school. We
understand he completed his training and is now gainfully employed in this
area, but we have not hear from him for some time.
MEGAN SULLIVAN was with us during her high school years in the late
90's. We understand she is doing great, completed University and now
working in Ontario. We we so pleased to hear from her at Christmas.
COLIN ROSS worked with us for several years in early 2000. He is
doing great working out West...into the big money. He and Duck were in
to visit when they were home for Christmas 2008. He is really looking
great and happy where he is, but always glad to get back to Mamma's good
cooking!
DONALD "DUCK" CAMERON was with us for several years in early 2000 also.
We were so pleased to see him this Christmas 2008....he told us all about
his job out in Calgary--a window washer (My uncle was a window washer in New
York in the 50's, so this was of big interest to me).....it's not a simplified thing.
"Duck" said he is suspended on the high risers hundreds of feet above the
ground - big money, but some scary! You'll have to ask him yourself
some of the sights he sees in the windows there!
CAMERON MACDONALD was with us for several years & finished schooling
in 2008. He went out to Calgary and is gainfully employed there.
He came home for Christmas 2008. Here he is shown at
one of the last auctions he worked with us at an old place in Landsdowne:
MATT ROLFE worked with us for about three years until he completed Grade
12. He is now employed in Calgary. He was a quiet young fellow--very
nice and polite...always did his work well.
MIKE ROLFE completed his Grade 12 at the new Northumberland Regional
High School and immediately moved to Calgary. Last time we heard from
him, he was making $30 plus an hour and that he's planning to come back home
in the summer of 2009 to get married. Every now and again he
phones but unfortunately, we usually miss his call and he just leaves a
message that he's doing good. Photo was taken of Mike after his
KO at the Boxing Match in Halifax with our grandnephew, James McCaffrey.
.
MAX RUSSELL was with us in the mid-80's for several years. Just
received an e-mail from him (it is so nice when the old staff keep in touch
with us old foggies). Max is now living on Gabriola Island in
the southern gulf islands of BC with his wife Gail & son, Robert,
where they built a house and own an Accounting & Business Service.
AL LANGILLE was also with us in the mid-80's for a couple years & is now is living in Pictou where he is married with family & doing
fine....had a nice chat with him this summer.
CHARLES BOND
worked with us for a short while when he was in High School
back in the 80's. His big dream was to become an RCMP officer, but in
those times, there was an overload, so he had to settle for another vocation
after getting further education. He has been out in Calgary gainfully
employed for the nearly 20 years, but we just heard great news from his
overjoyed mother, Joyce, who also worked for us years ago when we owned the
Consulate Restaurant. About a year ago when Charles heard of the
shortage now in the RCMP, he took the longshort chance and went to see if
they would accept him at the age of 39. He started their rigorous
26-week training course early last year and in the 17th week, his
mother-in-law died. Even though he knew he was not able to leave the
training program without losing his place, he felt it was necessary to go
back to the funeral with his wife in the Philippines. By the time they
got back to Canada, 2 weeks had lapsed and he could not continue the course
as planned.. However, they agreed to keep him on if he agreed to do
the 26 weeks of training all over again which he did. He made it!
His mom went out to the graduation ceremony last month. Constable
Charles Bond is now stationed in a small town in Alberta. We hope to
get a photo of him in his red coat here soon.
Following is an e-mail rec'd from Charles 10/24/09:
HI Don and
Verna,
It has been at least 20 years since I worked for both of you. It is "scary"
how time flies! I am happy to hear both of you are still doing so
well. My mom told me she still keeps in contact with the both of you. Thank
you for giving me my first job and being such great friends to my mom, dad
and myself. Much appreciated!!
I have been living in Alberta since 1997 in a town called Morinville about
30 minutes to downtown Edmonton. It is a quiet town very similar to Pictou.
I have been married for almost 3 years now to an "AWESOME" woman name Grace.
I met her almost 4 years ago and I am happily married.
I am a RCMP officer in Athabasca, Alberta since Feb/09. It is a good job as
every day is not the same. Anyway take care, we hope to come home next
summer. I would like to see the both of you for sure!!!
CHARLES
MAXINE MACLELLAN worked with us for the short time in the
80's....we understand she is involved in nursing and is now married with
children living in the Scotsburn area. Last account from her was to
the effect that she and her husband adopted a little Chinese baby.
