Roy Peter “Rocky” Hecimovich, 82, of Springville, NS, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.

Rocky was born on March 15, 1943, at the family farmhouse in Springville. He lived a life defined by hard work, humility, and kindness, and carried a deep love for his family, friends, and community.

An accomplished athlete, Rocky enjoyed many sports throughout his life, including baseball, hockey, and basketball. He was inducted into the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame for his contributions to baseball and was widely known as one of the best catchers in the county leagues. A lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he proudly watched their last Stanley Cup win on the night his youngest son was born.

Rocky wore many professional hats over the years. His lifelong love of farming and the land guided much of his work: he first operated a dairy farm before branching into sheep and beef cattle. He worked at the Trenton Car Works but devoted most of his career to safely transporting children to school as a bus driver. His dedication eventually led him to serve as Director of Transportation for the Chignecto Central Regional School Board, a role he fulfilled until his retirement in 2005. He also spent many years cutting pulpwood on land held by his family.

Beyond sports, Rocky’s passions included cheering for the Leafs and Blue Jays, and spending spring days making maple syrup and fishing. His children and grandchildren fondly remember his sense of humour and unwavering devotion to family—qualities beautifully reflected in his creation of “Gum Mountain,” the backyard ski hill he built for loved ones to enjoy. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his grandchildren, making countless trips to watch their hockey, baseball, basketball, track and field, and other activities—always with a loonie in his pocket. He was a proud member of the Oddfellows Lodge and lifelong attendee of Springville Presbyterian Church. He gave generously of his time and maple syrup to support the Springville Church Hunters’ Breakfast.

Rocky is survived by the love of his life, Sue. They met at a dance when they were sixteen and celebrated 64 years of marriage in March 2025. Together, they created a beautiful example of devotion for their four children and many grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters Susan (Frank) Barry and Bonnie (Lloyd) McCarron; sons Peter (Jenny) Hecimovich and Andy Hecimovich; and his cherished grandchildren Donnie Swallow, Corey Hecimovich (Amber), Presley Hecimovich (Ryan Parsons), Daniel McCarron (Taylor), Cale McCarron (Rylee MacDonald), and Lauren and Emma Hecimovich. His great-grandchildren—Declan, Denver, and Kinsley Hecimovich; Lilah Swallow and Brooklyn McCarron—brought him tremendous joy.

He is also survived by his sister Frances Muir, his brother Mike (Judy) Hecimovich, sister in law, Valerie, brothers in law, Brain (Darlene) Holley, Doug Holley & Brian MacEachern and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Mary; brothers Joe and John; and sister Rose, brothers in law, Chuck Jones, Ray Holley, and sisters in law Cavell Hecimovich and Eleanor MacEachern.

Rocky’s family will forever remember him for his strength, wisdom, humour, and unwavering support.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to H.W. Angus Funeral Home, where visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12:00pm – 1:45 pm, with the funeral to follow at 2 pm. In lieu of donations, please honor Rocky's memory with a kind word or deed.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many healthcare providers who cared for him in his final weeks, and to the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital where he was treated with the utmost care and dignity in his final days.