Cape Breton Deaths December 15, 2008 Monday John William Gallant 87, Dominion - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John William Gallant of Mitchell Avenue, Dominion on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at his residence. Born in Reserve Mines, he was the son of the late Simon and Mary Agnes (Gillis) Gallant. John was a veteran of the Second World War and served overseas with the Cape Breton Highlanders. He enjoyed going for walks and spending time with his family. John will be sadly missed by his daughter, Mary Frances (William) Gaudet; grandchildren, Kim (Corey), Jennifer, Christine, Eddy; and great-grandson, David, whom he adored. He will be sadly missed by two sisters, Winnifred (John) Reid and Florence (Joey) O'Neil. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his wife, Frances (Keats) Gallant, in 1992 and three brothers, Angie, Walter and Ambrose. Visitation is today (Monday, Dec. 15) 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. Gerald Campbell is Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Reserve Mines. Condolences to the family can be expressed through the funeral home website www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Neil Joseph 'Neilie' MacDonald 84, New Waterford - Neilie MacDonald, 84, of St. Joseph Street, New Waterford, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 surrounded by his family. Born in Inverness, he was the son of the late Rannie C. and Flora (MacNeil) MacDonald. Neilie was a member of Mount Carmel Church, New Waterford. He was employed by Devco and worked most of his life in 18 & 12 collieries before moving to Pt. Edward and finally retiring from the carpenters shop in Glace Bay in 1990. Neilie was an accomplished craftsman and was well known for his fiddle plant stands, growing flowers and fishing the Margaree River. His passion for sports included the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays. Neilie was known to tap his toes to the fiddle renditions of many of our island fiddlers. He always looked forward to his weekly and yearly excursions with his daughters and his trips to Margaree and Inverness with his sons. His soft and gentle nature made him loved by all who knew him. Neilie is survived by three daughters, Valerie (Barrie) Campbell, Dominion, Robin (Jack) Murphy, New Victoria, Bernadette (Robert) Drinovz, New Waterford, with whom he resided; two sons, Terry (Kathy),Inverness and Adam (Joan),New Waterford. Also surviving are brothers, Collie (Helen), James (Isabel), Bernie (Leone); two sisters, Margaret (Gussie) and Ann. Neilie will be sadly missed by his eight grandchildren, Scott, Kelley, Marilou, Richard, Daniel, Matthew, Krista, Liam; one great-granddaughter, Casey; close friend and brother-in-law, Ray MacDougall and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Mary MacDonald, two sons, Richard, Stephen, a daughter in infancy, three sisters, Kay, Cela and a sister, Theresa in infancy. Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. The funeral mass officiated by Rev. Doug MacDonald is Tuesday, 11 a.m. in the Parish of St. Leonard, Mt. Carmel Church followed by interment in the parish cemetery. All are invited to join the family for a reception at the K of C Hall, Plummer Avenue. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Neilie may be made to Cape Breton Palliative Care. Condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ James Richard ' Jimmy' Nearing 56, Glace Bay/Port Morien - James Richard Nearing, 56, of Terrace Manor, Glace Bay passed, away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at the Glace Bay Hospital. Born in Glace Bay, Jimmy was the son of Eileen (Thomas) Nearing and the late Terrance Nearing. He was a loving, caring person who was devoted to his family. Jimmy had a wonderful sense of humour and had the ability to bring joy to everyone he encountered. He lived in Port Morien most of his life but the last several years he resided at Terrace Manor, Glace Bay. Jimmy will be sadly missed. Besides his mother, Jimmy is survived by one brother, Terry (Joanne) Nearing, Port Morien; four sisters, Martha (Wilson) Boutilier, Port Caledonia, Theresa (Reggie) Lawrence, Peachland, B.C., Carmella (Dennis) Muise and Connie (Nick) Simms both in Fort Nelson, B.C. Jimmy is also survived by six nieces, four nephews and five grandnieces. Besides his father, Jimmy was predeceased by grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas, Port Morien and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nearing, Dominion. There will be no visitation by the request of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home in Glace Bay. The funeral mass officiated by Rev. Conrad Edwards is Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Port Morien. A reception will follow in the church hall then after 40 minutes or so the family will proceed to Forest Haven Memorial Gardens for interment. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jimmy may be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolences to the family may be made through the funeral home website www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Our Angel finally got his Wings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Edward Capstick Sydney Mines 1948 - 2008 - It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we, the family of John Edward Capstick, of Sydney Mines, announce his passing Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at the Halifax Infirmary. Born in Sydney Mines, John was the son of Kathleen (Orrell) Capstick and the late William Capstick. He was a member of St. Pius X parish, Sydney Mines. He was a retired coal miner, avid gardener, and enjoyed having fun with his family and friends. John will be greatly missed by his wife of 40 years, Mary (Farrell) Capstick; their children, Tommy and Michelle (Billy) Handley; and his precious grandchildren, Andrew, Rebecca and Terrah. Also left to mourn is his mother Kathleen; sisters, Sheila (Bobby) Bradley, Kathy (Vivian) and Mary Margaret MacIntyre, all of Sydney Mines; brothers, Tommy (Mary), Ontario, Kevin (Ann), and Michael (Kathy), Sydney Mines, Albert (Eileen) and Joey (Karen), North Sydney; brother-in-law, Cliff MacIntyre, his 'special' sisters-in-law, Caroline and Lena Farrell; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his great friend Billy Ford. Besides his father William, John was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Gladys Farrell. Visitation for John Capstick will be held in the J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, today (Monday, Dec. 15) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass celebrating his life will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only please. Online condolences may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Norma Long-Murray 78, Port Hawkesbury - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and wife, on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, in Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston. Norma was born in Sydney Mines on March 5, 1930, to the late Austin and Dot (Patterson) Letcher. Norma will always be remembered for her unconditional love and kindness to her children and anyone who was in any way connected to her. She leaves behind her husband, who cared for her and was so good to her in so many ways. 'Thank you Jesse'. She is also survived by her children, Dorothy (Phil) Maxwell; and their children, Tammie, Lorie and Phillip; Gloria Chafe (Richard); and their children, Duane, Wendy and Shelly; son, Stephen (Liz) Long, Weldon (Kim) Long; and their children, Max and Jude; daughter, Norma (Dieter) Oswald; and their children, Diedra and Austin; son, David (Pat) Long, and their children; Leah, Emerson, Stephen, and also Lindsey and Jason Bryan; daughter, Debbie (John) Poirier; and their children, Kalen Long, Cohen and James; daughter, Tracey (Roger) Harper; and their children, Daniel, Wade and Rebecca; daughter-in-law, Sheila; and her children, Bhreagh, Ashley and William; sisters, Frances and Dorothy, both of Truro, Anne (Mike) MacDonald, West Bay Road, Shirley (Merrill) Hillier, New Glasgow. She was predeceased by her husband, Emerson Long, brother, Austin Letcher Junior, sister, Lydie Belestraci, three children in infancy, Mary Eliza Chafe, Stephen Arthur Chafe; children of Norma and Phonse Chafe; Brenda Lee Long, sister-in-law, Bernie Letcher, son, Garfield Emerson (Sept. 19, 2007). Norma was a full-time mom who loved and enjoyed being with her children. They all grew up and spread their wings and at that point, Norma had time to get out and about. She was a member and past matron of Starlight Chapter No. 66, OES, Port Hawkesbury. Also a member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 43. She was also a member of St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury. She was the founder and organizer of the Over Forty Princess Pageant, which everyone enjoyed and had a lot of fun through the years. The Over Forty Pageant spread to areas around Port Hawkesbury and was a perfect fundraiser. She also loved camping in Canada and the USA with her husband. Norma will rest at the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury, with visitation 7-9 p.m today, and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Mark's United Church with Rev. Sheldon LeGrow officiating. Burial in Southbrook Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the IWK Health Centre. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ewart Arthur Ingraham 81, Neil's Harbour - It is with many tears and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Ewart, surrounded by those who loved him. Ewart left this world peacefully at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil's Harbour, on Dec. 13, 2008. Born in Neil's Harbour, Aug. 7, 1927, he was the seventh child of the late Henry and Clara Mae (Mackinnon) Ingraham. He was a member of St. Andrew's Anglican Church. Ewart was a loving man who was deeply loved and respected by his large family. In his early years he worked a labourer with National Defense in Toronto. In the 1970s he moved his family back to Neil's Harbour where he was a fisherman until his retirement. Ewart loved a good game of cards either at the local card games or at home. His family will fondly remember him whistling a