Here's a copy of the E-mail recently received from Maxine's Husband
(Melvin). We actually employed Melvin also when he was young, but that
was in another capacity, "The Consulate Restaurant" in Pictou, which we
opened in the early 80's and sold around 1985 (as we were wearing out doing
both jobs and had to choose--the choice was the Auction business) And,
yes, we certainly do remember Melvin very fondly.
Hi Verna (and Donnie),
I stumbled upon your website while doing some research on the Hermit of
Gully Lake. I ended up reading through the whole site and enjoyed it very
much. I saw my wife's name, Maxine MacLellan, on the old staff list and
thought I'd send an update. By the way, I worked for you at the Consulate as
a busboy when I was 16, so I, too, am a former employee of yours ( although
not of the auction)! Maxine does indeed work as a licensed practical nurse
at Valley View Villa in Riverton. I work for the Department of Community
Services as a social worker. We have 3 children: Genesis who is a girl aged
7, Gabrielle who is a girl aged 4 and Garrison who is a 17 month-old boy. We
travelled to China in June of 2005 to adopt Gabrielle. Our other two
children are biological. We are in the process of adopting an infant son
from Ethiopia to complete our family. We hope to travel to Ethiopia in the
Spring to bring him home. We live in Sundridge just outside Pictou.
On behalf of Maxine and myself, I would just like to say that we both have
many fond memories of working for you and Donnie. I remember that you
trusted me enough when I first started that I actually even made out my own
paycheques! That meant a lot to me. I remember having lots of fun with
Donnie in the kitchen. I still tell people stories about him
exploding houseflies in the microwave! A young person's first job is so
important as it sets the stage for the rest of their lives and you two have
left a great impression on so many young people.
I will attach a picture of our family. Bye for now,
Melvin Frosst 11/08
SHELDON MACLEOD who was with us for about 5 years in the 90's
completed his University Training graduating with a Bachelor of Theology
degree. He was Pastor in the Glad Tidings Church in Moncton for about
7 years and has now attained the position of Registrar with the Atlantic
Baptist University there. He resides in Moncton, Sheldon's desire from the first day we met
him was to preach and he has certainly attained that place.
Here's a copy of the E-mail received from Sheldon
(rec'd before he became Registrar at ABU):
"Hi Donnie & Verna:---A
website, how times have changed!
Well, let's see how things have changed with us. We have three kids
now. Anthony is 6, Christine is 4 and Graeme is a year and a half.
I feel old.
Theresa is studying to be a teacher and will be done at the end of this
year. She's a busy student, mom, church worker and lots more.
I'm working on a Master's Degree and working as the Associate in Moncton
Church still (7 years now, 1 year longer than I was with you guys, but only
half the enjoyment).
We don't get home much, only a couple of times a year. I may as well
live in Africa. Oh well, we enjoy the work and our family.
Periodically I get updates from those around home about you guys. I
hope things are going well for you, I'm sure that you both are still working
like crazy. What else is new?
Be sure to tell Donnie I think of him often. He's been more of a
father figure & influence on me and my ministry than anyone else has.
He'll be glad to know that I call Anthony "Boy" all the time & have shown
him, feed my kids from the drive-thru at McDonald's, drive by houses in
Pictou County and say "Did that one", often say "You're not gonna let a
woman get away with that" to guys, and make sure to figure out people and
church things for what they really are. All good things he taught me,
except for the McDonald's.
Anyway, a night home with Theresa calls, so I'm going to go. Have a
great summer. If you are up this way, give us a call--we'd love to
hear from you. Blessings, Sheldon"
KATHY LEADBEATTER worked with us during the late 90's and we understand she
is presently employed at Michelin on contract.
DARCY TINGLEY formerly from Durham who worked for us during the latter
half of the 90's completed his university education and is now employed in
Calgary. We just recently heard he is now married.
Letter received from Darcy:
"Hello Verna and Don,
How are things?
I stumbled upon your webpage yesterday, just checking it out. I think I
will update you.
