PETTIPAS, Isaiah Ian – Age 16, of Elmwood, Lunenburg County, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre – Infirmary Site, Halifax, following a courageous battle to overcome injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born on October 3, 2008, in Bridgewater, he was the eldest son of Ian and Jeanette (Crouse) Pettipas.
Isaiah lived a vibrant, full life that reflected his passions, his talents, and his deep love for his family and friends. From a young age, he was fascinated by anything with wheels. His first plywood “bike ramp” was built while he still had training wheels, and over time he graduated from a mountain bike to a motorized bike, to his beloved dirt bike. He spent countless hours riding, practicing wheelies (only telling his mother after the fact), and later working on his first car, which became his pride and joy. Skilled well beyond his years, Isaiah had a natural gift for mechanics, often with grease-stained hands and a determination that saw every project through. After high school, he planned to attend NSCC for the Truck and Transport program, but his dream was to one day follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a lobster fisherman. He loved the ocean and felt at home helping out on fishing trips.
Isaiah’s rural upbringing shaped his adventurous and hardworking spirit. He learned to hunt with his dad, proudly taking his first buck with a crossbow. He loved fishing, even crafting his own lures, and often explored the woods and trails near home on his dirt bike or four-wheeler. He also enjoyed tending to the family garden, caring for the chickens, turkeys, and pigs, and spending time with his dog, Chief, and his cat, Nala. Home and the quiet country life meant everything to him.
Known for his ability to “pull a rabbit out of his hat,” Isaiah had a way of leaving things to the last minute, only to excel in the end. Whether it was writing a speech overnight and winning a 4-H competition the next morning, or completing his welding projects the night before exhibition and taking home grand champion, he always amazed those around him. With a grin, he would insist, “That’s not luck, that’s skill.”
Isaiah had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. His clever remarks often made others laugh long after the joke had landed, and he loved pulling practical pranks, including chasing his mother with spiders. He was also artistic, with natural talent for drawing and painting. While organized sports weren’t his passion, he enjoyed skiing, swimming, and competing in tug-of-war with the Lunenburg County 4-H team. Most recently, he showed his competitive spirit by sprinting after his brother Ira in a moment of sibling mischief.
As the oldest brother, Isaiah shared a close bond with Ira and Avalon. The three grew up side by side, filling their home with mischief, arguments, laughter, and love. He was their fiercest protector, despite the sibling squabbles. He also cherished his many friends and enjoyed every chance to spend time with them. Most importantly, Isaiah had found a special relationship with his girlfriend, Rachel Lowe, who held a cherished place in his heart.
Though his time was far too short, Isaiah lived with a passion and determination that left an impact on all who knew him. He was hardworking, caring, and full of life, and his memory will remain a guiding light for his family and friends. Through his final act of generosity as an organ donor, Isaiah gave the gift of life to five people—leaving behind a legacy of love, courage, and hope.
Isaiah is survived by his loving parents, Ian and Jeanette; his siblings, Ira and Avalon, at home; paternal grandparents, Everett “Bub” and Susan “Patsy” (Slaunwhite) Pettipas of Terence Bay; maternal grandmother, Shirley Crouse (Richard Snyder) of New Germany; his girlfriend, Rachel Lowe of Lower Northfield; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, James Crouse.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. The funeral service will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 25 Phoenix Street, Bridgewater, with Rev. Catherine Robar officiating. A private family interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, West Northfield.
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