Cape Breton Deaths September 20, 2010 Monday There are 7 obituaries published for today. Evelyn T. MacNeil Irving Schwartz Marcella Cameron, RN Calvin Charles 'CC' Conrad Patrick Leo White Mary Markadonis Vihos Vivian Gertrude Fraser ******************************************************************************************************* Evelyn T. MacNeil Born in: Gillis Point, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 19/09/2010 Evelyn T. MacNeil, 85, with broken hearts we wish to announce the passing of our special 'Auntie' and dearest friend, Evelyn MacNeil. She passed away Sept. 19, 2010, at Alderwood Rest Home, Baddeck. Born in Gillis Point, she was the daughter of the late Murdock and Tena MacNeil (Devoe). She is survived by sisters, Lexie Norman, Sudbury, Ont., Rhodena Burtinsky, Whitby, Ont., Mary Tyne, Glace Bay; sister-in-law, Marie MacNeil, Ingonish; special nieces, Linda Donovan, Debbie Williams, Lorraine MacNeil and Lexie MacNeil; special friends, Jim and Kelly Booth; and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Cecil and Dennis, sister, Marie and stepfather, Allen Alex MacNeil. Cremation has taken place. Funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Columba Parish Church on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Abbass officiating. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Columba Building Fund *************************************************** Irving Schwartz Born in: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 18/09/2010 Irving Schwartz, O.C., entrepreneur, humanitarian, community leader, devoted son of New Waterford, C.B., and a leading figure in Atlantic Canada's Jewish community, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, in Sydney. He was 81. Irving was the son of the late Abraham and Rose (Claener) Schwartz of New Waterford. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diana Usher Schwartz; and his four children, Margo Schwartz (Adrian Noskwith), London, Eng., Joanne Schwartz, Toronto, David Schwartz, Halifax, and Stephanie Schwartz (Brian Brophey), Toronto. He had four grandchildren, Toby and Rose Noskwith of London, Eng., and Rachel and Sophie Fagan of Toronto; five siblings, Ruth Goldbloom of Halifax, Harold Schwartz of Sydney, and the late Joey, Bram and Edna Schwartz; and many nieces and nephews. Irving's parents operated a general store in the coal mining town of New Waterford. Abraham Schwartz died one day before Irving's third birthday, leaving Rose to run the business and raise six children. She was more than up to the task, and although Irving spent one semester at Mount Allison University and another at New York University, he often said he was a graduate of the Rose Schwartz School of Business. Irving made his first of many buying trips to Montreal at age 13. Over the years, Irving owned or invested in a diverse range of businesses, including a hotel, nursing homes, a cable TV franchise, computer software companies, a clinical research company, a wireless Internet service provider, various real estate holdings, a coal mine reclamation company, and the furniture and appliance store that bears his name. At the time of his death, he was president of the Seaside Group of companies, with operations in cable TV, wireless Internet, software development, and clinical research. He was also chairman of Schwartz and Company, the furniture chain, and president of Vulcan holdings, a real estate company. He was a current or past director of Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd., Virtual Media Productions, Halifax Biomedical, and Green Images. In 1970, Irving helped develop an oyster farm at the Eskasoni First Nation, and four years later, he managed a trout farm for the Cape Breton Development Corporation. Irving was a pioneer in the expansion of high speed internet services to rural areas. He led Seaside's participation in the ambitious project to provide high-speed Internet access throughout Nova Scotia - the first jurisdiction in North America to offer universal broadband access. Seaside will complete its part of the project, covering the nine counties of northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, by year's end. Irving also served as president of the Children's Aid Society, president of the Lions' Club, chairman of the board of governors of the University College of Cape Breton, co-founder of Junior Achievement in Cape Breton, director of the National Theatre School of Canada, advisory board member of the Dalhousie School of Business, and chairman of the Cape Breton Chapter of the Hebrew University. He was a longtime member of the National Capital Commission, and volunteered with the Nova Scotia Division of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. He served on the boards of the Nova Scotia Business Development Corporation, the Sydport International Free Trade Zone, and the Nova Scotia Community College. Of all these volunteer activities, he was perhaps proudest of his 12 years service as a volunteer firefighter in New Waterford. Irving founded and operated the non-profit Canadian International Demining Corps, which carried out land mine removal operations in many countries around the world, and was part of the impetus for his 1997 investiture in the Order of Canada. In 2003, he was named an officer of the order. At the time of his initial investiture, Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc cited him as, "a staunch supporter of educational institutions, notably the University College of Cape Breton, Dalhousie University's School of Business, and the National Theatre School of Canada ... He is dedicated to the eradication of the use of land mines and the reclamation of mine-polluted land for productive use by indigenous populations," the citation said. When Irving was named an officer of the order six years later, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson described him as, "a visionary entrepreneur and committed philanthropist (who) has made significant contributions to Cape Breton. Irving Schwartz has invested resources, time and expertise in local knowledge-based companies, helping to diversify and develop the island's economy." In eastern Nova Scotia, Irving was well known for fronting television commercials for his furniture and appliance company, always ending with the tag line, "I guarantee it!" Once, while travelling in Bosnia in support of demining operations there, he encountered a group of Canadian peacekeepers and asked if any were from Cape Breton. "I guarantee it," one soldier replied. In 2002, Irving