I still live in Calgary....the nicest city in Canada. We don't get as much
as that dirty white stuff you guys call snow here. For the past 2 years I
have worked for an On-line Pharmacy. The second largest in Canada that
employs 100 people. But recently the industry has come under attack and the
Canadian federal government wants to shut it down. If the government puts
restrictions on the pharmacy the company is already planning to move
operations overseas. They recently purchased several pharmacies in
Australia and Europe. So with all this happening I decided to look for
other employment because I'm not sure how much longer my job will be around
and i don't really want to move overseas. I still use you guys as references
so be prepared.
Other than that, I'm not married...yet. Its starting to feel like it.
So that's my life in a nut shell.
I still see Colby often, he's bigger and stronger than before. He gets up
every morning at 5 to work out...can you imagine!! I'm a toothpick compared
to him. well got to go.
Cheers, Darcy Ph 403-607-5541"
MICHAEL COLBY (or just "Colby" as he was known)--the real big fellow
who worked with us in the late 90's up to 2002 is now living in Calgary
where he had been employed on the oil rigs. Colby is only in his early
20's but we understand he was experiencing some heart irregularities so he
came off the oil rigs. Last thing we hear about he, he was coming
along good physically & back into the exercise & work.
TROY NICKERSON, who was with us in the late 90's is now back from
University and living in Pictou County in his own apartment. He now has
full-time employment with Michelin and is working his way up the ladder
there, having recently been given a much higher position and, of course,
much higher income.
BUDDY worked with us in the late 90's. Many of you will
remember his graphics at the auctions about that time. His desire was
to be an art designer and eventually do contemporary comic books.
Buddy could turn his hand to anything artistic. Finally, after all
these years, he went back to University and got his art degree, we are told.
Best of luck, Buddy, whereever you are--you have the ability to go far--aim
big!
VERNA LLOYD, who worked with us for years in the 80's and early 90's in the
clerking department, is now retired and resides in Westville with her
husband, Danny.. Verna and Danny have remained two of our best friends
over all the years. We are glad to still often see them both at the
auctions.
ANDREW AUSTIN who worked with us for about 5 years in the 90's
has his Masters Degree in History and is teaching in Northwest Territories
where he resides with his wife and daughter. Andrew loves hunting and
fishing so he is getting his fair share of it there and on the last letter
received from him after their daughter was born, he was teasing Donnie about
the big fish up there. November 2008....we just learned Andrew & Kim
recently had twins...we are hoping he will e-mail photos of all the family.
DAVID DEMETRE who also worked with us for about 5 years in the 90's is
now a Surveyor. The last we heard on David, he was back working in
Pictou County. We often see David driving around in his truck with his
beautiful dog.
TYLER WILSON worked with us in the mid 90's and decided he did
not want a paperwork position for life and trained to be a Welder.
For some time he was working in Boston making very high wages, so that he
was since able to come back to Pictou County and purchase a home in the
Scotsburn area; and we understand he is employed in construction welding
around this area now. We understand he is now married with a new baby.
TIM WILSON, Tyler's brother, worked with us in the late 80's.
He is now in a Management Position at Shaw Subaru in New Glasgow.
NATALIE SAWLER, who was with us in the early 90's, is married and
living in Creston B.C. Natalie's husband, Shaun is a big fellow--you
wouldn't want to tackle him. They've got a baby now -
Abigail....visited here in the spring of 08. Both Natalie & Shaun are
heavily involved in church work out west.
NIVEN SAWLER, who was also with us in the early 90's, is now a Pastor and we
understand he is preaching in California. Last summer he married a young
lady from Florida.
APRIL STEWART (the little blonde in the kilt--as she is often
remembered--mid 90's) in now a Chartered Accountant doing exceptionally well
with a Halifax Firm and traveling all over Canada in her line of work.
September 2008....heard April has been transferred out to Calgary with the
same firm and doing exceptionally well--bought herself a house and we
understand has plans of marriage now (2009)
DANNY STEWART worked with us in the mid-90's for a while and went on
to be a Welder. He is now employed with a construction firm in Pictou.
SCOTT WATSON, another from the 90's staff, was married in
South Carolina where he and his wife are still residing. He has
computer training so is probably involved in that line there. Some of
you may remember him by the name "Sailor".
Letter received from Scott: (2008)
Hey Donnie and Verna,
It sure has been a while. Too long in fact! I stumbled upon your website
and thought it best to write you a little email. I am glad to see things
are going well for you (well I hope they are going well).
