John George Wakeling

John George “Bud” Wakeling passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS in his 92nd year. Born on May 10, 1935 in Charlottetown, PEI, Bud packed a lot of living into his 91 plus years.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman who shared countless tales of his adventures including the accidental interruption of mating whales in the Bay of Fundy. He was a great gardener, who maintained a vegetable garden throughout his life; his red potatoes having taken third place in the Annapolis Valley Exhibition this past year.

Mr. Wakeling, as he was known by his many students, taught Industrial Arts at the Middleton Regional High School for 31 years. In that time, he taught practical skills that his students could use throughout their lives. He retired in 1990 and moved to Port Wade, NS so he could be closer to his boat, which he built himself and launched in 1977.

John was quite a musician, who could play the cornet with a talent that few possess. He could play a tremolo so fast that it sounded like he was playing two instruments. He played his cornet from Yarmouth to Truro. In his youth, he played with the Yarmouth Citizens' Band. He was a member of the West Nova Scotia Regiment Band in the mid 1960s achieving the rank of Lance Corporal. In his retirement, he played with the Annapolis Basin Band. Many of his neighbours and friends might remember him more for his whistling as he could be heard whistling everywhere he went.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sandra (Peck) Wakeling; his daughters, Cathy Tiedjens of Oakville ,Ontario; and Karen (Duane) Allen of Petawawa, Ontario; grandchildren, Danielle (Nolan) Hamel, Nathan (Abby) Allen, Rebecca (Ethan) Allen, and James Allen; brothers-in-law, Keith Hatchard, and Frank (Ann) Ernst; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, John and Esther (Whynacht) Wakeling, his parents-in-law, Murray Peck and Maude (Ward) Williamson, his sister Ruth Reding, his son Kevin, his daughter, Heather, his sisters-in-law, Sheila Ernst, Sharron Carpenter, and Gail Hatchard.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service. Private interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton, NS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Defeat Duchenne Canada (defeatduchenne.ca) or a charity of your choice. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com