Cape Breton Deaths October 20, 2008 Monday Grant H. Crabtree Margaree/Sydney, N.S. - Reluctantly, in his 96th year, smothered with love and enjoying it to the last possible second, our dearest Grant departed Tuesday evening, Oct.14, as the clouds flew past that perfect full moon, within view, and while a cu mor glas wandered beneath his windows. Ti amo per sempre. One of Canada's pioneer filmmakers, director and cinematographer. A mighty heart with a personality to match, he survived over four months in ICU, in a heroic struggle to overcome multiple hospital infections. He just didn't have time to be the good patient, too many things beckoned: eagles and hummingbirds, chanterelles, his asparagus and crabapple jelly, lunch at the Cedar House, entertaining His Girls. Grant grew up in Rockliffe, Ottawa, in a boisterous, creative family with both parents being artists, from a long line of artists. His mother, Ella Greenham studied at the Royal Academy with John Singer Sargent; her father was Queen Victoria's Chief of Security. Her family had three lines of descent from Edward I through the Howards, Dukes of Norfolk. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire they ran the port of Trieste, partied with the Bonapartes and had portraits painted. His father was art director at Notman's in Montreal and then ran his own engraving business in Ottawa. Grant's first film job was an offer from John Grierson of the NFB in 1939. His career spanned six decades and his films won many awards. He filmed in Quebec with Palardy and Barbeau and A.Y. Jackson; in Emily Carr country for Klee Wyck; on the Columbian icefield, in Resolute and Pond Inlet; in logging camps and national parks; with wheat scientists and marine biologists, Ukrainian farmers and new immigrants, the Saguenay, the South Saskatchewan; with Helen Creighton for Songs of Nova Scotia and on the last of the Grand Banks schooners. He made the classic "Loon's Necklace "and "Morning on the Lievre" and films for children and about children; Scandinavia, Britain, U.S.A. He went everywhere where there was a story to be told about the promise of a youthful Canada. His life was lived in the outdoors: a championship rower at the Edinburgh Canoe Club, hockey, building backyard rinks and log cabins and ski runs in the Gatineau; evenings of screening rushes and broomball and hilarity at Meech Lake; making maple syrup every spring until he was 94; countless canoe trips, hikes, picnics and stopping in for tea. He could identify every tree, wildflower and mushroom. But the love of his life was Cape Breton, begun in 1942, never diminished, especially for the Margaree and its people. He taught himself woodworking and learned to make ladderback chairs with his beloved Ernest Hart at the Northeast. He adored his neighbours, Albert Polycarp fiddling at sunset, Levi the superb artist in wood, John Joe the master sheep shearer and storyteller. He was always along the river and shore with camera, searching for the perfect light. Grant had a superb 'eye' and his passion was nature photography. He made many films here and never wanted to be very far from his home high above the River at East Margaree. In old age, when he couldn't fish and climb his hill and go to the beach, he looked after his roses, made marmalade and maple liqueur and pursued his Red Green projects, enchanting and inspiring his grandchildren with stories and full of humour. He has left a wonderful library of photos and donations to the National Archives. His last film, Song of Seasons (1977) is a love song to an innis aigh, his own piece of heaven. He was married for 50 years to his beautiful wife, Marjorie Morse (2000) of Toronto. He is survived by daughters, Lauren (Kenzie) MacNeil, Ankerville Street, Sydney (his other home), and by Carla Kalberlah, Halifax; grandchildren, Caitriana, Christie, Mary, Anna MacNeil and Kyle, Vanessa, Andrea and Ryan Tingley; great-grandchildren, Marcos Alej, Nicholas and Alexandra. The family will be at home at 839 East Margaree Rd., Saturday, Nov. 1, 12-6. All welcome. Donations appreciated to the Margaree Salmon Association: margareesalmon.ca. Lord of the mountains, dark with pine Lord of the fields of smoking snow Grant to this vagrant heart of mine A path of wood where my feet may go . . . From Song of the Ski -W. MacDonald ------------------------------------------------------------------------ T. Rose Gale (Campbell Jan. 30, 1930-Oct. 18, 2008 Sydney, N.S. - It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Theresa 'Rose' Gale (Campbell), late of 312 Esplanade, Sydney, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, surrounded by her family at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital following a brief illness. Rose was born in Millville, N.L., and was the second youngest of 13 children born to the late Isidore and Annie (McInnis) Gale. She was a member of Sacred Heart parish in Sydney. Rose moved to Sydney in 1950 and worked for many years at Crowells. She later moved to Woodstock, Ont. where she worked for Bell Canada as a telephone operator. She moved back to Cape Breton in 1960 and stayed at home to raise her Girls. Rose returned to work at the Sydney City Hospital in 1975 as switchboard operator until her retirement in 1993. Rose has touched many lives and will be fondly remembered as someone who enjoyed life to its fullest with fun, laughter and dancing. Mom was always ready for a