Cape Breton Deaths June 28, 2011 Tuesday There are 5 obituaries published for today. Anthony 'Autwen' Marshall Arthur Smith John MacLean Ross MacLeod Gregory 'Buddy' Gardiner ******************************************************************************************************* Anthony 'Autwen' Marshall Born In: Potlotek Passed Away In: Membertou, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 22/06/2011 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony 'Autwen' Joseph Marshall, 86, of Membertou, who died surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital following a brief illness. Born and raised in Potlotek he was the son of the late Ben and Nancy (Morris) Marshall. He is survived his children Patricia (John), Toronto , Stuart, Toronto, Lorraine (Cheryl) Membertou, Audrey (Late Steven), Edmonton, Vanessa, Membertou Lindsay (Joey) Sylvester; Membertou, Cecelia (Edwin) Kabatay; Membertou; step children Lawrence (Linda) Wells, Ronald (Alice) Wells; Kathleen (David) Hanson; special great grandchildren who were his constant companions and little helpers, Kennedy, Emily, Ally, Addison and Hannah; special nieces Viola Christmas (Late Augustus ), Membertou, Mary Ann (Tom) Gallagher, Membertou; several grandchildren, great grandchildren; godchildren; nieces and nephews. Anthony also had many special friends for whom held a special place in his heart; Eleanor Kabatay, Frances Dennis, Steven Dennis, Murray Marshall and Sarah Paul. Throughout his life Autwen opened his home to many people for a place to stay and have a cup of tea or a great meal. He will be profoundly missed by all. Autwen was a member of the St. Anthony Daniel Parish and St. Ann's Mission Church. He was a member of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council for 70 years as the official Bell Ringer and was honored in 2005 for his 65 years of service. He was devoted to the Chapel Island Pilgrimage and to the Patron of the Mi'kmaw St. Ann. In his early years Autwen would work in Maine picking potatoes and was a carpenter by trade. Autwen was a businessman and operated a convenience store for over 50 years. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Autwen sold wreaths at Christmas time for many years to St. Ann's Mission Church, St. Theresa's Church and St. Anthony Daniel and was honored to provide that service. Autwen earned numerous awards and honorable mentions by The Mi'kmaq community and the community of Membertou, Life Time Achievement Awards, dedicated service awards and was a very well respected Elder, whose stories were always told with great pride, humor and humility. Autwen was an avid sports fan and was devoted to his number one team the Boston Bruins, and previously sponsored a softball team, the "Anthony's Canteen Cardinals." Autwen was also predeceased by his first wife Cecelia (Googoo); second wife Helen Wells; brother Johnny Marshall; sisters Susie Stevens (Maurice), Annie Paul (Steven), Mary Anne Mackenzie (George), Isabel Christmas (Victor), Theresa Matthews (Richard), Mary Julia Christmas (Pat), and Myrtle Christmas (Peter). Family will receive visitors starting after 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 at 24 Maillard St., Membertou. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 2 at St. Anthony Daniel Church, Rev. Donald MacGillivary officiating. An honor walk from the church to the interment at Membertou Memorial Gardens and a salite at the Membertou Trade and Convention Center will follow. Memorial donations may be made to Chapel Island Mission Church, Mi'kmaq Grand Council or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.twcurry.com. **************************************** Arthur Smith Back to Cape Breton Post Born On: 01/05/1922 Passed Away In: Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 27/06/2011 Peacefully on June 27, 2011, in the Veterans Wing at Taigh Na Mara Nursing Home, the death occurred of our husband, father, grandfather and brother, Arthur Kendall Smith of Glace Bay. Born May 1, 1922, Arthur was the natural son of the late Sidney and Maud (MacDonald) MacDonald of Mira. Following the accidental drowning of his father in the Mira River, Arthur was accepted on the day of his third birthday, clutching a fistful of mayflowers, to be raised with love, as the son of the late Angus J. and Mary (MacLeod) Smith of Dominion and Glace Bay. In his early years Arthur was well known in local music circles as the possessor of a beautiful and gifted voice. During his school years he studied music locally. Following graduation from Glace Bay High School he went on to study music at the Conservatory of Music in Halifax. These were the war years. His studies were interrupted while he made his contribution to the war effort, 1942 to 1945, by serving with the RCAF. He was trained as an aero-engine mechanic, but spent his service engaged in flight operations in the Maritimes and Newfoundland. Once engaged on active service, Arthur's singing talents became