Halifax Herald June 12, 2008

Miners survived on songs and hope

Caleb Rushton remembered for keeping men's spirits up during 1958 Springhill disaster

By TOM MCCOAG Amherst Bureau
 

Herb Pepperdine waits for Miners' Memorial Day services to begin in Springhill on Wednesday. In 1958, Mr. Pepperdine survived 8 ^ days trapped underground in the No. 2 mine after a "bump" that eventually killed 75 miners. (TOM McCOAG / Amherst Bureau)

Herb Pepperdine sat alone Wednesday in the front row of All Saints Anglican Church remembering his fellow miner, Caleb Rushton.

"His passing is a great loss to this community," Mr. Pepperdine said in a quavering voice.

"I thought a lot of Caleb. He was a good friend. It's sad to see him go."

Mr. Rushton, who died Tuesday at age 85, and Mr. Pepperdine were among the miners thrust into the international spotlight when 75 men were killed in a "bump" in the No. 2 mine on Oct. 23, 1958.

Both Mr. Rushton and Mr. Pepperdine were trapped deep underground. Their rescues - Mr. Rushton after 61Z2 days and Mr. Pepperdine after 81Z2 - were hailed as miracles.

Mr. Rushton's death came the day before mining communities across the province took part Wednesday in the annual Davis Day services for Miners' Memorial Day.

Mr. Rushton began working in the Springhill mines after he returned from the Second World War. But after the 1958 disaster, he kept a vow never to return to the mines. Instead, he worked at the Canada Employment Centre in Springhill for 25 years, the last few as manager.

"He was an easygoing fellow," Mr. Pepperdine said, a smile spreading across his face. "He loved to tell jokes and stories."

Former CBC reporter Jack McAndrew covered the disaster 50 years ago. He remembered Mr. Rushton as one of the men who kept up the spirits of the trapped miners. He recalled hearing that after the men ran out of food and water, Mr. Rushton persuaded them they could survive on songs and hope.

Mayor Guy Brown remembered Mr. Rushton as a man who believed in his hometown and served it through countless hours of volunteer work. He recalled that Mr. Rushton was heavily involved in the local Baptist church, the Rotary Club, the Knights of Pythias, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Springhill Curling Club and the West Nova Association. He also helped form the Cumberland Craft Association and served as president for 25 years.

"I will always remember Caleb as an honest, sincere and straightforward man," Mr. Brown said. "He and his wife Pat were always volunteering, and our community benefited greatly from that. We have lost a great citizen."

Valarie Alderson, whose father, Raymond (Tommy) Tabor, died in the mining disaster, remembered the quiet, soft-spoken man she had known all her life.

"Everyone in the community is heartbroken to hear of his passing," she said, fighting back tears. "He was a gentleman, and a gentleman who always had a wave and a friendly smile for you."

Ms. Alderson said she had been looking forward to having Mr. Rushton attend a 50th anniversary remembrance of the mining tragedy in October.

"Now he won't be there," she said. "He will be missed."

While he never went back into a mine, he never forgot the miners he worked
with, Ms. Alderson said.

"He never missed a Davis Day service that I can remember," she said.

Dr. Arnold Burden, a fellow war veteran, remembered Mr. Rushton "as an ordinary fellow who was a Springhiller through and through."

The family physician was on the scene when Mr. Rushton was rescued.

"I remember him being very happy to see us," Dr. Burden said. "He was in good condition despite his ordeal."

Dr. Burden also remembered how he, Mr. Rushton and other survivors of the mining disaster were celebrated afterward and some even made a TV appearance on the famed Ed Sullivan Show.

Police Chief Gary Copeland said Mr. Rushton "was a great family man, whose faith in God was very strong. He was also very reserved and didn't like to be thrust into the public eye, even though he did a lot of work behind the scenes for a lot of worthwhile causes that benefited the town."

Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott remembered Mr. Rushton the same way.

"He was a very humble man who was always passing on the credit for things he was heavily involved in on to others. His passing leaves a big void in our community."

Amateur historian Mary Willa Littler is a former neighbour of Mr. Rushton's.

"Mr. Rushton was one of 12 men who were found alive and rescued 61Z2 days after the bump hit," she said. "The only one left alive today from that group is Harold Brine. Two days later, seven more men were found, and from that group, only Garnet Clarke and Herb Pepperdine remain alive.

"It's sad, but with Mr. Rushton's passing, we are much closer to losing our connection to that historic moment."

Mr. Rushton is survived by his wife, the former Patricia Ann Corkin, five children, 10 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a sister. He was predeceased by a sister and two brothers.

Visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday in Springhill Baptist Church, with a celebration of life service following at 3 p.m.

( tmccoag@herald.ca)

OBITUARY of.. RUSHTON, Caleb Guy - 85 years,

RUSHTON, Caleb Guy
RUSHTON, Caleb Guy - 85 years, Rodney, Cumberland Co., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, in All Saints Hospital, Springhill. Born in Springhill, he was a son of the late Warren I. and Almeda M. (Embree) Rushton.

Following his return from serving overseas during the Second World War with the West Novas, he worked in Springhill Coal Mines many years. He was a rescued miner of the 1956 Bump after being trapped for six and a half days underground.

Following his employment in the mines, he worked for the Federal Government ending his career as Branch Manager of the Canada Employment Centre in Springhill for over 25 years. He was a member of Springhill Baptist Church serving as memorial secretary, choir member, deacon and later as honourary deacon; member of Cumberland Lodge 5 Knights of Pythias as past chancellor; 25 years as president of Cumberland Craft Association; 30 years with Canadian Cancer Society; member of FSNA; Springhill Rotary Club and Paul Harris recipient; member of West Nova Regimental Association, and Springhill Curling Club.

He is survived by his wife, the former Patricia Ann Corkin; sons, David (Beth) Rushton, Springhill; Peter (Debbie) Rushton, Amherst; daughters, Arlene (Norman) Hood, Mount Denson; Cynthia Crowe, Rodney; Dianne (Bill Hawker) Rushton, West Pugwash; 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; sister, Ula Noiles, Brooklyn, Hants Co.; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by sister, Edith Rushton; brothers, Rev. Vincent Rushton and Cecil in infancy. Cremation has taken place under the direction of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, Springhill. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, in Springhill Baptist Church followed immediately at 3 p.m. by a Celebration of Life service with Dr. Perry Hanley officiating. If so desired, donations made to Springhill Baptist Church, All Saints Hospital Palliative Care or a charity of choice would be appreciated.

THANKS TO CAROL MACLEAN FOR THIS NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL

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