Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CAPE BRETON GENEALOGY & HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE - <http://www.cbgen.org/>www.cbgen.org NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Cape Breton Deaths October 01, 2013 Tuesday There are 10 obituaries published today Wesley David "Wes" Simms - 65 yrs Thomas Kelvin Reid - 74 yrs Jean Holmes - 98 yrs Anne Louise "Lou" (MacDonald) Leith - 62 yrs Richard Kenneth "RIck"Dobson - 60 yrs Roderick Alexander "Podie"Stewart - 89 yrs Marjorie Ann (MacNeil) Harding (The Cranberry Grandmother) - Henry J. MacDougall - 85 yrs John Evans Cameron (retired Sgt RCAF) - Florence Bernadette "Berni" (Jerrett) Horton - 59 yrs Wes Simms Born In: Whitney Pier Passed in: Sydney Passed on: September 29th, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we regret to announce the passing of Wes Simms on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Whitney Pier, Wes was the son of the late Edna and Gordon Simms. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. At the age of 14, Wes attended school for the blind (CNIB) in Halifax. He later worked for K-Mart for 28 years, retiring as manager in the sporting goods department. Family was everything to Wes especially, his three grandchildren, for they were his pride and joy. Wes is survived by his wife, Philene (Lewis); son, Chris (Ann); daughter, Jodi (Marc) Peinsznski; grandchildren, Shawn Simms and Ryan and Joshua Peinsznski; brother in-law, Owen Lewis, sister in-law, Janis Pearson and special aunt, Evelyn (Bronson) Dicks. Besides his parents, Wes was predeceased by his brother Don. By Wes's request, there will be no visitation for cremation has taken place. Funeral service to celebrate Wes's life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at 3 p.m. at St. Alban Anglican Church with Archdeacon Brenda Drake officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wes may be made to St. Alban Anglican Church. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com. Thomas Kelvin Reid Born In: Sydney Mines Passed in: Groves Point It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Kelvin Reid, 74, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Sydney Mines, Kelvin was a son of the late William and Margaret (Vickers) Reid. In his early years he spent time in the Navy and then he sailed the Great Lakes. He was lured back to Cape Breton, by the love of his life. He decided to put down roots to encourage Edie to be his wife. He ventured into a partnership with his brothers-in-law and this was the beginning of a lifetime of success in having his own service station. He gradually bought his own station and then became owner/operator of Reid's Auto Service in Sydney Mines. He worked many long hours and he was dedicated to his customers. He made customers feel that he cared and he appreciated their business. He was involved in the community and was a member of the Bras d'Or Pensioners Club. Kelvin was an avid fisherman and he loved to be on the Margaree River. As the season changed to fall he would get ready for hunting season. His favourite part of hunting was tracking deer. Kelvin then embraced the snow for his favourite wintertime sport, snowmobiling with his friends. As the snow disappeared and spring began he started practising his golf swing. He loved the game of golf and would never turn down the opportunity to play. He had unconditional love for Mom and he treasured her. He loved his five children and he was a wonderful father and grandfather. He will truly be missed but never forgotten; always in our hearts forever. Kelvin is survived by his wife Edith; children, Kimberley (David), Sheldon (Lisa, and her son Logan), Trevor (Sonia), Trina (Fred) and Kyle (Amanda); grandchildren, Hannah Grace, Jack, Benjamin, Ella Rose, Avery, Eric, Roxie, Brayden and Chloe; brothers, William (Heidi) Bryce (Cynthia), Craig, Milton (Regina), Ian (Tammy) and sister Melinda (Wayne) as well as many nieces and nephews; and a special mention of Sheldon's dog Finnigan. Besides his parents, Kelvin was predeceased by children, Mary and John, sisters, Margaret and Elaine, grandson, Gabriel and sister-in-law, Jackie. There will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, Little Bras d'Or, with Fr. Peter McLeod officiating. Donations in Kelvin's memory may be made to the An Cala Palliative Care Hospice in Sydney, the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Reid family by visiting www.francisfuneralhome.ca. Jean Holmes Born In: Sydney Mines Passed in: Sydney Mines Passed on: September 29th, 2013 With great sadness, the family of Jean (MacLean) Holmes, Shore Road Sydney Mines, announce her sudden passing, at home, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, with her children at her bedside. Although her life on earth has ended we know her memory will be fondly cherished and we are confident that she now resides with her Saviour, whom she worshiped and trusted every day of her life. Born in Sydney Mines, in 1915, Jean was the daughter of the late Robert and Dolena (Battleman) MacLean, and wife of the late C. Spurgeon Holmes. Two brothers, Clifford (Robena) and Robert (Isabel) predeceased Jean, as well as brothers-in-law, Bill (Barbara) Holmes, sister-in-law, Jess (Ross) Davis, and sister-in-law, Marjorie Holmes. Surviving are her two children, Lorna and Charles, both of Sydney Mines. