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Dale Ells in an alumnus and served for 28 years as a senior administrator at NSAC as Dean of Vocational and Technical Education. He was also an Associate Professor of Economics and Business and later the first Director of the NSAC’s Centre for International Development. He passed away at the age of 85 last month. His obituary is reprinted below:

ELLS, Alfred Dale – Age 85, Truro, NS, died in the Intensive Care Unit, Colchester East Hants Health Centre, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, following a brief illness. 

Dale was born May 8, 1939, in Wolfville, NS, a son of the late Floyd Allan and Margaret Adelia (West) Ells. He grew up on the family farm in Sheffield Mills. After graduating from Kings County Academy, he earned a B.Sc. in Agriculture at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC), and Macdonald College of McGill University. He became a Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.) in 1961. 

Dale was a Marketing Representative from 1961 to 1966 with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing, at the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Kentville. Initially, he and Marilyn MacNab were co-workers. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1962 and then parenthood. During this time, Dale earned an M.A. in Economics from Acadia University. 

The family moved to Truro in 1966. For 28 years, Dale was a senior administrator at NSAC as Dean of Vocational and Technical Education. This role involved developing and implementing many new programs and facilities. He was also an Associate Professor of Economics and Business and later the first Director of the NSAC’s Centre for International Development. He traveled to many countries on five continents working on grant-funded agricultural education and agrarian projects. After retirement, he continued work related to rural agriculture development, as President of Agrarian Development Services (ADS) Ltd. His writings included Shaped through Service, a comprehensive and illustrated history of the NSAC, published in 1999.

Several awards recognize Dale’s contributions. He was appointed Dean Emeritus of the NSAC in 1998. The Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists made him a Distinguished Life Member in 1999. »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2011. The »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Alumni Association presented him with the A. Gordon Archibald Award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in his career and dedication to community service in 2014.

Throughout his life, Dale was active in community and professional organizations, often taking on extra responsibilities to be of service. He was a teenage member of the 4H Club and Scouts. He was Student Council President at MacDonald College. In Truro, Dale became a Cub Scout Leader. Dale is a past president of the Canadian Association of Diploma in Agriculture Programs and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges – Atlantic. He served on the Provincial Council of the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists, the Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia Gambia Association, and the Session of Saint Andrew’s United Church, Truro. Dale was editor of the NSAC Alumni News for 18 years. He was a Board Member of the Colchester Historical Society and Editor of its newsletter for many years. He is a past president of the Golden K Club of Truro and played piano at their weekly meetings for many years. Dale worked with his wife Marilyn to restore the historic MacNab Hill Cemetery, Upper Malagash NS, and to research the histories of persons and families buried there. In 2018, he became a founding Director and Treasurer of the MacNab Hill Cemetery Society, a registered charity he helped establish to preserve and care for this cemetery. 

Dale is survived by son, Cameron (Jennifer); daughter, Carolyn (Terry); brother, Glenn (Leta); sister, Kaye (Donald) Tate; sister-in-law, Marilyn and many nieces, nephews and other family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, in August 2024 and his brother, Dennis.

Donations in Dale’s memory may be made to the MacNab Hill Cemetery Society, 275 King Street, Truro NS B2N 3L7; or by e-transfers through MacNabHillCemeterySociety@gmail.com or to a church or charity of your choice. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro. Online condolences are available at