Cape Breton Deaths January 22, 2011 Saturday There are 4 obituaries published for today. Thomas MacPherson Archie 'Sonny' MacDonald Sara Kennedy Olive Dollimount ******************************************************************************************************* Thomas MacPherson Born in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Born on: 24/11/1937 Passed away in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 19/01/2011 It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Thomas A. MacPherson, announce his passing on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at The Maritime Heart Center in Halifax. Born in Glace Bay on November 24, 1937, Tom was the son of the late Thomas Clark and Gertrude (Boutilier) MacPherson. Tom is survived by his wife and best friend of 52 years, Agnes (Bettens), whom he loved dearly and his four daughters, Claudette (John Taylor), Pamela Zoe, Paulette (Guy Henderson), and Trudy (Keith MacDonald). Tom is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Andree, Lindsay (Scott), Ashley, Amanda, Thomas Mark, Mitchell Clark and Alexandra, and one great grandchild, Zachary. Also left to mourn his passing are brothers, Lem (Donna), Gus (Vera), Mark (Laura), and Danny; sisters, Tootsie French, Isabel Yates, Joan Wells, as well as sisters-in-law Margaret MacPherson, Suzanne (Allen) MacQuarrie, Simone Hayes and brother-in-law Jack (Catherine) Bettens and many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by brothers, William, Johnny, Neil and sister, Emily. Tom was constantly surrounded by his family who cherished their time with him. Tom will also be deeply missed by the many friends he made throughout his life. Tom held a special place in his heart for his long-time friend, John (Darlene) Matheson, with whom he worked closely for many years. A successful and respected businessman, Tom found his niche in the area of construction. He worked throughout Canada and the United States managing major construction projects, returning to his beloved Cape Breton in 1984. Tom was the proud owner of MacPherson Mechanical and a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 682. Tom had a strong work ethic and was a diligent worker. He took great pride in his work and was especially committed to his role in the development and operation of the Donkin Mine project on which he worked until his passing. Tom was community-minded, and was very proud to call Glace Bay his home. He was a strong, grassroots political advocate for the community. Tom had a heart of gold and took pleasure in helping those in need. His kindness and generosity touched the hearts of individuals throughout the Maritimes. Tom enjoyed spending his free time at his fish pond, garden or driving around the countryside, particularly to Loch Lomond. He also had a love for dogs and horses and will be truly missed by his little companion, his dog Rosie. Tom was an avid member of the Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and United States harness racing industry. For many years, he owned and bred Standardbred horses and enjoyed travelling throughout the Maritimes with Agnes to attend the harness races. Tom was honoured for his contributions to racing by Harness Tracks of America. The family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Da's nieces Karen MacPherson (our angel), Cindy Yates and Kyla Coward who gave Da and all of us great love and comfort. Visitation will take place at Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St. Glace Bay on Saturday, January 22 from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, January 23 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral mass, officiated by Father Norman MacPhee, will take place at St. Anthony's Parish, Dominion St. Glace Bay on Monday, January 24 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Tom's memory to The Maritime Heart Center, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The IWK or a charity of your choice. Email condolences to jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca "Our family circle is forever broken" ********************************* Archie 'Sonny' MacDonald Born in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 20/01/2011 It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Archie 'Sonny' MacDonald. Sonny passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Glace Bay Hospital. Born in Glace Bay, Sonny was the son of the late Archibald and Stella (Hampton) MacDonald. Sonny was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, Reserve Mines. He was a proud member of Local 116, Heat & Frost insulators, along with both of his sons. In 1981 Sonny was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Heroism. He was enjoyed spending time with his buddies, playing pool and family time "out at the land". Sonny will be sadly missed by the love of his life and best friend of 42 years, Donna (McNeil) MacDonald, his children, daughter, Kimmy (Rodney), sons, Mick (Priscilla) and Ernie, his adoring grandchildren, Jesse-O, Cody-Ody, his princess, Breah and Brooke. Besides his parents, Sonny was predeceased by his brothers, Roy 'Buddy', John, Angus and Ernie. Visitation for Sonny will be held Monday, January 24, 2011, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at St. Joseph's Parish, Reserve Mines with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating. A reception will be held the parish hall and all are welcome. Cremation will follow. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Donations in Sonny's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences to the MacDonald family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca. To those I love The only thing between us, Whether we are big or small; Is a tiny little heart beat, Just a heartbeat - that is all; So when you're sad and lonely And my death seems so unfair, You will always hear me whisper, "Touch your heart, You'll find me there." Walk Slow *********************************** Sara Kennedy Born in: Iona, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away in: Little Lorraine, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 21/01/2011 Sara A. Kennedy, Little Lorraine passed away on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Iona she was the daughter of the late Joseph & Catherine (MacNeil) MacNeil. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Main-A-Dieu and a member of the Parish CWL. She is survived by her eight children, Mary (Winston) Slade, Westmount, Micheal (Sharon) Kennedy, Sydney, Martin (Elsie) Kennedy, Richmond BC, Brian (Susan) Kennedy, Louisbourg, Anne (Jack) Clare, Calgary, Kevin Kennedy, Little Lorraine, John (Dianne) Kennedy, Little Lorraine and Kenneth (Vernice) Kennedy, Sydney. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Alex M. Kennedy; her daughter Regina; five brothers and seven sisters. The family would like to extend special thanks to her dear friend Laura Webber who was always there for her and was her special angel. Visitation will take place on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Main-A-Dieu from where the Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. with Father Patrick O'Neill officiating. Burial in the Parish Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. No flowers by family request. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca. ************************************ Olive Dollimount Born in: Francois, Newfoundland, Canada Born on: 18/08/1928 Passed away in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed away on: 20/01/2011 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Olive Dollimount at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney. Olive was born at Francois, Nfld., where she resided until moving to Louisbourg in 1952. She worked for many years at the National Sea Products, and was a member of St. Bartholomew's Church. Olive was a life member of the ACW, a past Provincial Worshipful Mistress of True Blue, a faithful member of the LOBA and a member of the Crystal Chapter of the LOA. Olive was also a member of the choir for many years. Olive is survived by her children, Clyde and David, both of Louisbourg, Keith (Audrey), Betty (Mark) Steylen, both of Sydney, Wade, Vancouver; as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Besides her parents, Benjamin and Catherine Skinner, she was predeceased by husband, Raymond Sr.; sons, Raymond Jr. and Gilbert. Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 at St. Bartholomew's Church, Louisbourg from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will take place 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 at St. Bartholomew's Church. Interment to follow in church cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of... ************************************* Extra to the Obituaries: Cape Breton Post January 21, 2011 Friday BY SHARON MONTGOMERY-DUPE smontgomery@cbpost.com Community mourns loss of Tom MacPherson >From page A1 GLACE BAY - A man many referred to as Glace Bay's own Santa Claus, has died. "People like Tom MacPherson don't come along often. His family will certainly be grieving, but the whole community will be grieving as well." Sharon Montgomery-Dupe - Cape Breton Post In a 2001 Cape Breton Post file photo, Tom MacPherson of Glace Bay is seen chatting with Melissa MacKinnon, a student at Glace Bay Elementary School, during one of 12 annual Christmas dinners MacPherson provided for the students at the school. MacPherson, who was known for helping those in need, died Wednesday at a Halifax hospital, with family by his side. Tom MacPherson passed away Wednesday at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, with family by his side. "Tom was a tremendous person," said Glace Bay MLA Geoff MacLellan, who grew up in the same neighbourhood as MacPherson, Table Head. "Tom constantly put his time and money, all his energy into helping people who needed it the most, even complete strangers," MacLellan added. "His family will certainly be grieving, but the community will be grieving as well. "People like Tom MacPherson don't come along often." Cecil Saccary, chair of the Glace Bay and Area Business Association, said MacPherson's death is a huge loss for Glace Bay. "He was always known as a very generous community-minded person," Saccary said. "There was not a discriminating bone in his body." Mike and Marie Ludlow had a first-hand look at MacPherson's generosity. On April 15, 2001, the Ludlow home in Broughton was destroyed by fire. They had no insurance and the couple was homeless. Marie Ludlow said the next thing they knew MacPherson was rallying the community to rebuild their house. "We told him we didn't have any money," said Ludlow. "He said not to worry, it would be all looked after." Hundreds of people took part. "I am still in awe over what he did for us," she added. For 12 years, MacPherson provided Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to students at Glace Bay Elementary School. " Tom would call and say, 'Whatever you need for the dinner go and get it and then come see me,' said Susie Royal, head of the cafeteria. "One year during the dinner the children came down and presented him with a Christmas card. "He actually cried and said, 'Now this is what it is all about.'" During one of those dinners, MacPherson was interviewed by the Cape Breton Post and he said he remembered as a little boy Santa Claus not coming to his home. "If this gives one child some enjoyment, it is worth it," MacPherson said during that interview. He was a big supporter of children's hospitals, the IWK in Halifax and the Janeway in Newfoundland and Labrador and every year he treated the local war brides to the Glace Bay Summerfest Among Our Souvenirs dinner. Joe Curry of Glace Bay, a former member of Glace Bay Summerfest, got to know MacPherson well. " There was no selling him on things, he was proud of his community and helped us with anything we needed to do with the 100th anniversary of Glace Bay and even after that he helped us," Curry said. "His wife Agnes, she serves on the altar at St. Anthony's, she is a giver herself, the two of them are people who are volunteers, always looking out for the needy." MacPherson owned a construction company. He was an active member of the Conservative party and in 2009 ran unsuccessfully as a PC candidate in the provincial election. In 2006, MacPherson was presented with the annual Carl (Campy) Crawford Award which symbolizes leadership, volunteerism, sportsmanship and equality in the community. ******* As well, Tom's brother, Neil's obit from 2009 - Calgary, Alta (Calgary Herald) MacPherson, Neil Neil MacPherson of Calgary died at Extendicare Cedars Villa on Friday, June 26, 2009 at the age of 78 years, following a brief illness after being diagnosed with dementia in 2007. Neil was born on May 22, 1931 in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, NS, fourth of twelve children to Thomas Clarke MacPherson, a coal miner, and his wife Gertrude (née Boutilier). He grew up in Glace Bay during the Great Depression and the Second World War, experiencing, but not at all comprehending, a Cape Breton church service conducted entirely in Gaelic as late as 1942. In February 1951, Neil volunteered at age 19 for active service in the Korean War with The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). He saw regular infantry combat as a Bren gunner in 1951-1952, including the Battle of Hill 355 ("Little Gibraltar") with "D" Company of the 1st Battalion in October 1952; his younger brother Gus also served with him in the RCR during the war. Neil twice narrowly escaped being killed by enemy mortar fire; once when a near-miss blew off his shirt except for the cuffs and collar, and another time when his bunker was demolished by a direct hit shortly after he left it earlier than usual to fetch his breakfast. In another incident, he and a fellow Canadian guided an American lieutenant and some of his men out of a minefield that the Americans had entered by accident; in gratitude, the lieutenant arranged to give Neil's unit a much sought-after jeep. Neil later qualified as an Active Force paratrooper with the RCR in the dedicated airborne role, serving as part of the NATO forces in West Germany during 1953-1955. As an acting junior non-commissioned officer, he normally sent the bulk of his monthly pay home to Glace Bay, enabling his family to build an addition to their house. He was Honourably Discharged at Wolseley Barracks, London, Ontario in February 1957 having earned the Canadian Korean Medal, the UN Service Medal for Korea, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea and the Special Service Medal with "NATO" clasp. He and his wife Orma Belle (née Millman) were married in December 1962 in Prince Edward Island, having two sons, Nelson (b. 1963 in Calgary) and Andrew (b. 1966 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island). Neil and Orma were married just over thirty-eight years, with Orma offering selfless dedication and support to her husband and family under often trying circumstances. Neil resided permanently in Calgary since 1973, working in a variety of occupations until he was awarded a veteran's pension for disabilities acquired during his war-time service. Orma predeceased him there, dying of cancer on January 7, 2001. Neil is survived by his sons; his brothers, Gus, Mark, Daniel, and Thomas; and his sisters, Gertrude, Isabel, and Joan. Graveside Services will be held at Queen's Park Cemetery (3219 - 4th Street NW, Calgary) on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Nelson and Andrew would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Extendicare Cedars Villa, particularly those in the Poplar Unit and especially unit manager Lee Ann Luciano. Their care and attention to Neil since 2007 has been exemplary, and Lee Ann's special understanding of Neil assured that he experienced the most comfortable and happy life possible throughout his residence there. In living memory of Neil MacPherson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296. ******************************************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgen.org