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Rev. Samuel Holmes, Ottawa, and several nieces and nephews. Jean was a faithful supporter and active member of all facets of church life at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church having taught Sunday School, and participated in the Women's Missionary groups. Jean joined the church in 1931 and has been a member for 82 years. At the time of her death Jean was the oldest living member of St. Andrew's. Many will warmly remember Jean as Dr. W. J. Lamond's receptionist. She sincerely enjoyed working with him and his patients, at the Medical Clinic for 26 years. Jean was an avid traveller, and she took her outgoing personality, her love for people and her zest for living everywhere life's journeys led her. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday at the J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines. A worship service of praise, thanksgiving and hopeful affirmation will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 643 Main St. Sydney Mines, on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with Rev. Marion Barclay-MacKay officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. In lieu of flowers donations in Jean's memory may be made to the Jean Holmes Fund established at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com. "We shall meet on that beautiful shore." Anne Louise 'Lou' (MacDonald) Leith Born In: Sydney Born: July 16th, 1951 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: September 28th, 2013 It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of our mother, Anne Louise 'Lou' (MacDonald) Leith on Sept. 28, 2013, surrounded by the love and support of her family. Anne Louise was born on July 16, 1951, in Sydney, N.S., to Hilda and Hector MacDonald. She was the centre of her family, and a rock to her children, Amanda (Fred MacIntosh), Raie, Adrienne (Steve MacIsaac) and Andrew (Erin), who all love and cherish her. She was also the adored grandmother of Isabelle, Molly and Eleanor. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Anne Louise is survived by her mother, Hilda MacDonald; brothers, Alex (Valerie), Francis (Karen), Peter (Trish) and Danny (Dany); special cousins, Mary Catherine O'Donnell and Ann Marie MacDonald; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Anne Louise was predeceased by her husband, Alan Leith, father, Hector MacDonald, her sister, Mary Margaret Gillis and nephew, John-John Gillis. Anne Louise married Alan Leith in 1973 and acquired the nickname Lou. She moved to Ontario in 1974 where her children were born, and where it is believed that she first told them to "go do something, even if it was wrong." In 1988, she returned to Cape Breton with her family and reignited her passion for the island. Throughout her career, she was involved in promoting Cape Breton and particularly loved her work at Destination Cape Breton. Her dedication and commitment will be missed by friends and colleagues, particularly Caroline, Linda and Mary. A tremendous presence in the lives of all who knew her, Lou was the strength and the glue that bound her family. With grace and dedication beyond measure, Lou gave her children and her mother the gift of unwavering support and the freedom to be independent. Lou loved witty conversation, good books and great friends. She lived her life with rare passion and conviction, and had a wicked sense of humour that was admired by many but duplicated by none. She will be forever remembered, honoured and cherished by all who knew her, and especially by her children and grandchildren who will do their very best to keep her memory alive by reminding visitors that they don't have to go home, but they can't stay here. Visitation for Lou Leith will take place at the Pier Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A graveside service to celebrate Lou's life will be held at St. Andrew's Parish Cemetery, Boisdale, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the family home in Sydney. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lou's memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, the Cape Breton Palliative Care Service or the Victorian Order of Nurses. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in our mother's care, including Dr. Khodadad, Dr. Butler, Dr. Ritter, Dr. Burns, Dr. Zwicker, the nurses at Palliative Care and the VON, in particular Karen MacDonald, David Crowe, Pat Morrison, Paul Letourneau, Lorne Pemberton, Laurie Mortimer, Beth Latham, Helen and many others who were so caring and dedicated to ensuring she was so well looked after. