William Ambrose Rogers, 95 of Black Avon, Heatherton, passed away on May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Ambrose was born in Heatherton to the late Joseph & Peggy (MacDonald) Rogers, and he survived by and dearly missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Madeline, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
At a young age, Ambrose, the eldest of 13 siblings, helped his parents on the family farm doing chores before and after each day in school. He often told stories on how school was different in those days. At the age of 10, he built a book stand in class, and he still has it in his room today. In his youth, Ambrose was a member of the Heatherton 4H club where he enjoyed showing cattle, woodworking, and many other activities, developing his love for agriculture. In his teen years, he and a group of young men attended an agriculture course at the monastery where they learned more on the ways of farming and growing crops. He continued to be actively involved in his community, joining many local boards and councils throughout his life.
One hot summer day, Ambrose walked to the nearby switchboard operator. This is where he met Madeline, his loving wife of over 70 years, often admitting he returned to make more calls than necessary. Married in July of 1955, they started their lifelong journey of raising a large family of 10 children (5 boys and 5 girls) in their big farmhouse. The big family did not stop there, the 10 children blessed Ambrose and Madeline with 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Family was everything to him, and he took great pride in all their accomplishments, repeatedly telling them how proud he was, all while giving them a bear hug from his kitchen chair. He always looked forward to receiving visits from his cherished children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours, friends, and "The Golden Girls."
His hard work ethic led Ambrose to buy his farm at the age of 21, in which he worked until the age of 89. His days were spent milking cattle, raising sheep and chickens, baling hay, growing vegetables, cutting pulp, and making cheese and butter. Known as "The Chicken Man," Ambrose maintained lasting connections and friendships within the agricultural community throughout his life. No matter where he encountered folks, there was always a mutual warm greeting and a firm handshake.
Rarely missing a Sunday Mass in Heatherton, Ambrose credited his faith (and Madeline’s great cooking!) for helping him live a long and healthy life. They created a warm loving home to which everyone longed to return. Ambrose was known for his quick wit, which continued to bring a chuckle to his healthcare workers and family up to his final day. Ambrose’s desire to always remain in his farm home of 75 years was fulfilled when he passed away peacefully at home amidst a beautiful sunrise.
He is survived by his children; Mary Broussard, Darlene Rogers-Neary (Gary Ellis), Theresa Rogers (Robert Brownell), Raymond Rogers (Lorraine), Maureen Rogers (Richard Wedge), Gregory Rogers, Philip Rogers (Angela), Shelly Teasdale (John), Michael Rogers (Donna), and Paul Rogers (Paula Campbell-Rogers); grandchildren, Michael Broussard (Megan), Sinead Neary (James), Richard Neary (Kara), Andrew Rogers (Jillian), Genna Maas (Angus), Jillian Chisholm (Stephen), Christopher Rogers (Alena), Lianne Rogers, Laura Rogers (Jordan), Ben Wedge, Alix Wedge, Kyle Rogers, Megan Rogers, Patrick Teasdale, Timothy Teasdale (Jenna), Jensen Teasdale (Kenzie), Jeffery Teasdale, Michael Rogers Jr., Ria Rogers, Cassie Rogers, James Rogers, and Isabel Rogers; great-grandchildren, Carmen and Eunice Broussard, Silas Neary, Laken, Liam, and Elise Rogers, Luke, Hallie, Alaina, and Rhett Maas, and Maura Chisholm; siblings, Jerome "Sonny" Rogers (Mary), Pauline McCluskey, Ronnie Rogers (Cathy), Ernie Day (Harriet), Reg Day (Jessie); and in-laws Jerry Deon (Sharon), Albert Deon, Betty Deon, Loretta Brennan, and Marie Sampson
Besides his parents, Ambrose is predeceased by siblings, Sister Rosemary Rogers, Alan Hughie Rogers, Edward Rogers (Margaret), Bernice Keay (Hilus), Isabel Gillis (John Hugh), Helen Dunbar (Eddie), Stephen Rogers, Sharon MacIsaac (Hughie), Ivan Philip Rogers; son-in-law, Kevin Broussard; and brothers-in-laws, Jim McCluskey, Ben DeYoung (Janet), John Deon (Shelia), Ernie Brennan, and Walter Sampson.
Visitation will be held Monday from 7 to 9pm and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday in Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton, at 11:00am with Reverend Dennis Lamey presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In Memoriam, donations to the C.A.R.E. Society, Diabetes Canada, or a charity of your choice appreciated.
On Ambrose’s behalf, the family would like to express sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by the home care workers, V.O.N., the palliative care team, and all who filled his 95 years of life with joy and love.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com