In a season that focuses and treasures the gift of family, we, as a family, are deeply saddened to announce that Jeffrey Samuel Lilly, 43, of Centre, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016 at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Lunenburg, Jeff was the son of Roland and Barbara (Francis) Lilly of Lunenburg.

Following his graduation from Lunenburg High School, Jeff went on to work at Scotia Trawlers before enrolling at Holland College. It was there that he took his Paramedic Course which brought him to Halifax where he worked for a number of years. In 2007 he returned to Lunenburg where he worked as a Pharmacist Tech at Francis’ Independent Grocer until the recent time of his illness.

His love for life and interest in his community led him to be active in the Lunenburg Fire Department in which he was a faithful member and Captain for over 12 years.

An avid sportsman, he enjoyed playing and refereeing hockey, loved to go four wheeling or motorcycling with his friends, playing a round of golf, and playing soft ball, both locally and in Halifax. He especially enjoyed playing ball with his 2 brothers, Shawn and Terry. Anyone who knows Jeff knows he loved his Boston Red Sox. From the shrine in his man cave, to the tattoo on his leg, Jeff was a faithful member of Red Sox Nation.

Not far from his compassionate heart were his four legged friends, Sophie and Sadie, who will miss him deeply.

Sharing and making his life most complete was his deep and abiding love for his wife, Coleen, who was faithfully by his side, loving, caring for and supporting him through the difficult journey of these past months. He was truly grateful not only to have her love and support, but also the love and support of all his family. To all those who knew Jeff, we acknowledge the blessing to have known such a wonderful guy and we will miss him greatly.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Roland and Barbara Lilly of Lunenburg; his wife, Coleen Kelly; brothers, Shawn (Monica) of Lunenburg; Terry (Jamie-lee) of Bridgewater; his maternal grandmother, Lucy Francis, Lunenburg; father and mother in-law, Maurice and Fauline Kelly, Guysborough; sisters-in-law, Denise Kelly (Rob Burchell) Upper Tantallon; Nicole Kelly (Rob Porter) Antigonish; nieces and nephews, Tyler, Emma, Liam, Olivia, Fergus and Nora; many aunts, uncles and cousins and special friend, Carrie Ann Boyd, Fall River.

Jeff was predeceased by his maternal-grandfather, Oliver Francis and paternal grandparents, Samuel and Minnie Lilly.

Memorial Service to celebrate Jeff’s life will be held Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg, Archdeacon Michael Mitchell, officiating. Reception to follow at the Lunenburg Fire Department. The family have asked if you have any Boston Red Sox clothing, please be casual and wear it at Jeff’s service.

Flowers from the immediate family only. Memorial donations may be made to SHAID TREE Animal Shelter, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Jenkins for all his kindness and care given to Jeff during these past several months.

www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca