Cape Breton Deaths August 04, 2011 Thursday There are 10 obituaries published for today Curtis Ells MacNeil Theresa 'Tessy' White James 'Ick' Gale Kyle James O'Toole Debbie Redmond Donna LEYTE May Maude MacDonald Ryan Daniel White Mary Elizabeth "Tillie" Campbell Georgina Dalton ******************************************************************************************************* Curtis Ells MacNeil Born In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Born On: 02/04/1951 Passed Away In: Coxheath, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 03/08/2011 It is with deep sadness that the family of Curtis Ells MacNeil regret to announce his passing on Aug. 3, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, An Cala Unit. Curtis was born in Sydney, April 2, 1951. He was the only son of Russell and Maxine (Ells) MacNeil of Coxheath. Curtis was an avid hockey fan, always rooting for his favourite team, the Montreal Canadiens. Curtis served as president of the Cape Breton County Minors Hockey Association, always seeing that every child who wanted to play hockey was given the opportunity. Curtis coached hockey for many years as well as played for his team the Country Blues for 25 years, he loved and remembered every game. Curtis was the owner and operator of Brewers Direct on Kings Road, where he kept us entertained with his humorous marquee out front. Through his business he came to be friends with many of his loyal wine and beer customers. Curt most enjoyed spending time on his back deck, mowing, gardening and keeping his property looking fabulous, always ending the day with a little happy hour with is friends and neighbours. Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Tina Marie (MacDougall) and his two devoted sons, Ells, Ottawa, and Cailin, Sydney. Curtis has three surviving sisters, Brenda (Red) British Columbia, Ardith (Michael), British Columbia, and Daria (Pete), Leitches Creek. Also left to mourn are his brothers-in-law and great friends, Redmond (Carol) MacDougall, Coxheath, and John Allen (Jeanette) MacDougall, South Bar; one niece and six nephews. Curtis will be remembered by his family and friends as being a loyal and dedicated husband, father, and friend. His generosity and good humour is attested to in the loyalty of his family and friends who never left his side until his final moments in this world. Memorials may be made to the An Cala, Palliative Care Unit at the Regional Hospital. Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 5 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant and Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at Our Lady Of Fatima Church, Sydney River, with Fr. Deveraux officiating. Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ************************************ Theresa 'Tessy' White Born In: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 03/08/2011 It is with broken hearts, that we announce the passing of Tessy White, aged 68, in her home at 585 St. Joseph St., New Waterford, on Aug. 3, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, who were there with her for the entire journey. If a hero is an ordinary person who becomes extraordinary in exceptional circumstances, Tessy was a hero because of the diagnosis; grace and sense of humour she maintained in the face of a relentless disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is arguably the cruellest of fatal degenerative diseases; however, Tessy faced the disease with courage, dignity and never with self pity. Tessy succumbed after a 19-month battle with ALS and was fully engaged, dressed up and looking exceptionally beautiful until the last day of her life. Tessy loved conversation and delighted in orchestrating family gatherings and when she could no longer attend the party, the party would come to Tessy. Although there were many difficult and challenging moments, only immediate family, close friends and caregivers (L & M) were present for them. Tessy lived her life in faith and God was always present and at the forefront. She was a CNA, teacher's aide and the "rock" for many others during their own trials and tribulations. Tessy loved sewing, quilting, dancing and was an exceptional cook and amazing 'baker.' Tessy had a wonderful sense of humour, a trait which could only be overshadowed by her overwhelming compassion for those around her. Tessy was a strong and determined person, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. Her motherly and grandmotherly love and nurturing nature will be forever present in the hearts of those left behind. Special credit must go to Joey, who, through his devoted care allowed Tessy to live at home until the end. Theirs is a true love story which is an inspiring legacy for their four children. Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late Ronald Edward 'Eddie' and Helen (Cormier) Gillis. Tessy is survived by her most loving husband of 45 years, Joey; daughters, Joanne (Pete), Nancy (Darryl); sons, Robert (Setz) and David; six grandchildren who adored their grammy, Connor, Tessa, Mya, Cassie, Isabella and Layla; siblings, Raymond (Helen), Shirley (Eddie), Cubsie (June), Butch (Eleanor), Willena (Frank), Anne (Tom), Mike (Teresa) and Gerry (Peter); in-laws, Mary (Eddie), Ambrose (Marilyn), Agnes (Phonse), Greg (Donna) and Ann (Bruce) and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Besides her parents, Tessy was predeceased by a brother, Dougie and sister, Mary. Visitation will take place Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, from 3-9 p.m., in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. The funeral mass is Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at 10 a.m. in St. Leonard's Church, Mt. Carmel Avenue with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, followed by a reception at St. Leonard's hall, Convent Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Nova Scotia. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Members of the KOC will gather at the funeral home Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. for prayer service. *********************************** James 'Ick' Gale Born In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 31/07/2011 The daughters of James Elmer 'Ick' Gale regret to announce the passing of their beloved father on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Ick was born in North Sydney to the late Charles and Elizabeth (Fricker) Gale on Dec. 30, 1930. As a young man he enjoyed athletics and could run like the wind. Under the guidance of his father, he became an avid angler and hunter, enjoying many trips with his family and friends. In his early years, Ick established himself as the Northside's most reliable milkman while employed with the British Canadian Co-operative. Regardless of the weather conditions he made sure all of his customers were well cared for. Ick changed careers in the mid-1960s working as a steward with the CN Marine until his retirement in 1990. He was an active member of the Middle River Seniors Club and spent numerous hours volunteering at the Alderwood Guest Home in Baddeck. Another of Ick's favourite pastimes was playing cards and like his father before him, he became a consummate pro at playing the game of crib. Whether you were his partner or his opponent, you would always be in for an interesting game. Ick was predeceased by his loving wife of 36 years, Arthena (Tean) Lorraine Amey, his sister, Greta Moore, brothers, John, George 'Jigger' and Eric 'Turk.' He is survived by daughters, Heather (Glen) Quirk, Oromocto, N.B., Nancy (Myers) Boutilier, Millville, Brenda (Donald) McCarthy, Georges River, Amy Lynn (Peter) Gouthro, North Sydney; and very special friend and partner, Greta Gardiner. Also surviving are sisters, Marie Marinelli, Sydney Mines, Goldie Carter, Halifax; and brother, Dennis, North Sydney. The loss of Elmer, lovingly known as Bicky, will leave a large void in the hearts of his nine grandchildren, Shannon, Brandy, Jaime, Sienna, Ryan, Kristina, Timothy, Mark and Adam, great-granddaughter, Sophia, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A celebration of Elmer's life will be held 10 a.m., Monday at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church with Rev. Glen Kent officiating. In lieu of flowers the family request donation to St. John the Baptist Anglican Church Fund or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com. *********************************** Kyle O'Toole Born In: Lahr, Germany Born On: 23/07/1992 Passed Away In: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Passed Away On: 23/07/2011 Kyle James O'Toole, 18, born in Lahr, Germany on Oct. 11, 1992, died at Brandon Regional Hospital, Manitoba on July 23, 2011 after a tragic motor-vehicle accident outside Brandon. He was the son of Brian (Nancy) O'Toole and Carolyn (John) O'Toole. He is also survived by twin brother, Micheal; sister, Alisha; half-sister, Jessica and step-siblings, Ryan and Lauren Readman as well as his maternal grandmother, Mary Hardy; numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Kyle was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Cyril and Annie O'Toole as well as his maternal grandfather, Gabe Hardy. Kyle was born in Germany and moved to Canada in 1993. He lived in Greenwood, N.S., Petawawa, Ont. and Sydney Mines, N.S., with his father and siblings. During that time, Kyle loved to play hockey, he was a Detroit Red Wings fan, and he played baseball (dad was his first coach). He loved beavers and cubs, and many other sports especially golf. Kyle had a quiet demeanor but as soon as you got to know him, that little grin appeared and you knew he would be lots of fun. At 13, Kyle moved to Souris, Man. to get to know his mother and it was where he lived until his tragic death. Kyle recently graduated from Souris High School. At his funeral in Manitoba, his numerous friends paid tribute to the person they knew. Kyle will be gravely missed by friends, and family alike. A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The IWK Children's Hospital fund or the children's charity of your choice. Burial will be held at a later date. *********************************** Debbie Redmond Born In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 02/08/2011 Debbie Lynn Redmond of Rockcliffe Crescent, Sydney, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of Gloria (Roberts) Johnson and the late Neil Johnson. Debbie was employed as a dispatcher with Briands Regional Taxi. Surviving are her husband, Roger; sons, Roger and Ryan (Janet), Sydney; brothers, David (Linda), Ottawa and Gary, Markham, Ont.; grandchildren, Cynthia, Brennon and Emily. Besides her father, Debbie was predeceased by her sister, Cheryl. There will be no visitation or service. Interment will take place in Hardwood Hill Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca. ************************************ DONNA LEYTE Passed Away In: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Passed Away On: 24/07/2011 Donna Leyte 56, Kitchener/Glace Bay Donna passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Lisaard House, Cambridge at the age of 56 surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving daughter of Richard and Florence (Stewart) Penney, Glace Bay and the daughter-in-law of Lillian and the late Harry Leyte of Cape Breton. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years Harry, daughter Lisa (Mike) Medeiros, son Richard and grandchildren Isaiah and Kayleigh. Donna was predeceased by her brother Dougie Penney, Glace Ba ************************************* May MacDonald Born In: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Passed Away On: 31/07/2011 Formerly from Glace Bay, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2011, at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing in Saint John, N.B. Born in New Glasgow, May moved to Glace Bay at the age of 14 years. She was a daughter of the late Walker William and Christina Catherine (MacDonald) Dawson. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Donald Elmore MacDonald and half-sisters, Sara Catherine MacPherson and Lillian Rorison. After graduating from Glace Bay High School in 1939, May entered Glace Bay General Hospital School of Nursing where she received her Registered Nurses Certificate in 1943. She joined the Canadian Army Medical Corp in 1944 and was stationed in Halifax and Yarmouth until her discharge, as a Lieutenant V/S, on Dec. 13, 1945. May was a member of Knox United Church in Glace Bay. May was a loving mother and strongly devoted to her husband and children. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Wendy Phillips (Bruce) of Rothesay, N.B. and Elizabeth Wade (Dr. Tony) of Bathurst, N.B.; sons, Jim (Anne) of New Glasgow, N.S. and Bill (Judy) of Dartmouth, N.S.; 14 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. May is also survived by sisters, Betty May of Glace Bay, Florence McKim (Allan) of Stouffville, Ont. and Jean MacLeod (Wilrod) of Raynham, Mass. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at the Greenwood Cemetery in Glace Bay at a future date. The family of the late May MacDonald would like to express their heart felt thanks to the staff of Ridgewood Veterans Home for their devotion to the health and happiness of all veterans. Your kindness to our beloved parents will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity. "Oh the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer" *************************************************** Ryan Daniel White - 29 yrs, Calgary, Alta - Visitation for Ryan Daniel White, son of Billy and Roberta (MacDonald) White, will be held on Friday, August 5, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave, New Waterford. A mass to celebrate Ryan's life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10 am in the Parish of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue. Burial to follow and a luncheon in St. Leonard's Hall, Convent Street. *************************************************** Mary Elizabeth 'Tillie' Campbell 86, Whitney Pier It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth 'Tillie' Campbell on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at MacGillivary Guest Home, Sydney. Born in Whitney Pier, March 25, 1925, Tillie was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Anne (MacRae) Keough. Tillie was a member of Holy Redeemer parish. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends. Tillie will always be remembered by her family as "the very best." Tillie is survived by her daughter, Diane ( John) Rolls; sons, Eric 'Rick' ( Janice) and Danny (Donna) Campbell; sisters, Lorraine Brookman and Millie Hooper; brothers, Buddy and David Keough; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, greatgreat-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. Besides her parents, Tillie was predeceased by her husband, John Duncan, son, Robert Duncan, sisters, Tootsie, Evelyn, Rita, Rosie and Bernice and a brother, Maurice. Funeral mass for the late Mary Elizabeth 'Tillie' Campbell will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Light refreshments will be served following the service at Pier Community Funeral Home in the reception area. Private family burial will take place in new Calvary Cemetery, Whitney Pier at a later date. Donations in Tillie's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society or Holy Redeemer Building Fund. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of the Pier Community Funeral Home. At this time, the family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the staff at MacGillivary Guest Home, Reminiscing Road unit, Sydney, as well as to Fr. Paul Murphy and Fr. Rankin for their professional and tender care of Tillie in her time of need. Online condolences may be sent to www.pierfuneralhome.com. *************************************************** Georgina Dalton - A gathering for friends and family for the late Georgina Dalton in a celebration of a life lived, will be held at the Pier Legion, 2-5 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011. ************************************************** EXTRA TO CBDEATHS BY SHARON MONTGOMERY-DUPE CAPE BRETON POST Death at oilsands shocks New Waterford residents NEW WATERFORD - The news George MacQuarrie died following an accident at an oilsands site in northern Alberta on Sunday evening was a shock to New Waterford residents. MacQuarrie, 56, grew up on Hinchey Avenue, but had been living on Davenport Road in Sydney. "I was very shocked, it hit very close to home," said Eldon Merry. Merry, who travels to Fort McMurray for work, worked in the Lingan coal mines with MacQuarrie years ago. He was saddened by the news. "He was a good guy, very easy going," Merry said. "He was quiet, didn't say too much, but always had a laugh if something was going on - a good guy to work with." Merry said when the coal mines closed, many miners had to head to Western Canada. " We had to go out West. There was no work here, we had to find work somewhere," he said. " There are all kinds of New Waterford residents - former miners - working out there." Fred Milley of New Waterford said his 23-year-old son works at the same site as MacQuarrie did. After the tragic accident Milley's son emailed him. "He didn't know him well - my son is much younger - but he is a pipefitter too." He said it is an awful tragedy. "Half of New Waterford is out there," Milley said. " When your son is one of them and you hear this, it makes you wary. It is all pretty tragic." Don MacDonald of New Waterford knew MacQuarrie in his younger days. "He was living in Sydney, always travelling out West to work, but I would see him from time to time," MacDonald said. "He never ever changed, a super nice guy growing up to a super nice guy the last time I saw him." Sorcha Thomas, spokesperson with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, said the worker from Flint Transfield Services was working on a well pad at a Suncor Energy site north of Fort McMurray when a piece of equipment came loose, striking him in the chest. "He was taken to hospital and passed away early in the morning Monday." Thomas said a stop-work order remains in effect at the well where the incident occurred. " There was initially a stop-work order for the whole pad but there are 10 other wells on the pad and they are no longer affected by the stop-work order." Thomas said what the worker was doing at the time of incident and what caused it will be part of the investigation. " The investigation will take as long as necessary to prevent something like this from happening again," Thomas said. " The province does have up to two years from the date of the incident to lay charges," she added. Officials at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home in New Waterford say funeral arrangements have not yet been completed but the funeral is expected to be held next week. ****************************************************************************************************** Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org