tune, especially while rocking his grandchildren. Since his retirement Ewart would start his day with lively conversation and a good cup of tea with his sisters, Eva, Jean and Marty. The following is a list of the people who are left behind to mourn his death and celebrate his life, his wife of 46 years, Barb (Fricker); daughters, Jackie (Greg Organ), Neil's Harbour, Bonnie Ingraham, Hamilton; sons, Greg (Shannon) Ingraham and Jamie Ingraham, both of Neil's Harbour; grandchildren, John Mitchell Organ (Denise), Halifax, Lacey Organ (Rob Sutherland), Halifax, Clayton Organ (Jenna Mackinnon), Neil's Harbour, Jeremy Ingraham, Hamilton, Tristan, Jasmine and Alex Ingraham, Neil's Harbour; and one great-grandchild, Meghan Organ, Halifax; brothers, Philip Ingraham, Neil's Harbour and Norman Ingraham (Georgie), Newfoundland; sisters, Annie MacIntyre (Charlie), Sydney Mines, Eva Stickland and Jean Williams, Neil's Harbour, Marty Rennie, Ingonish, and Maggie Ferrier, Ottawa; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Simon Morrison, Fred, Matt and John Warren and Bobby Ingraham, and sister, Lillian Ingraham. There will be no visitation at the request of the family. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home. A service to celebrate the life of Ewart Ingraham will take place Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Neil's Harbour with Rev. Carl Fraser officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Joseph Daisley Simpson 76, Sydney Mines - We regret to announce the death of our brother, uncle and great uncle, Joseph Daisley Simpson, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at the Northside General Hospital. Uncle Joe was born in Sydney Mines on July 15, 1932, to the late John and Mary (Daisley) Simpson. Joe grew up in Sydney Mines and moved to Ontario as a young man, where he resided until his retirement from the Department of Transportation. He was a member of St. Pius X parish, Sydney Mines. Joe was a kind and gentle man and displayed that kindness to all who knew him. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed horse racing. Joe is survived by his brother, William, Sydney Mines; his sister, Rena (Al Smith), Dartmouth; his sister-in-law, Cecelia Simpson, Sydney Mines; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, John, Thomas and James, and his niece, Margaret Simpson. There will be no visitation by request. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Piux X Church with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cape Breton Palliative Care or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis @ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stanley James Gatchell 80, Cape Dauphin - Stanley Gatchell found peace after a courageous battle with cancer, on Dec. 14, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bowmanville Ont., Stan served 28 years with the RCMP in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba after which he spent 14 years as head of security for the Royal Canadian Mint. Stan retired to Cape Breton in 1991, a place he dearly loved. He was an active member of both Burchell United Church and St. John's United Church. Stan was devoted to his family, friends, community, and country. He is survived by his loving wife, Jessie; son, Paul; daughter, Kim and Rick Lepage, and their children, Amanda and Scott. Stan was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Tom. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, Dec.18, 2 p.m. at Burchell United Church, New Campbellton, with Rev. Sean Handcock officiating. Interment in New Campbellton Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burchell United Church or charity of choice. "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven." Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Theresa Mary (nee Saunders) Young - Peacefully at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, with her husband by her side, in her 51st year. Loving wife of Grant (formerly of North Sydney, N.S.); and devoted mother of James, Kevin and Braden. She was the daughter to Jim and Jean Saunders of Washago, Ont. Dear sister to her five siblings, Stephen Saunders, Dr. Bruce Saunders, Janet Daunt, Peter Saunders and Andrea Gaspar. Theresa will be sadly missed by many family and friends. She will always be remembered for her creativity, compassion, and dedication to her family and community. She was a loving wife and mother, and a talented artist. She had a passion for life and fought tirelessly for just causes. Funeral Mass to be held at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, Peterborough, Ont., Monday at 2 p.m. Cremation to follow. If desired, condolences to the family, and donations in Theresa's memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the CNIB may be made at www.CommunityAlternative.ca or by calling Community Alternative Fuenral Home, 705-742-1875. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eileen M. Henderson 77, Sydney - Eileen M. Henderson, who died Dec.10, 2008, is also survived by her brother, Jack, Halifax. She was predeceased by brothers, Wally, Teddy and Jim. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org