Emery Myles Fanjoy, BSc, DIC, LLD (honorary)
On May 3rd, 2020, Emery Myles Fanjoy (85) passed away peacefully while holding his daughter’s hand and listening to La Bohème. Emery was born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick -- the eldest son of Newton and Muriel (née Seely) Fanjoy. He is survived by three children: Stephen (Dawn), Bruce (Donna), and Andrea (David); six grandchildren: Laura (Angel), Sarah, Adrienne, Marcel, Benjamin, and Ryan; and three great-grandchildren: Loren, Alma, and Mayte. Emery is also survived by his brother Paul (Jill), and was predeceased by his brother Harold (Marilyn). Emery was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Nan (née Burgess) Fanjoy, with whom he will soon be reunited in Fernhill Cemetery in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Emery graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1957 with a B.Sc. (Electrical Engineering). He was awarded an Athlone Fellowship and completed a postgraduate diploma from Imperial College in London, England (1958-60). Emery’s career began as an engineer with NB Telephone (1957-58), Canadian General Electric (1960-64), and IBM (1964-73). In 1973 Emery embarked on a distinguished career in public service. Emery served as Secretary to the Treasury Board of the Province of New Brunswick (1973-77), Secretary to the Council of Maritime Premiers (1977-95), Co-secretary of the Conference of New England Governors & Eastern Canadian Premiers (1978-95), and Secretary to the Conference of Atlantic Premiers (1990-95). Emery was a member of the Advisory Board of the School of Public Administration, Dalhousie University and served as its Chair from 1983-85. In 1991, Emery was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick. He was also awarded the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Excellence in Public Administration from the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). After his retirement in 1995, Emery was appointed an Adjunct Professor of the School of Public Administration of Dalhousie University -- a role in which he served for many years.
Emery pursued a lifelong interest in family history. He traced the Fanjoy family history back as far as 17th century France. France led to England, which led to the American colonies/United States and then to William Fanjoy, a Loyalist, arriving in Saint John. We know this and countless other details of the family thanks to Emery.
One of Emery’s greatest accomplishments was the phenomenal care he gave his wife Nan in her later years. It was a role that Emery embraced with characteristic enthusiasm, curiosity, and above all, love.
Emery valued the work of local charitable organizations, particularly the United Way and the Ostomy Halifax Society, and he contributed his energy to them generously.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gina Burgess of Halifax, as well as the staff of Manotick Place Retirement Community, Queensway Carleton Hospital, and Elizabeth Bruyère Hospital in Ottawa for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Emery’s memory to Ostomy Halifax Society, the United Way, or a charity of your choice. Celebrations of Emery’s life will take place in Halifax and Saint John, on dates yet to be determined. For messages of condolence please visit www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
Digital Guestbook
Cuthbert Seely
Robert Corbett
To Paul and Family,
I was so saddened to learn yesterday of the passing of Emery. I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to the entire Family. I had known Emery since my days as a young boy crawling through the fence separating King George School from the back of the Fanjoy residence on Alexandra Street where I would frequently visit with my boyhood chum, Paul. It was never difficult to know if Emery was at home as he played the trombone and, as with everything else he did, with great enthusiasm. Emery was of course the big brother to Paul and Hayhay and as such, much respected. Because of his efficacious smile, which matched his personality, and despite his “big brother” presence, Emery was always held in some awe, and particularly so when he played his trombone!
Although I don’t know that he took much interest in his brother Paul’s garden, we all cherished his company in our summertime playground at Epworth Park where we collectively shared memories that are worthy of several volumes.
As we know, Emery went on to great accomplishments in his private but particularly in his public life. As an MLA and later an MP in New Brunswick, I occasionally saw him and frequently heard about him from the perspective of his much sought-after presence and council in the Premier’s office and in other courts of high influence.
Throughout I knew Emery to be a wonderful Family man, an excellent father and always a devoted husband. I know he will be greatly missed by Family and friends alike. Again, my deepest sympathy. Sincerely Robert Corbett
Scott Norton
I was very sorry to read about Emery's death this morning in the Halifax Herald. I have great memories of Emery and Nan as neighbours on Botany Terrace. My thoughts are with Steve, Bruce and Andrea and their families. My mother sends her regards as well. If someone could email me a mailing address for my Mom I would appreciate it. snorton83@gmail.com All the best to all of you. Scott
Don Smeltzer
I am saddened having learned today of Emery’s passing. Our association extended throughout his tenure at the Council of Maritime Premiers and later at Dalhousie University. He was a professional in every sense of the word - an exceptional public servant and gentleman who was true to his convictions. He will most certainly be missed.
Pam Punch (Halifax)
My thoughts are with all of you. Emery was a good friend of my husband Terry. He and Nan were so welcoming to both of us.
Beth Fanjoy
It is hard to believe Emery is no longer with us. I so much enjoyed his hospitality on my last visit to Halifax, and his dedication to Nan. His passion for history, his devotion to family history will always be remembered and appreciated. I will miss him and carry fond memories.
Marilyn Fanjoy
Dear Andrea, Steve, Bruce and families,
My condolences on the loss of your father Emery. He was a wonderful father, interesting and very social to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. RIP Emery.
Graham Pierce (Halifax)
I only knew Emery for the last two years but I quickly realized what a kind and good natured man he was.
Emery was a true gentleman in all sense of the word.
Ray and Dorothy Dixon
Stephen, Bruce and Andrea,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. We have many fond memories of the friendship of your family in Pembroke Crescent. We thoroughly enjoyed the neighbourhood gatherings at your home. Warm regards, Ray and Dorothy Dixon.
Judith Jarrett
“Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow". (Robert Louis Stevenson)
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. He was truly an amazing person.
I grew up in Havelock NB and even though we were related I didn’t know of Emery before I went to work with the Council of Maritime Premiers. I found him to be a very warm and caring person and on the occasions we met we would inevitably talk about our family history. My deepest condolences to the family.