Cape Breton Deaths November 13, 2008 Thursday Denis John Cassivi 63, Howie Centre - Well-known Canadian educator and author, Denis John Cassivi, passed away at the age of 63, on Nov. 11, 2008, in Sydney, N.S., following a lengthy but valiant battle with cancer. The son of the late Armand L. Cassivi originally of Cap-Aux-Os, Que., and Jennie (McDuff) Cassivi, originally of Guysborough, N.S., he is survived by his loving spouse, Colleen (Molloy); his first daughter, Angela D'Souza (husband Darren) and their two children, Kayleigh and Jacob; his second daughter, Christine; his brothers, Louis (wife Louise), Courtney, B.C., David (wife Susan), Windsor, Ont.; his sister, Betty (husband Frank Regan), Boston, Mass. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Donald Molloy and his wife Betty, Dartmouth, N.S.; and sister-in-law, Sharon and her husband, Andrew Monroe, Halifax, N.S.; and several nieces and nephews. Denis was born in Halifax, N.S. He graduated from St. Mary's University High School and later from SMU with a BA in political science, bachelor of education and his MA in education. His early teaching career included various high schools throughout the province, as well as St. Mary's University, Mount St. Vincent University and McGill University in Montreal. He was a visiting scholar at Cambridge University in England, where he was associated with Clair College and the Cambridge Institute of Education. In 1979, he was appointed program director of continuing education at the University College of Cape Breton in Sydney, N.S., and completed a 20-year career with the university. During this period he was appointed research assistant for the Royal Commission on Post Secondary Education in Nova Scotia. He became registrar at UCCB in 1994. Denis established Angeline Enterprises, a private consulting company, advising on matters in education, research and community development. At the time of his passing he was proudly associated with New Dawn Enterprises, Sydney, where he had been director of Highland Resources College and the New Dawn Foundation. His achievements in the field of education include the establishment of the first Teacher's Centre in the Atlantic Provinces in Linkletter, P.E.I., the founding of the Children's Centre at UCCB; the founding of the Center for Leadership Development at UCCB; the establishment of the Advanced Level Diploma Programs in English Communications, Curriculum, Educational Leadership and Counselling. Denis authored three books and several scholarly papers in the field of education. He was recently awarded a doctoral fellowship for study at the University of London, England. Denis's entire adult life was spent in the field of education and particularly in adult education and community development. His special interest was in promoting critical thinking for active, mature participation in the community by confronting superstition, bigotry, prejudice and greed. Denis will be sorely missed by the educational and academic community. The most painful void however, will be felt by his spouse, Colleen and daughters, Angela and Christine, who basked in his inspiring optimism, and faithfully stood with him through his courageous battle with cancer. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering to remember Denis will be held Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, from 6-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River, Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Will MacPherson officiating. Interment to follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, N.S. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca or www.mem.com. Donations in his memory to Cape Breton Palliative Care or a charity of choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Harold William (Bill) MacLeod 70, Glace Bay/Westmount - It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce the sudden death of our deeply loved husband, brother and father, Bill, on Nov. 11, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Glace Bay, Feb. 14, 1938, to the late Howie and Vicky (Wheeler) MacLeod. He was the previous owner of Victoria Haven Home for Special Care in Glace Bay from its founding in 1969 to his retirement in 1998. He graduated in 1961 from the former General Hospital on Brookside Street as the second male registered nurse in Glace Bay. In his youth, he was lucky enough to be chosen to represent the Canadian Boy Scouts and travelled to England to meet the Queen. He was also involved in the militia for a short period. In his later years, he was involved with the Kinsmen of Glace Bay, Wallace's Road. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Marilyn (Tutty); son, Stephen (Mary), and daughter, Kim (Gary) Cochrane, all of Glace Bay; and Debbie, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Cierena, Steven and Zara. He is survived by his sister, Joan Morrison, Glace Bay; and brother, Fred (Jo), Vancouver, B.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Dee (Alexander) Morrison, sister-in-law, Diane (Tutty) Conrod and nephew, Randy Morrison. We are forever grateful to the wonderful and caring individuals of the emergency and ICU departments of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or charity of one's choice. Visitation for the late Bill MacLeod will take place Friday, Nov. 14 at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520, from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to be held Saturday, Nov. 15 in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Forrest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney-Glace Bay Highway. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Della Rose Gaskell 89, Bras d'Or - Della Rose (Devoe) Gaskell, 89, of Bras d'Or, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at the Northside Community Guest Home, surrounded by her sons, Thomas (Agnes), David (Delores) and grandchildren, TJ and Shannon Lea. Della was a resident of the guest home for several years, having suffered a stroke in May 2004. Born in Alder Point, she was the daughter of the late, Fred and Henrietta (Doucet) Devoe. A member of the St. Joseph's parish, Bras d'Or, she is survived by her two sons, Thomas (Agnes), David (Delores); grandchildren, Shannon Lea (Lorne) Smith, Brampton, TJ, Bras d'Or, Sandy (Ray) Boyer, David Jr. (Nancy) and Thomas (Lucy), great-grandchildren, Nadine, Miranda and Rae-Lyn, all of St. Catharines. Also surviving are sisters, Sebina MacDonald, Mary Fry, Mary Eva Ough; and brothers, Clarence, Russell, William and Thomas. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas in 1985, two infant daughters, sisters, Bernadette Doyle, Elsie Marsh and Margaret Chapman, brothers, Hubert, Ernest, Elmer and Charles, as well as a brother in infancy. Della, a former seniors club member, enjoyed visiting, bingo and a 'cup of tea' with her numerous friends, as well as the company of her grandchildren and special kids Cheryl and Milton Howley. Della, a kind and generous woman, will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Visitation will be held at Francis Funeral Home, in Sydney Mines, from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Friday with the funeral mass to be held at St. Joseph's Church, Bras d'Or, Saturday at 10:30 a.m. under the direction of Fr. Peter McLeod. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph's Cemetery or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mary Margaret (Marg) Cyples Bridgewater - It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Mary Margaret Cyples at her home in Bridgewater on Nov. 11, 2008, at the age of 83. Born in London, Ont., she was the daughter of the late Wilbert W. and Florence H. (Wilson) Scott. Marg was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She enjoyed a game of golf with friends and family and was an above average bridge and cribbage player and also a good solver of crossword puzzles. Left to grieve is her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Ed; children, Alan (Nancy), Bridgewater, Karen Ward, Howie Centre; grandchildren, Jason, Matthew (Stephanie), Ryan, Jessica and Jolene; also many nieces and nephews and in-laws. Besides her parents, Marg was predeceased by her brother, Jack W. Scott. There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request. Funeral service Friday at 2 p.m. in Bridgewater United Church, Bridgewater. Rev. George MacLean officiating. A private family interment will follow in Brookside Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Bridgewater United Church CE Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Lung Association or Bridgewater United Church. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shirley J. Postlethwaite 76, Prime Brook It is with deep regret that we, the family, announce the passing of Shirley Postlethwaite on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine (Young) Long. Shirley was employed at the MacGillivary Guest Home until her retirement. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her grandchildren and held a special place in her heart for her grandson, John, who she helped raise. Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Rose and Debbie (Brian); three sons, Eddie (Penny), George (Arlene) and Blair. She is also survived by her five sisters, eight brothers, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, George Edward in 1977, and her brothers, Roy and Arthur. There will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home Chapel, with Fr. Donald MacGillivary officiating. Interment to follow in Hardwood Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stewart Buddington 'Buddy' MacLeod Baddeck, Victoria County - Stewart Buddington 'Buddy' MacLeod of Baddeck, Victoria County, N.S., made his debut on the 'Fairway to Heaven,' Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. Born on Dec. 3, 1930, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Buddy was the son of the late Kenneth Angus 'Kennie George' and Armenia Harriet 'Minnie Rice' MacLeod. He was a member of St. Mark's Lodge, Baddeck. Dad was well known for his work with eagles while employed by the Department of Lands and Forests. He was an avid curler and had a great passion for the sport of golf as a member of the Highland Links and Bell Bay clubs. He was well known, loved and respected in all aspects of his life. He is survived by son, Stewart (Stemer) MacLeod; daughters, Minerva (Merrill) MacInnis and Patricia (Bill) Stephens; brother, George and sister, Laureen (Blaine) Boyd. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Michelle, John, Greg, Jeremy, Armenia, Jenessa, Charlotte and Logan and great-grandchildren, Zion, Jack, Kali and Sophia. All who spent many happy times with him. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Janet Isabel (MacLeod) and son, Baby John in infancy. His body is entrusted to MacAskill's Funeral Home with visitation 2-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, and funeral 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at Knox Presbyterian Church, Baddeck, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Cameron Brett. Interment in the Highland's Cemetery, Plaster Mines. Family flowers only, please, with donations to the Victoria County Hospice Society in lieu of flowers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donald Gordon MacDonald Havelock - At Campbellford Memorial Hospital on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, Don MacDonald of Havelock in his 77th year. Beloved husband of Joyce Isabel Burns. Dear father of Susan Gail MacDonald, Sault Ste. Marie, Donna Marie Killby, Mississauga and Gregory MacDonald, Port Hope. Loved by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Brother of Charles, Robert, Beth, Annie and Margaret. Visiting was held at the Brett 'Havelock' Chapel from 7-9 p.m., Wednesday with legion service at 6:45 p.m. Service today (Thursday) at 11 a.m., Rev. David Estabrooks officiating. If desired, donations may be made (by cheque only) to the Campbellford Cat Scan Fund. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org