Chronicle Herald October 18, 2007 BLACKBURN, William Charles - Cape Jack, Antigonish Co. It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our son, brother, uncle and friend on October 15, 2007, in R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish, after a three year valiant and dignified battle with cancer. Born in Halifax, he was a son of Wilson Melong and the late Georgina (Brow) Melong. He attended Havre Boucher Consolidated and Antigonish Rural High Schools and from there went on to attend Vocational School in Port Hawkesbury. He was employed with Schwartz Furniture in Port Hawkesbury and later with Town and Country Grocery Store. He found his true calling when he went to work on the lake boats on the Great Lakes. He finished his working career with Transport Desgagnes as a porter on the Amelia Desgagnes, in July of 2004, due to illness. He resided in Montreal for many years and returned back home in 1990. He is survived by sisters, Delorey "Dee" Melong, Havre Boucher; Patricia (Alphonse) Richard, Halifax; Marsha (Rodney) Patterson, British Columbia; brothers, Ken, Phillip (Gwen), Martin (Dianne) and Fred, all of Halifax; Ron (Rose) and Don, Winnipeg; Frank (Debbie), Chicago, U.S.A.; special nieces, Maria Pelrine and Carmen Richard, and grandniece, Tiara Pelrine, along with numerous other nieces and nephews and foster brother, John Gendron. He was predeceased by his biological parents, Francis and Gertrude (DeBaie) Blackburn; sister, Sharon Marie and brother, Wally. The family would like to thank Dr. Fleetwood, Dr. Rehume and Dr. Kirby, along with their staff for the excellent care received at the Dixon Centre; Pam Slobodesky and Mary Wylde at Northwood; Dr. MacKenzie and Heather Branner, Antigonish, for the palliative care they provided for Billy and his family; Dr. Booth for the excellent medical care he provided along with R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. The family would also like to give special thanks to the dedicated and caring staff of Scotia Hall and the recreation department of R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home for giving Billy a purpose in life and a reason for living. We will never forget you. At Billy's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no wake. The family will meet with those wishing to give condolences in St. Paul's Centre, Havre Boucher, on October 27 from 9 a.m. until time of funeral mass in St. Paul's Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Robert MacNeil presiding. Memorial donations may be made to the Havre Boucher and Area Recreation Association, the Palliative Care Society of Antigonish Town and County, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation or a charity of choice. On-line condolences: www.clcurry.com "Because I could not stop for death, He kindly stopped for me: The carriage held but just ourselves and Immortality." Emily Dickinson