Things are going very well for me here in Columbia, South Carolina. I was
married in 2004, and since then me and my wife Tami have had a Daughter who
was born on November 8th 2006. We have a nice little house
here, 2 dogs and a picket fence. Who would have thought huh? Currently I
am a stay-at-home Dad, and part-time home renovator. I am still awaiting my
paperwork to legally work in the US, but doing fine nonetheless.
I just wanted to tell you how great it was to be employed by Pidgeon
Auctions while I was a teenager, I know if it wasn’t for you 2 I would have
been getting myself into trouble. I just wanted to let you know how much of
an impact you 2 had on my life, how much you have taught me, how much
everyone who I worked with taught me. I feel that I am a better person for
it. Even though I haven’t seen you guys in years, know that you are still
in my thoughts, and I wish you all the best in the world!
I am attaching a picture for you guys to see of my family. I just want to
thank you again for your love and support over the years. Best Wishes,
Scott Watson
RYAN WATSON, Scott's brother, we understand, is gainfully employed in
this area although we have not seen him for years.
MARK HILL, who was with us in the early 90's, is now a Chartered Accountant
and working in Western Canada. We understand he is married to a nice
girl from out that way & has a child now.
JIMMY MORRISON, who was with us for several years in the 80's is living in
Halifax where we understand he is employed in computer work.
GLYNN STEWART, on our staff in the early 80's now resides in Musquodoboit Harbour.
He is now in the process of building a new house. He & his wife are
employed in Halifax. November 2008....Glynn & Caroline have just
moved out to Calgary. We've heard from them several times since they
moved and they are doing very well and thoroughly enjoying the activities
out there.
BETH MACKENZIE, who worked with us in the late 80's is now married and
resided in the Valley. Beth had a beautiful voice and even composed
many songs. We understand she is still using her talent in that area.
TIM STEWART, on our staff in the early 80's, always loved to cook
and, of course, became a cook. He now resides in Halifax.
GORDON MACKENZIE (or "Moose" as he was known in those days) worked in
the early 80's with us. He was a big fellow and comical too. We
are told he is working in the computer line and resides in the Pictou area
with his wife and family.
JONATHAN MASLOW, on our staff in the late 80's married a girl in Texas and
to our knowledge is still living there soaking in the sun and gainfully
employed.
RALPH YEO from Halifax worked with us in the 80's and later went on
to complete his Theology degree in Maine. Last time we were in contact
with him, he was a Youth Pastor in the Valley area.
AARON GUNN (or "Tiny" as we called him) was employed with us in the
90's--he's the one who wore size 16 shoes and stood 6'6" and carried a sofa
by himself above his head. He is now a big truck driver and last time
we heard from him, he was operating out of British Columbia.
ROBB WOLFE who was with us in the early 80's completed his University
training in Antigonish and apparently settled down there with his wife and
children.
AARON PATRIQUIN who was employed with us in the early 80's. He
is married with children and the last time we heard from him, he was pastoring at a large Wesleyan Church in Ontario.
VAN HARDINGSVELT brothers we have lost tract of since they worked for
us in the late 80's.
MATTHEW STROLTZ formerly from Halifax worked for us in the late
80's and after graduating, we are told he went into demolition work in the
City. Later he moved to England where we are given to understand he is
working in a Public Relations capacity.
JOE STROLTZ, Matthew's brother, also worked for us in the late 80's.
We understand that he and his wife now reside in Vancouver where is is
heavily involved in Worship Leadership.
CORY was the little fellow that worked for us in the late 80's who
always wore red braces and a white shirt. We understand he completed his degree in
Theology and thereafter pursued his calling and went on to India as a
Missionary which was always his dream. Its been years since any of us have heard from him.
MATTHEW LEBLANC also from out late 80's staff pursued the Ministry
and is said to be a pastor in Northern New Brunswick now.
GERALD KENDRICK was formerly from Halifax & worked with us in
the late 80's. Last thing we hear from him, he too was a Youth
Minister
NOTICE TO OUR "OLD" STAFF
We have lost tract of the whereabouts of many of our "old"
staff, but would sure like to hear from you all. If any of you
happen to read this, please advise us of your place of
residence now, occupation, wife and family (if applicable);
and a photo would be nice....several of our regular
auction-goers ask about our "old" staff from time to time
and we would like to keep them posted on this page.