was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, and the following year was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. He was also an inductee of the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame. At the time of his death, he had been designated to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Home Furnishings Association. In 2008, he received the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from Dalhousie University. Diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Irving managed to turn even that bad news into a positive achievement. He headed a successful $5.5 million fundraising campaign for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital's cancer unit. He declined suggestions that he seek treatment at prominent U.S. medical centres, insisting he would get better care in Cape Breton. Through several operations and chemotherapy treatments, he continued to work full time, at one point returning to his office three days after surgery. He spent the day before his death working at the furniture store, and attended Yom Kippur services at the Temple Sons of Israel Synagogue in Sydney Friday evening. In a statement Saturday, Premier Darrell Dexter said Irving's "legacy as a community leader and philanthropist will be the achievements for which he is most remembered." Deputy Premier and fellow New Waterford native Frank Corbett said, "Cape Breton was very fortunate to have a leader like Irving Schwartz. His passion for life, family and community will be sorely missed." Irving loved to engage friends and strangers alike in conversation and storytelling. The door to his office at the furniture store was always open, and saw a constant stream of visitors, from titans of industry and politics to coal miners, school teachers, and homemakers. He was known for quietly offering advice and assistance to scores of Cape Bretoners starting out in business or facing business difficulties. His funeral will take place Monday at 11 a.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, 50 Maillard St., Sydney, with burial to follow at the Hebrew Cemetery on Lingan Road. No flowers, please. Memorials may be made to The Parkinson Society Maritime Region, 7071 Bayers Rd., Suite 150, Halifax, N.S., B3L 2C2, or to The Cape Breton Cares Campaign, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, 45 Weatherbee Rd., Suite 304A, Sydney, N.S., B1M 0A1. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca. ********************************* Marcella Cameron, RN Born in: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 18/09/2010 We regret to announce the passing of Marcella Cameron, Cabot Street, Sydney, Sept. 18, 2010, surrounded by her family at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in New Waterford and raised in Deepdale, Inverness County, Marcella became a registered nurse, graduating in 1961 from St. Rita Hospital School of Nursing where she worked in pediatrics then continued her career at Breton Bay nursing home. Marcella was a dedicated and compassionate nurse for over 40 years. Marcella enjoyed giving to the community, especially the Fiddler's Run which she volunteered for several years. She was a member of St. Theresa parish for 40 years. Marcella always enjoyed her family, music and culture. Marcella loved her family, her husband, Colin; sons, Blair (Kamy), Gus (Sonya), all from Sydney, and Doug (Tracey), Ottawa, Ont. Marcella was Nanny to Kyle and Kaitlyn, and will also be especially remembered by Elizabeth and Emily. She was sister to Robert (Harriet) MacDonnell, Scotchtown, Christine (the late John Mullins), Corner Brook, N.L., Julia (Frank Leahy), Lakefield, Ont., Ann (Ron MacDougall), Waltham, Mass.; Mary (Marwood Payne), Warsaw, Ont., Nell, North Bay, Ont.; half brother, John Henry, Inverness. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Marcella was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Florence MacDonnell and brother, Fr. Angus Alex. Visitation will be at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 at St. Theresa Church, Whitney Avenue, with Fr. Danny MacLennan officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in memory of Marcella may be made to charities for people in need. Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. Lovingly thought of, deeply missed and forever cherished. ********************************* Calvin Charles 'CC' Conrad Born in: Conquerall Bank, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 18/09/2010 Suddenly, without notice, in the early hours of Sept. 18, 2010, our family lost its patriarch. Calvin resided at home with his wife of 58 years Marjorie (Rhonenhizer/Mosher) and granddaughter Katheryne-Anne. He is also survived by his brother, Carl (Shirley) in Bridgewater; and one niece Debbie. Passing before him were his daughter, Catherine Ann, parents, James and Myrtle (Wile) Conrad, brothers, Foreman and Everette, sisters, Josephine and two in infancy, also, recently, son-in-law, Michael McKenzie. Calvin was a devoted father to Marian (Mike), Wayne (Tina), Dwight, Danielle (Daniel), Joan (Gerald), Eugene (Sarah). 'CC' loved his grandchildren, Jennifer, David Calvin Charles, Matheaw, Taskiana, Katheryne-Anne, little Calvin, Michael, Alexander, Ashley, Stephen; and great-grandchildren, Raeven and Hannah. Born in Conquerall Bank, Calvin took to the seas at the age of 15 serving overseas with the merchant navy. He considered himself a Cape Bretoner and moved his wife and two small children to the island in 1955. Also a well known and respected member of the business community, working with his cars until his passing. Cal as he was better known to his friends was a storyteller at heart, and a great one at that. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Calvin's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 at S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home chapel, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please support your veterans or a person in need. CC will never be forgotten. Online condolences may be made to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ********************************** Patrick Leo White Born in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 16/09/1927 Passed away in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 18/09/2010 It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and husband on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. He died as he lived, surrounded by his loving family. A man of patience, strength and wisdom, we are all blessed to have had him in our lives. He will forever be loved and always remembered. Born in North Sydney, Sept. 16, 1927, he was the son of the late Michael and Catherine (Gouthro) White. He was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows, Church, Gannon Road. He retired after working almost 50 years at Nickerson's Fish Plant. Survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlotte (Whitty); sons, Jerry, John (Tanya), Leo (Sheri) and Michael (Nicole), North Sydney; daughters, Adele (Ron) Fraser, Alder Point, Florence (Peter) MacDonald, Veronica White, both of Sydney Mines, Mary (Joe) Skinner, North Sydney. Also left to mourn are his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by daughter, Kay and her husband, Tiny Barnes, sons, Simon and Johnny, brothers, Gary and Reg, sister, Adele Malanka. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. A service to celebrate Pat['s life will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Jim Attwood, officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall, and all are welcome to attend. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ************************************ Mary Markadonis Vihos Passed away in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 16/09/2010 Mary Markadonis Vihos, of Seaview Manor, passed away Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, to join her husband of 72 years, Nicholas Vihos, in the Hereafter. Her funeral services are being delayed to accommodate family members and clergy. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Curry's Funeral Home, Glace Bay, will be published with the complete obituary, in a future edition of this newspaper *************************************** Vivian Gertrude Fraser Born in: Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 22/10/1921 Passed away in: Westmount, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 18/08/2010 It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of Vivian Gertrude Fraser of Westmount on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. Born in Edwardsville, Oct. 22, 1921, she moved to Westmount in 1922 with her parents, Ernest and Mary (MacKenzie) Fraser. Besides her parents, Vivian was predeceased by her brother, Osborne MacKenzie Fraser. She is survived by four nieces and four nephews. Vivian never married, she devoted her life to her family. First her parents who were of ill health, then to her nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom considered her not just an aunt or a great aunt, but a second mother, and grandmother, but mostly a good friend. Vivian loved the sea and along with her cousin they would take the ferry to Newfoundland as often as they could, just to be on the water. In her younger years, Vivian loved to swim. As kids we would sit in wonder on the shore and watched her swim back and forth across Sydney Harbour. Her greatest hobby was gardening, even after she lost her sight she would help in the garden, although she would pull more flowers than weeds. Her only complaint over the past few years was that she was not able to take her walks through Petersfield, a place she adored. Her nightly calls to family and many friends will truly be missed. As requested by Vivian, there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 in the flower garden of her family home, 99 Glencairn Ave., Westmount. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca. ************************************************************************************************* ******* Extra: Cape Breton Post September 18, 2010 Saturday Irving Schwartz dies at 81 Published on September 18th, 2010 Funeral to be held Monday at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre SYDNEY - One of Cape Breton's most recognizable entrepreneurs and humanitarians, Irving Schwartz, died Saturday morning. He was 81. Topics : Cape Breton Regional Hospital , Seaside Group , New Waterford , Canada , Nova Scotia Paramedics were called to the Schwartz home early this morning. He died shortly after arriving at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. The New Waterford native battled cancer and Parkinson's disease for the past two years. An officer of the Order of Canada, Schwartz was the owner of Schwartz Furniture, the Seaside Group of cable television, Internet, biomedical and software companies and the Sydney-based Canadian International De-mining Corps., a land mine removal organization with operations in many countries. Schwartz recently led a $5.5 million fund-raising campaign to expand the Cape Breton Regional Hospital's cancer centre. He also backed Seaside High Speed's participation in making broadband Internet service available everywhere in Nova Scotia. It was the first jurisdiction in North America to do so. Mark Eyking said Schwartz was the first person to sign his nomination papers when the Sydney-Victoria MP decided to get into politics 10 years ago. He called Schwartz a great mentor who inspired others by leading by example. "Nothing was too big and he would just roll with it," Eyking told the Cape Breton Post. "He would roll with it in kind of a very smart way, but a very simplistic way to roll with challenges. "I've lost a great friend, but in Cape Breton, he's done so much and right up to the end...He's definitely a role model for all of us and inspired so many of us. It's a big loss. It's going to be a big hole in our social fabric and our community." Condolences from other political leaders began to pour in once news of Schwartz's death began to spread. "Irving Schwartz was not only a remarkable business man, his legacy as a community leader and philanthropist will be the achievements for which he is most remembered," Premier Darrell Dexter said in a statement. "I was deeply saddened to learn of his death. "Cape Breton was very fortunate to have a leader like Irving Schwartz," added deputy premier Frank Corbett. "His passion for life, family and community will be sorely missed." Jamie Baillie, interim leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative party, called Schwartz a pillar of the business community. "We have lost an incredible person today and he will be sadly missed," Baillie said in a statement. "His energy and his 'can do' attitude are legendary. His commitment to his business life was matched by commitment to family and to community through humanitarian and philanthropic works. Irving Schwartz influenced and encouraged generations of entrepreneurs and business people and touched the lives of many." Schwartz's funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org