recognized and in demand by the RCAF concert series, singing for the army, navy and airforce. Should the concert be held prior to the embarkation of servicemen to the theatres of war, Art would be booked to sing the closing number of the program. These would be large and very noisy assemblies, but the hall would become so still one could hear a pin drop, while Arthur sang his rendition of "The Lord's Prayer." A very fitting send-off, an officer was heard to observe. Following disengagement from service, Arthur continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. On returning to Glace Bay, for some years he taught aspiring young local singers the rudiments of classical voice production. Music continued to be the focal point throughout his life and he shared this love with his family. In 1949, he joined the telegraphy staff of the Sydney and Louisbourg Railway. Assuming the position of station agent of the Glace Bay Railway Station in 1962, he served until retirement in May 1987, under both the S&L & later Devco management, as Glace Bay's last railway station agent. He very much enjoyed both his RCAF and his railway associations and experiences and treasured his memories and the friendships made throughout his lifetime. Active in community affairs, Arthur was a past president of Morrison High School Home and School Association and of Glace Bay Rotary Club. As Rotary president, he was chair of the International Assembly and conference of Rotarians held at Keltic Lodge in June 1975. He served as co-chair with Ian MacNeil of the Sydney Rotary Club, of the very lively and successful musical production of "The King and I" at the historic reopening of the newly refurbished Savoy Theatre on May 17, 1976. For many years he served on the board of directors and on multiple committees, of the Glace Bay General Hospital and on the board of directors of the Savoy Theatre. In line with his singing talents, Arthur enjoyed his public speaking engagements. He had a natural love of language, of elocution, of the rhythmic flow of words and poetry. Because of this interest, he was often invited as speaker for special events as Remembrance Day services; at retirement dinners, for the historical society etc. As his family grew, Art re-discovered his great love for Mira. He deeply enjoyed his summers at the 'Bungalow' on Mira Bay, spent with his children; he enjoyed the sleepovers of the grandchildren and in these past few years, he enjoyed quiet drives to Mira and his tea breaks in the sunporch. He treasured the succession of animals that shared our lives; those gorgeous springer spaniels; the majestic Dobermans and those two stray cats Waffles and Abbey, he was so pleased to have rescued. Arthur is survived by his wife, the former Gladys M. Phillips, Glace Bay; daughters, Sheila Marie (David) Latham, Toronto, Sylvia Jean Smith, Glace Bay, Mora Diane Smith (Jerry Murphy), Glace Bay; and his son, Angus J. Smith (Kim Cudhea), Coldbrook, N.S. He has five grandchildren, Sarah Jean (Ryan) Murphy-Boutilier; Kendall James Murphy and Catherine Ellen Murphy, Glace Bay; Gilbert Taylor Smith (Rachel Liem) and Emily Margaret Smith, Halifax; he has one great-grandchild, newborn Zachary Ryan Boutilier, Glace Bay. Arthur is survived by his sisters, Kathlyn Peach, Port Morien, Georgina Milley, Sydney/P.E.I.; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the best friend of his youth, Earl H. Davidson, Middleton, N.S. He was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Campbell, Mary Cann, Alice MacQueen, brothers, Allison MacMillan, John and Allister MacDonald. Arthur was a member of Knox United Church. Honouring his request, under the care of Patten Funeral Home, arrangements are being made for a private family memorial service with interment in Mira Bay Cemetery when arrangements are complete. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Society, palliative care or a charity of choice would be appreciated and most welcome. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.pattenfuneral.com. The family wishes to take this opportunity to extend thanks to the staff of Taigh Na Mara and Doctors MacLean and Rebello for the competent and loving care Art received this past year; the consideration and helpfulness of the staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Home Care services and VON and all those who were so helpful to his family during this past difficult year. We also wish to acknowledge the friendliness and good will of the resident veterans who make Taigh Na Mara into a real home. They made our visits a pleasure. Thank you everyone. **************************************** John MacLean Born In: Alder Point, Nova Scotia, Canada Born On: 23/05/1948 Passed Away In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada We the family of John Frances MacLean, 63, of Sydney Mines are saddened with the sudden loss of our beloved father. He was born May 23, 1948 in Alder Point, the son of the late John Henry and Frances Eugenia MacLean of Point Aconi. He was a member of Wilson United Church in Florence. In John's early years he sailed on the Great Lakes for a number of years. He was also a journeyman's carpentry and belonged to the carpenters union. Later in life he formed his own business J. M. Carpenter where he renovated and built many homes here on Cape Breton Island with his two beloved sons, Randy and Kevin. He took an early retirement due to health issues and spent all his time with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. John was a dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan as well as an avid Nascar racing fan. He enjoyed reading in his spare time. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Margaret (Ferguson) MacLean; daughter, Wendy (James); sons, Randy (Shawna) and Kevin; grandchildren, Natasha, Julianna, Marrissa, John Ryan; brothers and sisters, Brenda (Dana), Donna (Darrell), Dorothy (Suen), Neil (Roxanne), Valerie (Kevin), Norma (Bobby), Raymond (Sharon), Barbara (Kevin), Nancy (Dougie), Ronnie (William), Mary (Guy), Connie (Donald) and Teddy (Sharon) and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by an infant granddaughter, Maggie Lee; sisters in infancy, Cora Grace and Mildred Louise and brother, Sandy. Our family would like to express a very special thank you to Dr. Paul Hickey who showed compassionate care for our father during the last few months of his time here with us and the nurses in the Northside General Hospital and VON who provided our father with exceptional care. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 29 in Fillmore and Whitman Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Funeral Service 2 p.m. Thursday, June 30 in Wilson United Church, Florence. Rev. David Luker will officiate. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com. **************************************** Ross MacLeod Born In: Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away On: 26/06/2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ross Wilson MacLeod, 83, of Old Kings Rd., Sydney. Ross passed away on June 26, 2011, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care with his loving family by his side. Born in Whitney Pier, Ross was the son of the late Starr and Agnes McLeod. He was a member of Trinity United Church. Ross worked for S&L Railroad, Sydney Steel Coke Ovens and retired in 1989 from the Cape Breton Regional Vocational School Maintenance Dept. During his retirement, Ross enjoyed going for drives around Cape Breton visiting family and friends. He also enjoyed walking his "best little doggie in the whole wide world" Max and sharing the last of his ice cream cone with "Papa's Doggie". Ross had a very kind heart and always enjoyed fixing anything that was broken. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ross is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Shirley "Sheila" (Stephenson); children, Flora, Kim (Pat) Hallahan, Anna, and Billy; six grandchildren, Alanna, Renne, Patrick, Rebecca, Durrell, and Keagan Starr and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Eva and Anita (Jack) MacLeod, several brothers and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Roddie and grandson, Robbie. A very special thank you to the nurses and staff at Wentworth Court for their special care shown to Ross, as well as Dr. Kodagoda. Our thanks is also extended to Ruthie MacFadyen, Tina Johnston and Laurel Green for all their kindness. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca ****************************************** Gregory 'Buddy' Gardiner Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed Away In: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Passed Away On: 25/06/2011 Peacefully on June 25, 2011 at Hospice Niagara with his family by his side, Buddy went into the arms of Jesus in his 71st year. Formerly of Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, N.S., he resided in Niagara for the past three years. Loving husband of Judy Gardiner (nee Boutilier) for 15 years. Loving father of David Gardiner (Diana) and stepfather of Jim Szeplaki (Shari) and Dave Szeplaki. Cherished Papa-Buddy to Hannah and Charlie Szeplaki. Predeceased by his former wife, Diane Gardiner (1996). Survived by his sister, Glenda Budden of Glace Bay. Uncle to Faith Scattolon and Gardiner Budden. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kerley and the staff of Hospice Niagara for their care and compassion shown towards Buddy and our family during his stay there. If desired, memorial donations to Hospice Niagara would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Buddy's life will take place on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Butler Funeral Home (33 Duke St., St. Catharines 905-684-2334) at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Private interment to take place at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.butlerduke.ca. ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org