Cape Breton Deaths January 03, 2011 Monday Part 1 There are 23 obituaries published for today. Philip Robert Walsh Eileen Theresa (MacPherson) Bonnar Erven Cestnick Charles Leon Black Mary Yvonne 'Cookie' (Wilkinson) Kane Patricia (Robertson) Norman Robert Gordon McNabb Robert Hall Clawson David Joseph Wadden John 'John John' Cameron Gillis William Andrew Hood Shirley Delores (MacDougall) LaCombe Paul Roderick Gouthro Alma Layes Charles MacLean Moffatt Téa Marie Lorraine MacCuish-Reddick James Michael (Goo Goo) Sylliboy Mary Rosella 'Rosie' Smith Roy Geddes Margaret Katherine MacLennan Selby H. Gosse Esther (Bradford) Murray Edmond Boudreau ******************************************************************************************************* Philip Robert Walsh Born in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 16/12/1925 Passed away in: Florence, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 31/12/2010 It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Philip Robert Walsh, 85, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at the Northside General Hospital. Dad was devoted to his family, and cherished every moment he spent with them. He was married for 63 years to the love of his life, Lottie (Rasmussen) Walsh. Born in Sydney Mines, Dec. 16, 1925, he was the son of the late Phil and Nora (O'Toole) Walsh. He was a member of St. Stephen's parish, Florence. Philip was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Philip was a member of the Florence Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as deputy chief at one time. In his younger years, he coached Little League in Florence. He also enjoyed playing darts and taking his walks. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in Holland, Germany and England. Later, he worked for the Cape Breton Development Corporation (Devco) for 42 years. Philip is survived by his loving wife Lottie Walsh; two sons, Phil (Karen), Ontario, and Wayne (Darlene); two daughters, Mary (Greg) Legatto and Bonnie, all of Florence. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Meaghanne, Laura, Shana, Chad, Philip, Tina, Gregory, Lesia and Bonnie Corinne; nine great-grandchildren, Chase, Gavin, Sam, Rebecca, Alexis, Aaron, Andrew, Logan and Brandon. Philip is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Simon Peter (1951), brothers, Jim (Ada), Bernie (Millie), Louie, Johnnie, Peter, and sisters, Madeline, Annie and Patricia. At Dad's wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. The funeral mass celebrating his life will take place Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, Florence, with Fr. Thomas John officiating. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow at the Florence Legion. Family flowers only please. Donations in Philip's memory may be made to the Northside Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of one's choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. Dad, we love you and we will miss you with all of our hearts. ****************************************** Eileen Theresa (MacPherson) Bonnar Born in: Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 04/01/1935 Passed away in: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 01/01/2010 It is with deep sadness, that we, the family of Eileen Bonnar, announce her passing on Jan. 1, 2011, at the New Waterford Hospital, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, with her family at her side. Eileen was born in Inverness, Jan. 4, 1935. She was the daughter of the late James and Veronica (MacGillivray) MacPherson. She was employed for over 25 years with the cleaning department at St. Agnes primary school. She was a homemaker who enjoyed being at home and working in her yard. Eileen also enjoyed to walk wherever she needed to go and most days would refuse a ride. She was a member of the New Waterford Pensioners Club and the Sunday Night Legion Dart League. She loved skating, dancing and all types of music. Eileen was a collector of many things and cherished each and every item. With the introduction of Sidney Crosby to the Pittsburgh Penguins team, Eileen became one of the Penguins most avid hockey fans. Eileen is survived by daughters, Lynda Bonnar, Lingan, Heather Ratchford, New Waterford; and son, Tommy (Fran) Bonnar, Scotchtown; brothers, Jim 'Bacon' (Hughena) MacPherson, Gary (Heather) MacPherson; sisters, Patsy MacDonald, Florence 'Flo' MacDonald, Lorraine (Bernie) Jessome, Carol (Mal) Hood; grandchildren, James Bonnar, Megan Ratchford, Tiffany and Keegan Bonnar and one great-grandchild, Sarah Ann Marie Burke. Eileen is also survived by many nieces, nephews and special nephew and friend, Tom Walker. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Bonnar, sister, Myrna Roach, friend and companion, Patrick Drake. Visitation will take place Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A mass of celebration will take place Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. A luncheon in Eileen's honour will be held immediately following at the parish hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. Cremation to follow with interment at a later date in St. Agnes Cemetery. Donations can be made in Eileen's memory to the Children's Wish Foundation or a charity of choice. To express your condolences directly to the family go to www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Don't grieve for me, For God has set me free. ******************************************* Erven Cestnick Born in: Minto, New Brunswick, Canada Passed away in: Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 01/01/2011 Has passed away in Digby, N.S., in hospital on Jan. 1, 2011. He was the son of the late Alois (Louie) Cestnick and Mari (Klohs). Erven was born in Minto, N.B., but resided most of his life in New Waterford. Erven was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne (Destobel) and son, Richard. He is survived by two sisters, Mia Schima and Rosie Furlong; son, Erven Jr.; two daughters-in-law, Catherine (Kathleen Poirier) and Mary (MacDonald), who provided extremely good care for him since he left Cape Breton; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Erven was a Cape Breton coal miner for 45 years and a longtime member of Calvin United Church and the Masonic Lodge in New Waterford. Cremation has taken place under the care of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home Ltd., New Waterford. A family burial at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date. Condolences may be sent to www.mclellanfuneralhome.com or directly to Erven Jr., Smiths Cove, N.S., B0S 1S0, erven@eastlink.ca. ******************************************** Charles Leon Black Born in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 31/12/2010 It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Charlie Black on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Leon and Ella (MacLean) Black. Charlie served in the Navy overseas with the Merchant Marines. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 12. He was employed with Sydney Steel until his retirement, and was the acting chief draftsman. Charlie was the past president of the Red Cross. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Marilyn (Poirier) Crane; his children, Cynthia Watanabe, Seattle, Wash., Joanne Black, Langley, B.C., and Leon (Marie) Black, Langley, B.C.; his stepchildren, Kimberly (Scott) Fitzgerald, Dingwall, Timothy Crane, Sydney. He is also survived by his sister, Loreen Szewczok, Sydney; his pride and joy, his grandchildren who know him as 'Papa Charlie' Amy, Nicole, Jeffery, Megan, Kelli and Taylor; his three great-grandchildren, Kayla, Logan and Landon; two special nieces, April McGrath and Rachelle McGrath as well as his special friend and neighbour, Jack. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. A celebration of life for Charlie will follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Sheldon Chant officiating. Reception to follow. Interment to take place in Hardwood Hill Cemetery, Sydney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre Patient Services Fund. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ****************************************** Mary Yvonne 'Cookie' (Wilkinson) Kane Born in: Lingan, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 30/12/2010 It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mary Kane passed away Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at Taigh Na Mara Nursing Home, Glace Bay, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lingan and formerly of New Aberdeen, Mom was the daughter of the late Eunice Wilkinson. In the last few years of Mom's life, she resided in Seaview Manor and later, Taigh Na Mara where she received very special care from all the compassionate nurses. Mom was a member of St. John's Church, New Aberdeen. In her earlier years she was employed at the Glace Bay General Hospital and at Phalen's Bakery. Mom was a gentle soul who could never do enough for the family. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her grandchildren. Mary will be sadly missed by her three children, Gerard (Marlene), Ontario, Marie (Vaughn), Glace Bay, and Lori Ann, Glace Bay; five cherished grandchildren, Nicole, Andrew, Samantha Kane and Aaron and Adam Latter. Mom is also survived by sisters, Pauline Caverly, New Waterford, Theresa Romard, Boston; and nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Samuel Kane, mother, Eunice Wilkinson, a son in infancy, brothers, Quinlan and Robert Wilkinson, aunts, Melvie (Wilkinson) Barrett and Georgina Wilkinson and special niece, Roberta Wilkinson. Visitation for Mary Kane will be held Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at St. John's Church with Fr. Patrick O'Neill officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall and all are welcome. For those who wish, donations in Mom's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences to the family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ******************************************** Patricia (Robertson) Norman Born in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Florence, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 02/01/2011 Passed away peacefully Jan. 2, 2011, after a short illness. Born in Sydney Mines, N.S., Pat was the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret (Brogan) Robertson, Sydney Mines, N.S. She will be greatly missed by her family, Peggy (Rene) Gaudet, Lower Sackville, N.S., Paula (Donnie) Keeling, Florence, N.S., and Robbie (Giselle) Pero, Sydney Mines, N.S. She was especially proud of her five grandchildren, R.J. Gaudet, Samantha Keeling, Rebeka, Victoria and Jillian Pero, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her sister, Vivian Francis, Sydney Mines, N.S.; nieces, nephews and by her children's father, Lorne Pero. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Anne Webster, her brother, Robert (Sonny) Robertson and her husband, Fred Norman. Pat was a kind-hearted person who loved to read and do her puzzles and crypto quotes. She made sure she fed the birds and took care of her small flower garden that she was so proud of. Pat always made time for her children and grandchildren. In honoring Pat's wishes, there will be no visitation and cremation has taken place. A funeral mass celebrating Pat's life will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, N.S., Thursday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Sandy MacNeil officiating. Family flowers only please. Donations can be made in Pat's memory to the VON or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines, N.S. ******************************************* Robert Gordon McNabb Born in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 01/01/2011 Robert Gordon McNabb, 64, of Windsor, passed away Jan. 1, 2011, after a hard fought battle with Leukemia. Born in Sydney, N.S., he was the son of the late J. Gordon and Phyllis (Austin) McNabb. Educated at Mount Allison University, Rob was a high school teacher for over 30 years, spending the majority of his career at Hants West Rural High. He was also an active member of the Nova Scotia Teachers' Union, serving for many years as a contract negotiator at the provincial level and Treasurer of Hants West local NSTU. Rob will be greatly missed by his wife of 42 years, Susan (MacDougald); daughter, Leslie (Alexander) Crowell, Porters Lake; son, Andrew (Angela), Brooklin, Ont. Also lovingly remembered by brothers, Sandy (Ann Marie), Sydney, Kent (Cathy Plumridge), Sydney; sisters, Judy MacDonald, Truro, and Shirley (John) Ross, Dartmouth; sister-in-law, Nan (Larry) Brophy, Boston; godson, David Fitzgerald (Shimmer Lawrence), Grand Forks, B.C.; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Rob was predeceased by brother-in-law, Jim MacDonald. Our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful care provided by the Hants Community Hospital - the palliative care team, ambulatory care and VON nurses. Special thanks to Bev Lyttle for her kindness and compassion. As per Rob's wishes there will be no visitation, and cremation has taken place. A celebration of Rob's life will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3 in Lindsay's Funeral Home, 194 King St., Windsor. Private interment of ashes to take place at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Halifax office of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, 1660 Hollis St., Suite 305, Halifax, N.S., B3J 1V7 or consider giving the gift of life by donating a pint of blood in Rob's memory. Add your condolence, click on 'Sign Guest Book' at www.lindsaysfuneralhome.com. ****************************************** Robert Hall Clawson Born in: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada Passed away in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 07/09/1923 With great sadness, we announce the very unexpected passing of Robert in Port Hawkesbury on Dec. 29, 2010. Born Sept. 7, 1923 in Charlottetown, P.E.I., he was the son of the late Ernest and Christine (Ross) Clawson. He attended Mount Allison University and graduated from Nova Scotia Technical College in 1949 with a degree in civil engineering. He was employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Highways for 40 years. He was a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia. Robert is survived by daughters, Christine (Michael) O'Leary, Port Hawkesbury, Mary Lou (Ken) Caissie, Halifax, and stepdaughter, Peggy Nicholson, Halifax. He is also survived by grandsons, Michael, Sean and Conor O'Leary, as well as sisters-in-law, Joyce Clawson, Oakville, Ont., and Anna (Tim) MacDonald, Elderbank, N.S.; several nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret B. Clawson in 1998. He was the last surviving member of his family which included his sisters, Frances Carr, Calgary, Isabelle Clawson, Liverpool and brother, Ernie, Oakville, Ont. Arrangements entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. A graveside service will take place at a later date in Englishtown, C.B. Donations to charity of choice. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com. ******************************************* David Joseph Wadden Born in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 31/12/2010 David Joseph Wadden, 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the An Cala unit of the CBRH. David is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (Nauss) Wadden of 43 years and his three children, Laurie (Keith) Sheriff, Noelle (Kenny Reid) Wadden and Mark (Danielle) Wadden, as well as his two granddaughters, Katie and Amy Sheriff. David is also survived by his mother, Lillian (Parsons) Wadden and sisters Willena Warner and Linda Sparrow. David was predeceased by his father, Joseph Wadden and brothers-in-law, George Warner and Phillip Sparrow. Dave was born in Glace Bay and grew up in Donkin. In his early years Dave was an avid baseball and hockey player. Dave was a corrections officer at the Cape Breton Correctional Center for almost 25 years. His passion was enjoying time with his family, especially his granddaughters, Katie and Amy, while running the Mira River on the Tamesis. David was fortunate to have many close friends who remained a great support throughout his courageous battle with cancer. We, the family, would like to thank the caring staff of both the CBRH Cancer Center and the Palliative Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cape Breton Palliative Care Unit or the Oncology Department in memory of David Wadden. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church in Albert Bridge. ******************************************* John 'John John' Cameron Gillis Born in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 06/07/1970 Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 01/01/2011 Beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle died peacefully in his home at Celtic Court on Jan. 1, 2011. Born in Sydney, July 6, 1970, John-John was the son of John and Mary Margaret Gillis and brother of Karen (Travis Payzant), Cathy (Neil MacDonald) and Patricia (Doug Dufour). John-John was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College. He loved music, friends and laughter. He was a former Y's man and life-long Montreal Canadiens fan. Besides his parents and sisters, John-John also leaves behind his maternal grandmother, Hilda MacDonald; two special nephews, Greg and Jack MacDonald; aunts, Margie (Tommy) Hartigan, Colleen (Danny) Johnston, Anne Louise Leith; uncles, Alex (Valerie) MacDonald, Francis (Karen) MacDonald, Peter (Patricia) MacDonald and Danny (Dani) MacDonald and many cousins. He will also be sadly missed by his special godmother, Dale (Tony) Orychock. John-John was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, John and Mayme Gillis, maternal grandfather, Hector MacDonald and his aunts, Laurie McCarron and Bonnie Tobin. Visitation for the late John 'John-John' Cameron Gillis will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass to celebrate John-John's life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Errol MacDonald officiating. Reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations in John-John's memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. John-John was well cared for in the past several years by wonderful nurses and staff at Celtic Court and the staff at the CBRH, particularly 4A and 4C. Online condolences may be sent to www.pierfuneralhome.com. ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org