Cape Breton Deaths December 23, 2008 Tuesday Clem Pertus 93, Sydney - The family of Clem Pertus announce his passing on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, to his heavenly home, where after 28 years of separation he will be reunited with the love of his life, Doris (Landry). Born in Poulamon, Richmond County on July 24, 1915, Clem is survived by his son, Wayne (Jennifer Cameron); and granddaughters, Erin, Heather and Katie; by his daughter, Francine and granddaughters, Dorisa and Kristine Keating; by his daughter, Mona (Dan Tonet) and granddaughter, Laura; by his special daughter, Lisa; and by his son, Robert (Alexis Rowe) and granddaughters, Ashley and Allie. Clem is also survived by his cherished great-grandson, Haven Postlethwaite (fondly referred to by Clemie as 'Little Oscar'). Clem also leaves to mourn his sisters, Lillian (the late Alphonse) Boudreau, Petit-de-Grat,, Helen (the late Maxwell) Burke, Edna (CND), Clare (Adelard) Samson, Little Anse; sister-in-law, Jeanette (the late Alphonse) Pertus; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. Clem was predeceased by his parents, Charles Numa and Elizabeth (LeBlanc), by his wife, Doris (June 1980), by his brothers, Armand (June 2003), Alphonse (February 2005) and Teddy (the late Mary Lou) (May 2007), and by his sister, Clo (September 2004). Clem grew up on a prosperous farm in Poulamon, moving to Sydney in 1935 and remained a parishioner at Sacred Heart parish for over 70 years. He was one of the longest serving members of the KOC. He was well known to all in downtown Sydney, where he lived for 52 years. He was a skilful pool player, an avid sports fan enjoying hockey, ball games, wrestling and horse races. Clem was active into his late 80s, skating regularly at the local rinks and outdoors, bicycling and cruising in his 1984 Delta Oldsmobile which he immaculately maintained. Clem worked at various occupations, at the Sydney Steel Plant, Acadian Bus Lines, and LeBlanc Taxi and at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He managed the Vidal Hotel (Sydney), the Barker Hotel (Moncton), the Press Club, and the Ceilidh Lounge. After retirement in 1980, he continued active employment well into his 80s as custodian of the Bank of Commerce Building, where due to his conscientious work ethics, that sidewalk on Charlotte Street was most often the first cleared of snow. Clem's philosophy of life has always been "You rust out faster than you wear out" and reflecting on his active lifestyle and his longevity, he certainly proved this true. His greatest joy in life came from his interest in his children and grandchildren with whom he enjoyed almost frequent contact. Respecting Clem's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sunday, Dec. 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made in Clem's memory to the Lupus Society or to the IWK Children's Hospital, which played an integral part in the recovery of his granddaughter in 1988. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Cape Breton County Home Makers, R.C. MacGillivary Guest Home and Harbourstone Enhanced Care, (Spanish Bay) for the absolute wonderful care that our Dad received over the past two years. In his weakened physical state, Dad was always treated with dignity, cheerfulness and respect. We sincerely thank his caregivers for their professional dedication to their tasks. God bless. Your thoughtfulness and kindness will never be forgotten. Online condolences to www.mem.com or twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas MacNeil - Thomas Joseph (Tom/Tucker) MacNeil, 75, passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2008, after a brave battle with cancer. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Aline (née Lambert), son, Kenneth, parents, John and Mary MacNeil of Glace Bay, N.S., sister, Patricia, and brothers, Kenneth, and Dennis. Tom's memory will be cherished by his son, Garth; surviving siblings, Joan (Fred), John, Eleanor, Donald (Yvette), Sheila, Rod (Marguerite), Gerry; and his many nieces and nephews. Tom was born in Glace Bay, N.S., and travelled extensively across Canada. After working as a taxi driver, motorboat salesman, coal miner and tobacco picker, among other jobs, he settled in Winnipeg and spent 25 years working for the University of Manitoba in the paint shop. He was an active member of the labour movement, serving in various capacities in the Canadian Association of Industrial, Mechanical and Allied Workers (CAIMAW), including national president. He also served on the board of directors of the Alcoholism Foundation of Manitoba (now known as the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba). The family wishes to thank the staff of the Victoria General Hospital and particularly Oncology, Observation and 4 South. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's honour to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, 2340 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, Man., R3T 2E8. As per his wishes, there will be no service. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen Charles Denny 25, Membertou - Stephen Charles Denny, 25, of Membertou, passed away suddenly Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008. Born in Sydney, he resided in Membertou with his loving companion Sarah and his two daughters Calaya and Ella. He was the son of Leta Bernard (Fred) and Blair Bernard (Nadine) and Jay (Paula) Marshall. He was a loving companion and wonderful father to his two girls. He enjoyed his video games, music and playing hockey with the Red Army. He enjoyed the company of his friends, family and co-workers. He was employed with the Membertou Gaming Commission. He is survived by a sister, Bernadette; brothers, Joef Bernard, Omar Gould (Andy), Ben Marshall, Cagney Marshall, Quinn Marshall, Nikko Marshall, Sebastian 'Smash' Marshall, George Denny; one niece; numerous nephews; many, many aunts; uncles; maternal grandparents, Levi Denny (late Bridget Denny); paternal grandparents, Peter and Nora Bernard and Joe B. and Mary Ann Marshall; by in-laws, Bill Leslie (Brenda), Marie Doucette; godparents, Michael Denny and Catherine Sorbey; godchildren, Jason Johnson and Ahnyss Denny; and Sanchez, his dog. Visitation for the late Mr. Denny will begin after 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25 at 79 Mickey's Lane, Eskasoni. Funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Family Church with Rev. Martin MacDougall officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery, Eskasoni. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca or www.mem.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrose 'Coke' MacLean Sept. 27, 1923-Dec. 20, 2008 Sydney Mines - It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of Ambrose 'Coke' MacLean, at home on Dec. 20, 2008. Ambrose was the son of the late Michael Vincent MacLean and the late Evelina (Almon) MacLean and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was a member of Immaculate Conception parish, Sydney Mines. At the age of 18, Ambrose enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving five years in the Second World War. In addition, he served five years as a member of the post-war merchant navy. Ambrose was employed by First Investors Insurance Company prior to entering municipal politics. He served 32 years as a councillor, deputy mayor and was a member of the Nova Scotia Police Commission. He was also a member of the Northside-Victoria District School Board, retiring in January 1992. In his younger years, Ambrose was an avid sports enthusiast as a skater, hockey and baseball player. Ambrose is survived by Edith (Higgins) MacLean, his devoted wife of 56 years. He is also survived by his son, Arthur; daughters, Amber and Michelle; brother-in-law, Arthur Higgins (Marguerite); sisters-in-law, Annie Mae Higgins (Lorne), Mary MacLean (Osbourne), Annie MacLean (William) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Thomas, Alex, William, Osbourne and Cameron, one sister in infancy, a second sister, Matilda, brothers-in-law, Lorne Higgins and Jerome Tompkins, sister-in-law, Eileen (Higgins) Tompkins, mother and father-in-law, Mary Ellen and Arthur Higgins Sr. The family extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Doug Kohlsmith and EHS paramedics who provided emergency care and support. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. There will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. Reception to follow at Immaculate Conception Church. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca. We will miss and love you, forever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Madeline Dorothy Davies (Eddy) 81, Dartmouth - Madeline Dorothy Davies (Eddy), went to meet her Lord peacefully surrounded by family, Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born is Sydney, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Saddie (Mason) Eddy. Madeline was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be sadly missed. She is survived by children, Iris (Gary) Sutherland, Coldbrook, Robert, Cole Harbour, Laurence (Christine), Dartmouth, Katherine (Paul) Moore, Kitchener, Anna Jane (Richard) Morse, New Minas, Stephen (Carla), Cole Harbour, Elizabeth (George) Richard; brother, Lloyd Eddy; sister, Ethel Blakeburn, both of Sydney; grandchildren, Melissa, Glenn, Tammy, Angela, Robert, Laurence, Johnathan, Jessica, Andrew, Anthony, Alisha, Luke, Timothy, LaRae, Chelsae, KayLee, Brayenna, Courtney; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert, grandson, Brandon, brothers, Walter, James, Arnold, Robert, Ronald, sisters, Amy, Ora, Ruth, Evelyn and Edith. Visitation took place Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008. Funeral service took place Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. Donations may be made to the Gideons Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ann Irene 'Rene' Morrison 80, Sydney - Ann Irene 'Rene' Morrison, 80, of Sydney, passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late J.J. and Sarah MacKinnon. She was a member of St. Theresa's parish, Sydney. She is survived by sons, Lawrence (Bonnie), Regina, Neil (Carolyn), Dave (Elizabeth), both of Sydney; grandchildren, Ian and Courtney, Regina, Michelle, Dawnielle and Stephen, Sydney. Also surviving are sisters, Pauline Williamson, Sydney, Josephine Kauffman, Sydney, and Theresa Anderson, Massachusetts, USA. She was predeceased by her husband, Neil Joseph Morrison in 1955, brothers, Lawrence and Malcolm, and sisters, Frannie and Rita. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Family committal service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca or www.mem.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Catherine McInnis Vingar Nov. 11, 1931-Dec. 15, 2008 Hamilton/Glace Bay - We the family of the late Mrs. Vingar regret to announce her passing on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, in Hamilton. Catherine is survived by two sons, John in B.C. and Brian, Ontario and two granddaughters, Cara and Anna, Ontario. Also survived by only sister, Julia McInnis and one special sister-in-law, Sis McInnis; uncle, Buddy (Helen) Stewart, one special cousin and best friend, Theresa McBride. Also many nieces and nephews all of Glace Bay. Catherine was predeceased by husband, Jack; three brothers, Angus, Charlie and Allie McInnis and sister-in-law, Ruth McInnis as well as one niece, Cathy Dean. Arrangements for visitation were made in Hamilton where she resided. Donations in Catherine's name can be made to the Cancer Society. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org