"That's Ambrose Connor's daughter Edie, from Kingston. She's a new RN at the Hospital."

"I'm going to marry her."

Earl was always a man who recognized a good thing.

It all started out in the quaint South Shore Community of Port Medway. Earl was the first-born son of a Baptist Minister and his wife. As an infant, Earl's family first moved to Little River on Digby Neck.

Always an entrepreneur, Earl sold Christmas Cards, Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Eggs and more… all before his 12th birthday. He was the last survivor of his Little River Classmates.

Reverend Chute, wife Jean and the four children next moved to Caledonia, Queens County and Earl continued on his path.

Earl and a handful of Digby Neck boys took their willing hands and muscles and minds to Middleton after the war looking for work. GN Reagh and Sons hired Earl. He stacked apple barrels and more, took his Grade 11 at Macdonald School and then went off to Acadia University. The Dentist he had imagined becoming never materialized.

Life Insurance sales seemed the way forward to be the consummate salesman as destined. An early challenge happened as he was walking down the #8 in Maitland Bridge. A dog nipped the seat out of his suit pants. Luckily, in familiar territory, he found a willing seamstress to sew him back together as he waited in an anteroom. He was wearing those pants when Ronnie Mailman said, "That's Ambrose Connor's daughter Edie…."

Edie never made a payment on the insurance Earl sold her that afternoon. He joined Swifts and became a meat cutter and did commercial sales before finding his way to his beloved Caledonia. The Caledonia Supply Company, a general and feed store was lost to an unfortunate fire. He got in the Lumber Business for a few years operating his mill at various sites in Queens and Shelburne Counties. A quick stint working for the Province of Nova Scotia soon put him in a mindset to entertain other options.

Frank Mailman saw the promise and integrity he wanted in a business partner and invited Earl to join Andrews Department Store. As they say… the rest is history.

There was no mystery about Earl though. He was a man in charge and effectively conducted his life beside and with his loving wife of 61 years and subsequently in the 15 years since her passing.  They traveled to many European and Caribbean locations, wintered in Florida, and celebrated their treasured family times at the farm in Greenfield where he loved the planked salmon with a few servings of cheer.

Treasured friends and family made Earl's world complete. A man of routine, he always enjoyed his daily and weekly and otherwise predictable interactions and communication in a way few others are blessed to enjoy.

Earl often reflected that the strength of a good man is completed with the love and superior mind of a good woman. "I'm going to marry her." His best choice ever.

Early in the afternoon on February 29, 2024, Earl passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Earl had a tight-knit clan of friends, family and remarkable neighbours that deserve both admiration and heartfelt thanks. From home and personal assistance to treats and meals to conversation and understanding… you made this possible.  Thank you.

Survived by brother Glenn; sister Joyce Graham; son David (Pat); daughter Cathy Barnes (Honourable Robert); and son Robert (Dr Janice Kurita); granddaughters Alex/Sandi (Robert) Pauley, Julie Barnes (Josh Remai), Ciara Chute; grandsons Ryan (Ashley), Paul Barnes (Natalie Wiley), Brian Barnes, Connor Chute; grandson-in-law Christian Denton; great grandchildren Benjamin Chute, Annie (Peter) Boese, Bess Pauley, Clara Pauley, Rachel Denton, Daisy Pauley, Oscar Chute, Eliza Pauley.

His loving wife Edith passed away in 2008. Earl was also predeceased by his parents Reverend Clarence and Jean (Richardson) Chute, brother Royce, sister Jean Byers, all brothers and sisters-in-law, granddaughter KellyAnne Denton.

As per Earl's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family interment will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15th in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. All are welcome to come and share memories while enjoying a light reception with the family. Memorial donations may be made to Pine Grove Cemetery, Annapolis Valley Historical Society, your local food bank, or a charity of choice. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com