Cape Breton Deaths August 21, 2008 Thursday Irene (Renie) Elizabeth Gay 91, Glace Bay - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Gay at the QE II in Halifax on Aug. 17, 2008, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Birmingham, England, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Annie Malin. Irene, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother will be greatly missed by her loved ones. Irene is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Robert (Bob) Gay; her children, Bob, Sharon (James), Carolyn (Mike), Jerry (Patrice), Sheldon (Cathy), Glenn (Laura Lee). Just three months ago, Irene lost her son Alex. Also left behind are three sisters, Clara, Edie and Elsie; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also leaving her precious cats Buffy and Whitey, who were her best friends. Irene devoted her life to her family. She found great joy in the singing and guitar playing her family provided on family get-togethers. Irene will be most remembered for her love of plants and flowers and her kindness to all animals. Family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of the QE II, unit 8.1 and Melville Lodge Halifax for the wonderful care they provided. There will be a memorial service Friday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. at Patten Funeral Home & Chapel, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520. Donations may be made in Irene's memory to the Arthritis Association. Condolences may be sent to patten@seaside.ns.ca. "Renie - Mom, you will always be in our hearts. We will Love You Eternally." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rev. Murdoch Joseph MacLean 88, Antigonish - Rev. Murdoch Joseph MacLean, 88, of St. F.X. University, Antigonish, passed away Aug. 19, 2008, in St. Martha1s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by his family members. Born in Bay St. Lawrence, Victoria Co., he was a son of the late Capt. James and Alice (Capstick) MacLean. Fr. Murdoch was a graduate of Bay St. Lawrence High School. He attended Provincial Normal School, Truro, graduating in 1939. He graduated with a BA degree from St. F.X.U. in 1946. He attended Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax and was ordained to the Priesthood at St. Ninian's Cathedral on June 3, 1950, by Most Rev. John R. MacDonald. He then served as assistant on loan at Blacks Harbour, N.B. and at St. Bride's parish, Camden Heath, Scotland. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy from Fordam University, North York. He served on the staff of St. Francis Xavier University for over 34 years, mainly in the education department. During his tenure he also served on loan to the Arch Diocese of Ottawa at St. Lawrence Prepatory Seminary and later at St. Pius X Prepatory Seminary. Upon retirement, Fr. Murdoch assumed responsibility for Sunday Mass at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish. He is survived by brother, Rev. James MacLean, Sydney; sister, Mrs. Mary (Sidney) Walsh, Sydney and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Neil and Tom, sisters, Mary F. (Peter) Cooke, Alice (Alex) Cooke, Sr. James Marie MacLean, CSM and Evelyn Rita in infancy. Visitation will be at Morrison Hall, St. F.X. University on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 1-6 p.m. from where the remains will be transferred to St. F.X. Chapel for a celebration of Vigil at 7 p.m., followed by visitation until 9 p.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel with Most Reverend Raymond Lahey and priests of the Diocese presiding. Burial will follow in St. Ninian1s Cemetery, Antigonish. Arrangements are entrusted to the C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donald 'Donnie' Musgrave 68, Sydney - With broken hearts and beautiful memories, we regret to announce the passing of Donald James 'Donnie' Musgrave, 68, of Glenda Crescent, Sydney, who passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Leitches Creek, he was a son of the late James and Sadie (MacSween) Musgrave. Donnie worked at North Sydney Marine Railway, bar mill at Sysco, Powers Brothers, J.W. Rudderham and was a previous partner at A.B. Mechanical Co., Ltd. He was on the board of managers and property committee at Bethel Presbyterian Church, where he served as an usher. He also served on the sheet metal advisory board. Donnie was an avid fan of his beloved Oilers, Eagles, Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Surviving are his wife, Joyce; daughter, Alison (Clyde) MacDonald, Whitney Pier; Brent (Laurie), Sydney, and Jeff, Toronto. He was 'Poppy' to his four grandchildren, Austin, Bryceson, Mariah and Victoria. Donnie was predeceased by his sisters, Florence 'Sis' Morrison, Eileen 'Peek' MacArthur and Winnifred MacMullin and brothers, Willie, Harold, Bertie, Horace, Gerald, Russell and Angus. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Donnie is at rest now and has gone to be with his Lord. "It's never easy to say goodbye and let go of that hand." Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel, today (Thursday, Aug. 21) 7-9 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 22, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. with Rev. Robert Lyle officiating. Interment in Calvin United Cemetery, Upper Leitches Creek. Memorials may be made to the Bethel Presbyterian Furnace Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alfred James 'Junior' Blois Glace Bay - With heavy hearts, we, the family of Alfred James 'Junior' Blois, announce his passing on Aug. 20, 2008, at the Glace Bay General Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Glace Bay, Junior was the son of the late Alfred Sr. and Christina (MacPhee) Blois. He was a member of St. Leo's Church, Glace Bay. He retired in 1989 from Devco, after 28 years as a miner. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary 'Suey'; his sons, Gerard (Charlene), Jimmy (Jen) and Glen (Jodi); and his beloved grandchildren, Devin, Ryan, Cory and Shannon. Junior also leaves behind his brothers, Reggie (Glenda), Jackie (Sally), Jerry and Lawrence (Colleen); and his sisters, Dorothy Podgurski, Sylvia (Deucie) Wrice, Rose Baldwin, Eleanor (Graham) Brownell, Rita (Keith) Mulvey and Linda (Jerry) Croney; many nephews, nieces and friends. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Curry's Funeral Home, Glace Bay. A Funeral Mass of Resurrection celebrating Junior's life will be held Monday, 11 a.m. at St. Leo's Church, Rev. John J. MacIntyre officiating. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit. E-mail condolences to jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Charles Harold Watters Oct. 10, 1934-April 18, 2008 - Charles Harold Watters was born on Oct. 10, 1934, in Glace Bay, N.S. He passed away April 18, 2008, at home in Grand Forks, British Columbia, with his loving partner, Marj McClelland, by his side. He is survived by his children, Kimberley and Charlene, Scarborough, Donna (and Bill), Scotland, David (and Darlene), California; and one grandchild, Matthew, Scarborough. He is also survived by his siblings, Margie Myette, Nova Scotia, Elizabeth Virgin, Sarnia, James (and Ann), Scarborough, Danny (and Pat), Toronto, Al (and Gail), Ontario and Pat (and Archie), Newfoundland. There will be a celebration of Charlie's life on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. Interment to follow at St. Anne's cemetery. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kenneth Thomas Bonnar - Peacefully in his sleep, at the Henderson General Hospital, with his family by his side, on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at the age of 65. Beloved husband of Pearl for 45 years. Loving father of Charlotte (Sonny), Karen (Dan), Ken (Naomi), Bill (Leona) and Ed (Suzy), and Buttons. Much loved Poppie of Crystal, Linda, Heather, Danny, Kristopher, Michelle, Brandon, Sarah, Samantha, Kenny, Rose, Marisa, Eden, Ronnie, Megan, Tommy and Austin. Brother of Betty, Bill (Shirley) and John (Irene). Will be sadly missed by mother-in-law, Sadie, in-laws, Doreen (George), John (Karen) and George Junior (Diane). Will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and his many friends. Visitation will be held at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Dr., Stoney Creek, Ont., L8G 3N3, Friday, Aug. 22 at 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service Saturday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Robert J. Fraser Age 76 - Robert J. Fraser, 76, passed away on Aug. 18, 2008, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Tucson, Ariz. He was the son of Gerald and Mary (Burke) Fraser (deceased) of Sydney, N.S. He is survived by wife, Mary (Murphy); daughter, Deborah (Chris Barron); son, Robert J. (Jr.) and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Nelson (Betty), Montana, Basil (Mary), Sydney, Jerry (Linda), Ontario, and Edgar (Bernadette), Antigonish. He was predeceased by sister, Gloria. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sharon Elisabeth Matheson 52, Reserve Mines - It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our dear sister, loving mother to Scott (Stacey) and aunt to many nieces and nephews, at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, after a lengthy illness. Sharon was the daughter of the late Alexander and Violet (Jackson) Matheson. Sharon was a fun-loving person. She was a member of Gordon United Church. Sharon is also survived by sisters, Mevy (Brian), Diane (Fabe) Martin, Christina (Dave) Pastuck, Ethel (Elmer) Cameron, Donna (Don) McEllistrum and brothers, Russell (Marie), Dan (Brenda), Brian (Mary), Alex (Joyce). She was also survived by longtime companion, Al Arsenault. Sharon was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara, Eileen and brothers, Freddie, Sandy, Darryel, Wayne and Blair. At Sharon's request, there will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held a Gordon United Church, Reserve Mines, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Martha MacDonald officiating. Burial will be in Gordon United Cemetery, Reserve Mines. Condolences may be sent to patten@seaside.ns.ca or online at www.mem.com. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org