RAFUSE, Harold Alfred ~ Age 90, of Waterville, Kings Co., passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Waterville, he was a son of the late Ard and Jessie (Salsman) Rafuse. A life well lived! Harold left school at a young age and became a carpenter. He always enjoyed building and woodworking. In 1952 he partnered with his father and brother to form A.D. Rafuse and Sons Farm, got married and joined the local fire department. He farmed until he sold in 2016.  He was very active in the church and community most of his life. He became Fire Chief of the Waterville and District Volunteer Fire Department in 1967 and remained as chief for 28 years. During nearly 60 years of voluntary service, he was a member of the Kings County Fire Fighters Association, Kings County Advisory Council, the Western Nova Scotia Fire Fighters Association and life time member of the Nova Scotia Fire Fighters Association, the Maritime Fire Chiefs Association in which he served on several committees and then was awarded an honorary membership. He also served on the Fire Advisory Council for 15 years. He was a founding member of the Nova Scotia Fire Fighters School in Waverly. He was on the Board of Management at the Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre for nearly 40 years and was a founding member of the Apple Tree Foundation of KRRC. He served on many other municipal and provincial boards and committees. He was a long time member of the Kings West PC Association and the PC Party of Nova Scotia and a member of the federal Conservative Party. He first got involved in politics at 16 taking people to the polls to vote and he continued to do so until he could no longer drive. He was always proud to be a Progressive Conservative and he remained loyal to the end. He was a member of the Waterville Baptist Church since he was 13. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for over 40 years. He was a founding member of the Waterville Recreation Club. Harold was an affable character who had many friends. Being so involved didn't leave a lot of time for family life but one time was very memorable for him. In 1989, as a Christmas gift, Donnie and Marla took their father and mother to Jamaica over Christmas and New Year's. But every other day he would call his brother Ken to make sure the Fire Department and Rehab Centre were being plowed out. He is survived by his son, Donald, Cambridge; sisters, Lillian (Amos "Bud") Ewing and Lorraine Toole; aunt, June Salzman all of Waterville; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, the former Lena Lutz; son, Stephen; daughter, Marla; brother, Kenneth; sisters-in-law, Eunice and Marguerite; brother-in-law, Burton Toole; nephew, Larry Ewing. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Harold's family would like to thank his caregiver and special friend Lil Peterson for her devotion and dedication, the many doctors and nurses who attended to him over the past several years, in particular Dr. Bob Mullan and Dr. Dion Davidson. Thanks also to the professionals and staff at both Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville and the Restorative Care Unit, Digby and also to the VON nurses, home care and support that enabled him to stay in his home. Donations can be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses - Annapolis Valley Branch, Waterville and District Volunteer Fire Department, Waterville Baptist Church, Apple Tree Foundation or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com