Cape Breton Deaths December 02, 2008 Tuesday Daniel William Almon Sept. 8, 1918-Nov. 24, 2008 - Daniel William Almon, P.Eng., died peacefully in Halifax, on Nov. 24, 2008, surrounded by his family. Born in Sydney on Sept. 8, 1918, he was a son of the late Strickland and Mary Ann (MacDonald) Almon; and is survived by his sons, Alan (Carol), Calgary, Daniel (Deborah), Michael (Ann), David, all of Halifax, Kenneth (Sharon), Dartmouth; daughter, Christene (Peter Wade), Dartmouth; grandchildren, Dr. Kirsten Almon, Dr. Jeffrey Almon, Patrick Wade, Marc Almon, all of Toronto, Sarah Almon, Ottawa, Gregory Almon, Beijing, David Almon, Calgary, Daniel Almon, Alan Almon, Jennifer Almon and Alexandra Wade, all of Halifax; sisters, Genevieve MacKinnon, Evelyn MacDonald, Sydney; and brother, Michael, Sydney. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Marjorie E. (Macdonald) in 2002, grandson, Andrew Almon, stepmother, Julia Almon, sister, Theresa MacDonald, Florida. Danny was educated at Sydney Academy and like many of his generation, his young life was shaped by the Depression years and the war. Following high school, he found work at the Dominion Steel and Coal Corp. in Sydney. Answering the call, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939 and upon completion of his training in Sydney and passing through an operational training unit in England, he was posted to the 274 Squadron RAF. He soon saw action over England, fighting in the Battle of Britain, eventually transferring to Malta, escorting Allied bombers over the North African desert. He had completed numerous successful sorties until his plane was strafed by anti-aircraft fire Dec. 1, 1941, south of Tobruk, the heavily fortified and strategically located fortress in Libya that was fiercely contested by Axis and Allied powers. Although wounded, he managed to bail out and was captured upon landing. He spent the remainder of the war - three and a half years - as a prisoner, initially in Italy, before being moved to Nazi POW camps in Germany. Danny's youthful spirit and resourceful courage was, as much as anything else, the reason why he survived a sentence of unknown duration, privation, death marches, escapes and recaptures - an enduringly painful ordeal, that many did not survive. After repatriation, in recognition of his service in the war, he was awarded the Africa Star and the 1939-1945 Star and left the service with the rank of flight lieutenant. He was educated at Saint Francis Xavier University and the Nova Scotia Technical College (Dalhousie Faculty of Engineering), from which he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a founding partner and president of Almac Agencies Ltd., an engineering sales firm, until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and the Engineering Institute of Canada. He served as president of the Maritime Commercial Travelers' Association and was a member of the Halifax Board of Trade. He also chaired the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board. He was a loyal supporter of the POW Association. Active politically for many years, he served as president of the Halifax Chebucto Liberal Association and was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada. Danny was a proud alumnus of St. FX and as a tribute to Marjorie after her death, he established a scholarship at the university in her memory. He was a former member of Ashburn Golf Club, Antigonish Golf Club and the Halifax Curling Club. He was an enthusiastic gardener, in the company of his cat 'Annie.' He was an avid fisherman who looked forward to the annual Victoria Day holiday weekend with his children, fishing the rivers and streams of Antigonish County. Until recently, he spent many happy summers at the cottage at Mahoney's Beach on St. George's Bay, Antigonish. Danny was fortunate to have lived a long life enriched by the love of his family and friends. Funeral mass was held on Friday, Nov. 28 in St. Agnes Church, Halifax, with Rev. John Williams officiating. His grandchildren participated in the Eucharist celebrating his life as readers, soloist and presenters of the offertory gifts. Danny's daughter and five sons were his active pallbearers. Interment in the family plot in St. Ninian's Cemetery, Antigonish, at a later date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John W. MacLean 1940-2008 Danvers, Mass./Sydney, N.S. - John 'Jack' William MacLean, beloved husband of Patricia (Malloy) MacLean, died Nov. 23, 2008, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Mass. Jack was the son of Katherine 'Kaye' MacLean and the late James MacLean of Cabot Street, raised and educated in Sydney and was affectionately known by his friends as 'Rippe.' He was also a graduate of Harvard Business School, OPM. An honorably discharged veteran, he served as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In addition to his wife and mother, Jack is survived by his son, John Jr. and daughters, Catherine (Bill) Hodges, Tracy MacLean and Heather (Cory) Tromblee; his brother, Donald 'Butch' (Judy) MacLean and several nieces and nephews. He was beloved 'papa' of Samuel and Ava MacLean, John 'Jack' and MacLean Hodges, Emily and Isabel Steen. His funeral was held Nov. 26, 2008, at St. Rose of Lima Church, Topsfield, Mass. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ William 'Billy' Donohue 75, New Victoria - Billy Donohue, age 75, of Brown's Road, New Victoria, passed away suddenly on Dec. 1, 2008 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in New Victoria, Billy was the son of the late Allan and Frances (Gouthro) Donohue. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, New Victoria. Billy served six years in the Canadian Armed Forces (1954-1960). He was a member of the 1st Battalion Blackwatch Unit and served during the Korean War. After the services, Billy was employed as a mechanic for the Chrysler and Volkswagen dealerships in Sydney. He later opened his own business in New Victoria called, 'Donohue's Auto Repair.' Billy loved hockey and was an avid Leafs fan. He also coached the New Waterford Sabres in the Intermediate 'C' Seniors League, New Waterford. Fishing, dancing and enjoying a good party were hobbies Billy greatly enjoyed. He is survived by his wife, Claire (Murphy) Donohue; two daughters, Ann (Jerry) McEachern, Gail (Henry) Digero, all in New Victoria; and one son, Randy (Susan), New Waterford. Billy is survived by one brother, Robert, New Victoria; seven grandchildren, Tanya, Jerry, Stacey, Laura, Jacqueline, Aaron, Jordan and four great-grandchildren, Jessica, Autumn, Selena and Miranda. He was predeceased by one brother, Thomas. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. The funeral mass, officiated by Rev. Doug McDonald, is Thursday, 11 a.m. in the Parish of St. Leonard, St. Joseph's Church, New Victoria. Fellowship to follow in the parish hall, directly below the church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. As an expression of sympathy for Billy, donations in his memory may be made to the Nova Scotia Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ William 'Bill' Serwatuk - Peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in his 80th year, at Trillium Health Centre, after a very long illness, fought with great stamina, courage and his trademark sense of humour. Beloved husband of the late Stella (1997) for 38 years, loved father of Michele, Sandra and William. Dear brother of Anne, Pauline, Walter, John (Teresa), Tony (Diane), Steve (Rose) and Kathy. Survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The family would like to thank the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at the Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga for the great care that they've taken of our dad over the last 10 years. Also special thanks to Dr. Dave Swartz, Dr. Peter Goldfarb and to dad's longtime caregivers, Marie Brand and Sandy Howard. Family will receive friends at the Lynett Funeral Home, 3299 Dundas St., West (1 block east of Runnymede), Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Service to be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Lynett Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation to follow. If desired, donations to the Trillium Health Centre Foundation or the charity of your choice in Bill's memory would be greatly appreciated by the family. Dad you were the "Original Comeback Kid!" Loved, cherished and forever remembered, Michele, Sandra, Will, Sunshine and Cinnamon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ James Cahill 90, Sydney - It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of James Patrick Cahill, 90, Alexandra Street, Sydney, on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Marble Mountain, Cape Breton, he was the son of the late Patrick and Mary (Ryan) Cahill. James was a veteran of the Second World War. In 1983, he retired from the City Hospital where he worked as the head supervisor of the maintenance department. James was past president of the Plumbers Union, Local 682 and the Plumbers and Steamfitters. Surviving are his daughter, Diane Cahill, Sydney, who was the love of his life; sister, Eileen (Billy) MacKinnon, Sydney; brother, Alfred Maher, Sydney; grandsons, Kevan, Dennis and Jimmy; great grandchildren, Jessica, James Patrick and Lacey; many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his many loyal pets. James was a loving, caring person who will be sadly missed. He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie (Brown), son, Jimmy, sisters, Mary and Molley, twin brother, Andrew. There will be no visitation or service. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia. Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca "Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated" As he would say to his daughter, Diane, 'If you're happy, I'm happy'." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Truesdale Martin Duggan 'Fitz' Fitzgerald Trenton - Truesdale Martin Duggan 'Fitz' Fitzgerald (Retired RCAF) of Trenton, entered into rest on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in his 67th year. Dear son of the late Alexander and Jessie Fitzgerald. Beloved husband of the late Ann Christine Fitzgerald (nee-Nice). Cherished father of Lisa Scott (Peter Trulsen), Belleville, Alex Fitzgerald (Julie), Trenton, Kim Bosica (Carm), Trenton, and Ken Fitzgerald (Cher Gilbert), Trenton. Loving 'poppa wally' of Laura Hiscott, Olivia, Hunter and Noah Scott, Shane and Matthew Fitzgerald, Michelle and Emily Bosica, Hanna and Ryan Fitzgerald. Dear brother of Francis, Billy, Ann, Dollena, Bobby, Henry and their spouses. Predeceased by sister, Kay and brother, Johnny. Also remembered by many nieces and nephews. With respect for Truesdale's wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to call at the Belleville Funeral Home and Chapel, 68 North Front St., Belleville (613-968-5080), Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, from 7-9 p.m. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. (with visitation also one hour prior to service 10 a.m.-11 a.m.) Private Interment Mt. Evergreen Cemetery, Trenton. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Quinte Chapter Canadian Celiac Association would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences www.quintefuneralcentres.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jean Loretta Christie 99, Sydney - It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we, the family announce the passing of Jean Loretta Christie on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility. Born in Dominion, on Dec. 9, 1908, she was the daughter of the late Duncan and Annie (MacLellan) MacDonald. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Jean is survived by her two sons, Garfield (Olive), Sydney Forks, and Cecil (Margaret), Creignish, N.S.; six grandchildren, Jeanie Christie, Trena (Glen) MacEachern, Garvie, Brad, Keith (Bernadette MacDonald) and Blair (Melissa); six great-grandchildren, Gary Jr., Christie, Jack, William, Brandon and Ben; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband, Harold, brothers, Leo (Alice) Jack (Rose), Bill (Emma) and Ronnie, sisters, Nellie (Ralph) Hall, Stella (Bob) Sinclair, Theresa, Annie Mae (Ted) Thomas. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A committal service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sr. Teresina McNeil Antigonish - Sr. Teresina McNeil, the former Sr. Hugh Teresina, 84, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, the motherhouse, on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, in the 66th year of her religious life. Born in Hillcrest, Alta., and baptized Anna Elizabeth, she was the daughter of Philip Roderick and Christina (MacDonald) McNeil. Sr. Teresina entered the Sisters of St. Martha, Aug. 15, 1941, pronounced her first vows Feb. 15, 1943, and her final vows Aug. 15, 1946. In 1947 she graduated and received her RN from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Glace Bay. She held various positions within the field of health care during her religious life: as nurse, nursing service director, nursing school director and instructor, and as co-ordinator of hospital volunteers. Sister received her BA from St. Francis Xavier University, her master of science in nursing administration from Boston University and a certificate in administration of nursing service from the University of Toronto. While studying in Boston, Sister did volunteer work on a health care van ministering to people addicted to drugs. During her ministry in Nova Scotia she served at St. Joseph's in Glace Bay, St. Rita Hospital in Sydney, Martha Home Health and Bethany in Antigonish. In Alberta she served at St. Michael's Hospital in Lethbridge; and in Lowell, Mass. at St. John's Hospital. After her retirement from health-care services, Sr. Teresina did volunteer work in ministry with First Nations people in both Lethbridge, Alta., and Afton, N.S. Sister served two terms as local leader in communities where she lived. Sr. Teresina was the oldest of seven children. She is survived by her sister, Mary Elizabeth MacDonald and brothers, Alexander, Joseph and Philip. She was predeceased by brothers Hugh Philip and Morden Pius. The remains will be resting at Bethany, beginning Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at 1:15 p.m., where a Celebration of Vigil will be held on that same evening at 7:30. Liturgy of Christian burial will take place Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at 2 p.m. in Bethany Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Leo Nicholson 82, Glace Bay - John Leo Nicholson, a longtime resident of Jones Manor and formerly of Brookside Street, Glace Bay, passed away Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at the Glace Bay Health Care Facility. He was a son of the late John and Theresa (Williams) Nicholson. Leo, in his early years, joined the regular Canadian Armed Forces, retiring early due to health reasons. A member of Holy Cross parish, he spent many comfortable years at the Jones Manor in Glace Bay. He is survived by daughter, Heather, Glace Bay; sisters, Ida (Dan) Taylor, Gladys (Reg) Reynolds, both of Thorold, Ont., Dolores Boutilier, Port Credit, Ont., Margie Caume, Cora Nutter, Rita (Jim) Devison and Theresa (Peter) Neary, all of Glace Bay; brothers, Joe, Glace Bay and Phonsie, Delta, B.C. He will also be sadly missed by his caretaker and friend, Calvin Jones. The family also wish to thank the medical staff of the Glace Bay Hospital, ICU. Leo was predeceased by brothers, George, Archie and John and sister, Bridget. Visitation this evening 7-9 p.m. in Curry's Funeral Home Chapel, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. Funeral services will be celebrated 10 a.m., Wednesday in the Curry Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Conrad Edwards officiating. Interment in St. Anne's Cemetery. Donations in Leo's memory may be made to a charity of choice. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org