Cape Breton Deaths December 10, 2008 Wednesday Nelson Patrick MacNeil 72, Alder Point - It was the Lord's infinite wisdom that chose to end Nelson's courageous battle with cancer on Dec. 8, 2008, while surrounded by his large and loving family at his residence in Alder Point. Born in Alder Point on March 17, 1936, Nelson was the son of the late Neil and Evelyn (Pattengale) MacNeil. He was a parishioner of St. Anne's parish, Alder Point. Nelson was known to be a kind and generous man who married his soul mate "Beautiful Lorraine," and as a result of their union, raised a family of eight children. Throughout Nelson's childhood, he assisted his father as a lighthouse keeper on St. Paul's Island and Bird Island. At 21, he became assistant keeper to the Money Point light. He went on to work as a carpenter for many years in Ontario before returning to Cape Breton and the sea to fish. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 19 and a talented musician who shared his fiddle music with all. His family and friends will always miss his presence, although his memory makes them strong. Nelson is survived by his wife, Lorraine and his children, Freeman (Marilyn), Wayne (Carey), Denise (Dave), Theresa (David), Neil (Tammy), Robert (Sheila), Angie and John Alex; along with 22 grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Catherine (Hilary) Gracie. Visitation for Nelson MacNeil will be held in the J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral mass to celebrate his life will take place Friday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, Alder Point, with Fr. Peter MacLeod officiating. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in Nelson's memory may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ James A. 'Mick' McNeil 74, New Waterford - James A. 'Mick' McNeil, 74, of Ross Avenue, New Waterford, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Sarah Elizabeth McNeil. Mick was a member of the parish of St. Leonard, St. Agnes Church, New Waterford. He was employed in the lumber business for over 40 years, working 26 years at Udovan's and over 14 years at Boudreau's Lumber Yard. He loved building doghouses and working in is yard. He also enjoyed going for long drives with his dog, 'Precious.' Surviving are his wife, Theresa (Reid); daughters, Laura and Judy, both of New Waterford; son, James (Aislyn), Sylvan Lake, Alberta; three granddaughters, Amanda, Kaley and Justyce; one very special uncle, Michael McNeil, Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford. Besides his mother, Mick was predeceased by several aunts and uncles. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will be held Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Parish of St. Leonard, St. Agnes Church with Fr. Paul MacNeil officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Agnes hall. Donations in Mick's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard, But always near. We love you. You will live in our hearts forever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard Dominic Parks North Sydney - It is with great sadness that we the family of Richard Dominic Parks, announce his sudden passing on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. Born in North Sydney, he was a son of the late Richard and Violet (Hodder) Parks. Prior to his retirement, Richard was employed as a marine engineer working with Irving Oil and several other companies throughout Canada. Richard was a very kind, compassionate man who loved life and spending time with his son, Richard, who was his best friend. He was a quiet man who kept to himself and enjoyed his home on the water with his little dog 'Precious.' Richard was a wonderful dancer and enjoyed going to dances regularly. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his son and best friend, Richard (Betty Ann), North Sydney; daughters, Spring (Darren) and Nova (Mike), both of B.C., and Madonna, Ontario; seven grandchildren, Mitchell, Spencer, Logan, Kellen, Kyle, Kevin, Krista; sisters, Mae (Emerson) Tobin, Joan (Larry) Ellis, both of North Sydney, Anne (Dwight) Scott, Ontario; also by his special friend, Florence Power; as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by a sister, Clara 'Kaye' Russell and an infant brother, John Parks. There will be no visitation by request. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donald Duncan 'DD' MacDonald 77, Ridgeway, Ont. - Donald Duncan 'DD' MacDonald, 77 of Ridgeway, Ont., formerly of Port Hawkesbury, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, in Greater Niagara General Hospital. Born in Port Hawkesbury, he was a son of the late John P. and Christena (MacCormack) MacDonald. DD was a retired machinist with General Motors, Detroit, Mich. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (MacLellan); daughters, Lucille Caparella, Halifax, Allison (Charles) Gillis, St. Margaret's Bay; sons, Brian (Lorraine), Port Colborne, Ont., Donnie, Halifax, Paul (Jean), St. Louis, Mo.; sister, Jean Morrison, Sydney; grandchildren, Christian, Luke, Emmilou and Travis.He was predeceased by a sister, Dougie Reynolds, brothers, Hughie John and Frank. There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12 in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, Fr. Andrew Boyd officiating. Burial at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Cemetery Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donald William Probert 85, Middle River - At age 85, Second World War veteran, Donald William Probert, a resident of West Middle River, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at Harbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines, where he resided for a short time. Born in West Middle River, Donald was the son of the late William and Rachel (MacQuarrie) Probert. He is survived by a son, Brian (Diana) and three daughters, Donna (Larry), Patricia (Jerry) and Arlene, along with nine grandchildren. Donald is also survived by two brothers, Alexander and William as well as two sisters, Janet Probert and Laura Smith. Donald was predeceased by his wife, Lillian and a son, Bruce. Cremation has taken place. At his request there will be no visitation or funeral service. Arrangements are under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Darlene June (Turner) Cameron Dec. 24, 1936-Dec. 6, 2008 - With heavy hearts and tremendous sorrow, the family of Darlene J. Cameron announce her passing on Dec. 6, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer at the young age of 71. Darlene was born in Grandora, Sask., her beloved home of open plains and remarkable sunrises and sunsets. She met Martin E. Cameron while he was stationed in Saskatoon, fell in love and married on Dec. 14, 1957. The family grew as they travelled back toward Nova Scotia, settling in Martin's home of Margaree Forks, where they dedicated themselves to several business endeavours. As much as Darlene loved her prairie upbringing, she often remarked that wild horses could not take her off Cape Breton Island. Darlene lived to live, which is her greatest legacy to her family and all who knew her. She was brilliant at whatever she did and was never intimidated by a challenge. She believed in helping people get ahead and she worked very hard in her accounting practice to do just that. She was never still, always busy with work or hobbies; she had boundless energy. Even while ill, she tried to continue until her body told her no more. Darlene is survived by her husband and best friend of almost 51 years, Martin Edward Cameron, Margaree Forks; her daughters, Laurie Cameron (Chris Corkum), Halifax, Leslie Pottier (John), Ottawa, Lynne Cameron, Ottawa, Leanne Fraser (Elliot), Baddeck; and son, David Cameron (Maureen), Detroit, Mich.; as well as her grandchildren, Emily and Seamus Corkum, Amanda, Catherine and Mathew Pottier, Kieran MacGillivray, Joshua, Lara and Merrin Fraser and Liam and Isabel Little and Dominique Cameron. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Beckett (Lloyd), Kinley, Sask. Darlene was predeceased by her parents, William Jackson Turner and Muriel Norah Jerome. Darlene will be waked at St. Joseph's Parish Hall, South West Margaree, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, between 3-5 p.m. and between 7-9 p.m., with a vigil prayer at 8 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at 11 a.m. Fathers Jim MacDonald and Duncan MacIsaac to officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the SPCA or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to MacAskill's Funeral Home, Baddeck. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Viola Poirier 91, Sydney - Viola Victoria Poirier, 91, of Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility, formerly of George Street, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Poirierville, Richmond County, she was raised by her grandparents. She was a member of St. Joseph's parish, Sydney. She is survived by her son, Hubert (Sharon), Sydney River; and grandson, Craig (Connie), Halifax; great-grandchildren, Evan, Emma, Ian, Ryan, step-great-granddaughter, Elaine and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Malcolm Joseph in 1988. There will be no visitation for the late Mrs. Poirier. A funeral mass will be celebrated today (Wednesday) at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church with Rev. Gerald Dunphy officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ William 'Bill' Serwatuk Memorial Service - A memorial service for the late Bill Serwatuk will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Ukrainian Holy Ghost Church, Whitney Pier. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mabel (MacKay) Jones 94, North Sydney - Mabel Jean Jones, who passed away on Dec. 6, 2008, is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Grace. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org