Broken-hearted families say goodbye to N.S. flood victims

Two six-year-olds and a 52-year-old who were swept away by torrential floodwaters last weekend left behind broken-hearted families.

The obituaries of six-year-olds Colton Arthur Sisco and Natalie Hazel Harnish, and Nick Holland, 52,  who was a father of two, overflow with love and sadness. Search and rescue teams are still searching for a missing youth.

Loved his family, pigs and Spider-Man

Sisco’s family described him as an active kid who loved riding his bike, going to car shows with his dad and pigs, “especially Jakeson.”

He was going into the first grade at Windsor Forks District School.

“He loved his big brother, Alex, and loved playing with him as much as he enjoyed torturing him. Colton liked to steal the Xbox controller so he could game with Alex’s friend, Cuinn.”

He loved his friends, his family and snuggles with his mom while eating popcorn, and making sure he slept with her every night he could.

“Colton loved to dance in the car, unless he caught you watching him, and then would give you the stare. He was full of life and touched many lives in his short time. He will be forever missed by all those who knew him.”

Among his many friends, the obituary said he loved to play with Natalie every weekend.

Full of life

Harnish would often be found doing cartwheels around the house, according to her obituary. She  loved colourful clothing and dressing up like a princess.

Her family said the six-year-old had a favourite animal at the Oaklawn Zoo: Blueberry, the bear.

“She had no fear. The closer the bear was, the better.”

Harnish loved watching Blues Clues with her brother Christian and spending time with her family.

She was a shining light, full of energy and could always brighten up a room. She will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

A GoFundMe account that was launched to help the family who has also lost their home has so far raised over $90,000.

Passionate about music

Nick Anthony Holland, 52,  was a father of two and a proud member of the heavy metal group Hogtooth.

He is remembered by family and friends as someone who was passionate about music, enjoyed a good beer, and had an energetic personality.

An obituary for Holland, who was 52, says his family is broken hearted to learn of his death. 

“The family would like to profoundly thank all the members of the various search and rescue teams, the private citizens and the members of the band Hogtooth for their tireless efforts to find him,” the obituary reads. “They all went above and beyond to bring Nick home to us and we will be forever deeply grateful for that.”

Holland was found on July 24 following an intense search and rescue operation that was launched in the early morning hours of July 22.

Funeral services

There will be a gathering to remember Holland on Friday from 1-3 p.m. at the Ronald A. Walker Funeral Home in Upper Tantallon.

The funeral service for Harnish will be held in the Brooklyn Fire Hall on Monday, at 2 p.m. with a reception at the fire hall following the service. 

“Natalie’s beloved dog Molly, who supported her in life and joined her in passing, will be laid to rest at her side,” was noted in her obituary.

A celebration of life service will be held for Sisco in the Windsor United Church on Tuesday, at 2 p.m. with reception will follow in the church hall.

Both families are asking people in attendance to wear bright colours and also for Sisco, to wear superhero costumes.