It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Craig Bethune, a respected leader in Nova Scotia’s sporting community and former Chair of Tennis Nova Scotia whose sudden passing this March 2026 has left Halifax and the entire province in profound mourning.
Born around 1984 and aged forty two at the time of his death this dedicated advocate brought vision passion and inclusivity to every role he held creating opportunities that strengthened tennis programs for players of all ages. His unexpected departure has united the community in reflection and gratitude for the positive changes he championed during his impactful tenure.
Craig Bethune’s leadership at Tennis Nova Scotia was characterized by vision passion and inclusivity during his time as Chair and earlier as Interim Chair in 2022. He worked tirelessly to expand programs for players of all ages promote youth development and strengthen local tennis clubs across the province ensuring greater access and support for both recreational participants and competitive athletes.
Beyond his tennis responsibilities Craig served as President of IMP Healthcare Group also known as Harding Medical where he applied the same commitment to excellence and collaboration that defined his sporting leadership. In this professional capacity he contributed to healthcare advancements while maintaining a balanced lifestyle that allowed him to give generously to both his career and volunteer causes.
Craig’s vision, inclusion, and compassion will continue to influence the individuals he touched and the organizations he helped establish. Future generations will benefit from Tennis Nova Scotia programs that bore his imprint, and his dedication to excellence will be continued via the healthcare initiatives he promoted. The innumerable people he taught, the opportunities he generated, and the example of a life spent in service to the community are all examples of his legacy.
He maintained a lifestyle centered on service mentorship and active participation in causes close to his heart balancing demanding professional duties with meaningful connections that enriched everyone around him. Colleagues and fellow volunteers recall his integrity enthusiasm and ability to motivate others creating positive environments wherever he contributed whether on the tennis court or in healthcare settings.
As Halifax and communities across Nova Scotia come to terms with this profound loss, they hold onto memories of a leader whose warmth matched his vision and whose impact will endure far beyond his forty-two years. May his family find comfort in the knowledge that his contributions have left an indelible mark on the province he loved, and may all who knew him carry forward the spirit of generosity and dedication that defined his time among them.
