Chopin Leon "Chops" VIGER

VIGER, Chopin 'Chops' Leon (1931 - 2009)
of New Minas, NS died peacefully at his home with family present on Tuesday, November 10. Born in Montreal, he was the son of Marthe Noel and the late Leon Viger. He was predeceased by his sisters, Sonia and Carol and his brother, Bobby and is survived by his brother, Andre; his sisters, Dolly, Mitch, Vi, Lucy, Cosette, Diane and Krissy. He will be lovingly remembered by Dorothy and their children, Mitzi (Bob), Neal (Helen), Lester (Hope), Leon (Lisa) and Chris (Judy); their grandchildren Cole, Celia, Morgan, Dan, Connor, Torin, Marcus, Noelle, Kate, Catherine and Erin and his many other family and friends. After a brief stint in the Navy, Chops joined the Air Force in 1952, where he realized his love of flying. He was a fighter pilot for over twenty years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A highlight of his military career came in 1973 when as commander of 421 Squadron in Baden, Germany, he received the Squadron's Colours from Prince Philip. He became a Canadian Tire Dealer upon retiring from the military, which brought him to Nova Scotia. Among his many activities he was Chair of Canadian Tire Dealer Holdings Board of Directors, developed the Dealers' Code of Ethics, served as Director of Human Relations and VP on the Board of Directors. Over his twenty year career, he inspired and employed hundreds of people. Not one to retire, he has actively pursued alternative fuel sources in an effort to leave a better world for his grandchildren. Chopin had a life- long love of music and he was an accomplished pianist. He lived life to the fullest sailing, traveling, mountain climbing, scuba diving, skiing, and of course flying. He impacted the lives of everyone he met. Cremation has taken place. As per his request, there will be no visitation. The funeral service, followed by a reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2009 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Roy White, Chaplain-Retired, officiating. Family flowers only by request. Donation in memory may be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com