game of cards. To know her was to love her! Rose is survived by her three loving daughters, Sharon Thorne (and her fiancé Robin Campbell), Deborah Campbell (and her partner-in-life, Jerry Ryan), and Sheila (Mike) MacGillivary, all of Sydney. Nana is also survived by five grandchildren, Erica, Amanda, Michael (our only boy), Brianna and Danielle. G-G is also survived by three great-granddaughters, Theresa, Ashlynn and Rachel. Rose is also survived by her sister, Loretta Bauer, of Sydney and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Rose was predeceased by her husband, Leo Campbell (1992), two sisters, Mary McNeil and Margaret Gale (in infancy), and nine brothers, Gus, Arthur, John Francis, Isidore, Tom, Michael, Aiden, Joseph and Matthew. Rose's family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the City Homemakers Society for the wonderful care they have given to Mom over the past number of years which enabled her to live in her own home and maintain her independence. We also appreciate the medical support provided by the VON while Mom was at home. Rose's children would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff at the ICU in Glace Bay and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for the excellent care provided to Mom while she was in hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Ajayi and Dr. Wong for your valiant efforts on Mom's behalf. And of course thank you to Dr. Mike Ryan for his continued care and support for Mom over the years. Visitation for Mom will take place at S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 5-9 p.m. The funeral arrangements are being planned and details will follow. As it was Mom's wish to be laid to rest next to our father, burial will take place in the St. Columba Parish Cemetery in Iona overlooking the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes. Donations in Mom's memory can be made to the St. Columba Church Building Fund, Iona, or a charity of choice. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.com. God Bless you, Mom! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wilfred Eric Durant 97, Glace Bay - Wilfred Eric Durant, 97, of Gannon Street, Glace Bay, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Hunters River, P.E.I., Eric was the son of the late John And Emily (Myers) Durant. He was a member of St. Mary's Anglican Church, Glace Bay. Eric was a former member of St. Mary's Senior Men's Club and loved participating in their singing sessions. Eric served in the Canadian Military from 1939 to 1945 and was a veteran of the Second World War serving overseas in France, England, Belgium, Germany and was involved in the Liberation of Holland. A painter by trade, he worked for over 51 years in the business. He was employed with Burke & Chiasson Painting Contractors and later was hired as a painting foreman with Northern Affairs at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Eric loved to travel even if it was just to go on his evening drives in his car with his best friend and wife, Ella. Eric will be remembered as a loving and compassionate father who was always proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of over 75 years, the former Ella Thoms and their four children. They include his daughter, Leone (Albert) Blois, Glace Bay, granddaughter, Charlene (Gerard) Blois, great-granddaughter, Erica Stevens, great-grandson, Devin and great great-granddaughter, Fallyn. Eric's next daughter is Alma (William) Walker, Sydney River, grandson, Wilfred (Mariam) Walker, granddaughter Lisa (David) MacLellan, great-granddaughter, Courtney Walker, grandson, Derek (Shirin) Walker and great-grandson, Ryan Walker. Eric is survived by his two sons who also followed in their father's footsteps as a painter, they are Edison 'Ed' (Sandra) Durant, Lingan, and Carvle, (Chermaine 'Sis' (Boone) Durant who passed away in 1987), Glace Bay, grandson, Eric (Diane), great-granddaughter, Jenna, grandson, Blair (Kathy), grandson, Glen (Vickie) and granddaughters, Wanda Durant, Donna (Allen) MacLean as well as several nieces and nephews. Left to mourn Eric's passing are siblings Hilda and Clifford, both in Ontario. Eric was predeceased by five sisters, Muriel, Elsie, Frances, Dorothy, Vera and one brother, Michael. Visitation will be held Monday, Oct. 20 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral service officiated by Rev. Vernon Reid is Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Anglican Church followed by interment in the parish cemetery which is located on Maple Avenue, Glace Bay. Veterans will gather in front of the church to form an honour guard for their departed comrade. All are invited to join the family for a reception at St. Mary's Parish Hall. As an expression of sympathy for Eric donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolences to the family can be expressed through the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home website: www.vjmcgillivray.net. The Durant Family would like to express a sincere thank you to the New Waterford Homemakers, Breton Caregivers and the VON. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kevin Musgrave 58, Westmount - It is with a deep sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and brother Roy Kevin Musgrave, 58, a resident of Skyway Drive, Westmount on Saturday, Oct.18, 2008, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in North Sydney he was a son of the late William T. and Marie A. (MacInnis) Musgrave. Kevin was employed as a train engineer with Canadian National Railway and later with Railteck until retirement. He was a member of the Westmount United Church. Kevin is survived by his wife, Mary Lou 'Susie' (Young) Musgrave; two sons, Kevin, Alberta, and William, North Sydney; seven brothers, Floyd (Patricia) Musgrave, Gary Musgrave, Russell (Colleen) Musgrave, Daryl Musgrave, David (Mary) Musgrave, Fred 'Buddy' (Margaret) Musgrave and Wayne Musgrave; one sister, Deborah (Jim) MacPhee (Musgrave); also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and special friends. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Brian Musgrave and William Musgrave Jr. in infancy. No visitation by request. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney, with Rev. Genevieve Trudel officiating. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bras d'Or. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Madonna (MacKinnon) Coleski 71, Sydney Mines - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Madonna Melvina Coleski, 71, on Oct. 18, 2008, at the Northside General Hospital. Born in Sydney Mines, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Nelda (Roy) MacKinnon. She was a member of Immaculate Conception parish, Sydney Mines. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle, Banff, Alta., Mary, and Joanne (Butch), both of Sydney Mines; her sons, Mike (Arlene), Halifax, Hoss (Ella), Millville, Blair (Leigh-Anne), Windsor, N.S., Chris (Mary), and Devin, both of Sydney Mines; sisters, Johnena (Robert) Moore, Woburn, Mass., Margaret O'Neil, Truro, Jean Cantwell, Jimima Campbell, Florence Johnson, all of Sydney Mines; brothers, Andrew (Agnes), Francis (Louise), both of Sydney Mines; and several grandchildren. Madonna was predeceased by her husband, Michael Coleski, sons, Brian and Gerard, sisters, Anne Rita Morrison, Marie and brother, John Archie MacKinnon. Visitation for Madonna Coleski will be held in J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass to celebrate her life will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Hughie MacNeil officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, Sydney Mines. Online condolences may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vasco Marcon 73 Sydney River - Vasco Marcon, 73, of Sydney River formerly of Dominion passed away Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Dominion, he was the son of the late Ricardo and Josephine Marcon. Vasco is survived by daughter, Dana Marcon (Francis LeFort); son, Paulo Marcon; stepdaughters, Terry Wells and Kay Cooper, both of Ontario; brother, Mario Marcon (Elsie); grandchildren, Patrick and Jordyn and also by nephew, Paul Marcon (Swati) and their son Justin. He was predeceased by his wife, Dolly Marcon. There will be no visitation by request. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River with Fr. Will MacPherson officiating. Interment will be in St. Eugene's Cemetery, Dominion. Memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca or www.mem.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Norma Jean (Sellars) Cadden - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Jean (Sellars) Cadden on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Dartmouth Regional Hospital in Dartmouth, N.S. Norma was born in New Waterford, C.B., N.S., Nov. 28, 1943. She was a member of Calvin United Church. Norma was known for her fun spirit and high scholastic achievement in school. In her youth, she was on the student council and was a valued member of the Central School basketball team, helping her team to win several championships. Norma was an honorary student at college in Toronto, Ont. She was a loving mother to her daughter Sally. Life was not kind to Norma, but through her times of adversity, she would always greet people with a sweet, genuine smile and was extremely kind and giving. Norma is survived by her daughter, Sally Joan Cadden, Toronto, Ont.; her sister, Joan (Danny) MacDonald, West Bay, N.S.; her brothers, Gordon, Toronto, Earl (Millie), Belleville, Ont. and many nieces, nephews and cousins and friends. Cremation has taken place. There will be a service Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. at Calvin United Church, New Waterford, N.S. Following will be a graveyard service at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvin United Church, or to a charity of your choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ George Raymond Duffney 1927 - 2008 - It is with great sadness we announce that Ray Duffney (as he was known to all) passed away on the morning of Oct., 17, 2008, at Brampton Civic Hospital after fighting a long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie (Holland) Duffney and his brother, Pius (Pat) Duffney. He is survived by his sister, Theresa (Duffney) Whalen; his three children, George, Ken (JoAnne) and Karen (Gord) Rees; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and his devoted 'Puddy' cat. Ray loved music, good food, a cold beer and anything involving his family and friends. Ray loved to play his favourite tunes on his guitar whenever there was a get together and loved to win a couple of bucks in a card game. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Tributes to the family may be made at www.mem.com. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org