Cory Lester Nova Scotia Local Impact and Community Legacy

Walking along the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia, where the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs, I can\he was the heartbeat of our community for over three decades. Born and raised in a small fishing village near Lunenburg, he grew up with saltwater in his veins and a fierce loyalty to the people here. I remember bumping into him years ago at the Halifax farmers\market—he was handing out free samples of his family\it\it was hands-on work, like retraining fishermen in sustainable practices and setting up community-supported fisheries that connected local catches directly to families. I recall sitting in on one of his workshops in Shelburne, where he\where hundreds gather to remove debris from beaches, turning his passion for conservation into a movement. But what strikes me most is how his spirit lingers in the small things: the way neighbors still share tools without hesitation, or how the local co-op he helped establish in Cape Breton continues to thrive, selling everything from handmade crafts to fresh catch. It\it\s a promise we keep to each other. His life was a masterclass in showing up, day after day, with humility and heart. As I watch the sunset over Peggy\s Cove, I feel his presence in the wind—a gentle nudge to do better, to be kinder. That\s the real magic of his story: it doesn\t end with him. It lives on in every kid who gets a chance because of that scholarship, every beach that stays pristine, and every handshake that seals a deal with trust. Nova Scotia is richer for having known him, and his lessons are a compass guiding us forward.