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com. Richard 'Rick' Kenneth Dobson Passed in: Sydney It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Rick Dobson at home Beloved husband to Mary, proud father to daughter Julia (James) and sons, Richard and Daniel. Loyal and loving brother to Jim (Esther), Doug (Linda); sister-in-law, Claudia. Predeceased by parents, James and Edna (Nichols) and brother, David. Rick will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews and close friends who appreciated his quick wit and zest for life. Rick began his career in 1976, at the Fortress of Louisbourg as a draftsman, later as a watchman/fireman and remembered fondly all those he worked with. Rick retired in 2008 and enjoyed spending his time at home with family, gardening, playing the guitar, working on the MG and his daily walks with Jack. He enjoyed being "on call" for all his friends who could count on him to help with their projects.Rick especially enjoyed his "weekly meetings" with the boys, which always culminated in a yearly meeting in Boisdale. Rick's greatest joy was his family who are heartbroken by his untimely passing. His absence will be felt every day, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he has left behind. Family flowers only, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. A memorial service will take place Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brenda Drake officiating. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. A reception to follow at St. Theresa's Hall, St. Peter's Road. Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com. Roderick 'Podie' Stewart Born In: Sydney Mines Passed in: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Passed on: September 28th, 2013 It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Roderick Alexander Stewart in Edmonton, Alta. on Sept. 28, 2013, at the age of 89. Born in Sydney Mines, N.S., Rod was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was the son of John C. 'Jack' and Catherine (Katie Morrison) Stewart. He was predeceased by brothers, James, Donnie, Douglas, Chalmers, Russell, Earl and sisters, Dorothy, Shirley and Elizabeth 'Betty'. Rod was a veteran of the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Navy and a longtime employee of Canada Post in Sydney and North Sydney, N.S. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Vera (Beddow); his only daughter, Gail Ann Chiasson and son-in-law, Fred, who was like his own son; his precious grandchildren, Rod (Joanne), Andree and Aimee (Darrel) and his adored great-granddaughters, Courtney Chiasson, Taylor and Kendra Pidhirniak and his step-great-grandchildren, Samantha and Chris Rebus; as well as several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at Glenwood Funeral Home (south of Wye Road on Range Road 232, Sherwood Park) on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rod's name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Kidney Foundation or to a charity of one's choice. Marjorie Harding Passed in: Sydney Mines Passed on: September 26th, 2013 Marjorie passed away on Sept. 26, 2013, at the Northside General Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Born in Sydney Mines, she was a daughter of the late John and Irene (MacDonald) MacNeil. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Roy, and brother, John (Gertrude) MacNeil. Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Family Parish on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at 10 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Sydney Mines. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Marjorie's family by visiting www.francisfuneralhome.ca. Henry J. MacDougall Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada Born: March 28th, 1928 Passed in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed on: September 28th, 2013 Henry passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2013, in hospital. He was born in Glace Bay on March 22 1928, the son of the late Michael and Laura (Gouthro) MacDougall. After retiring from L.E Shaw Limited, Henry enjoyed spending quality time with his family. Henry enjoyed bowling, tennis and looked forward to his weekly bridge games with good friends. Henry enjoyed keeping his mind young by staying current on local and world events. His keen sense of humour and generous heart was loved by everyone; he will be sadly missed by all, especially his wife. Henry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years and best friend, Bonnie; his son, Richard (Linda); daughters, Michelle Hughes (Doug) and Joanne (Becki); daughter-in-law, Pat; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joan MacDougall of Glace Bay; and brother, Gerard (Mary) of Kitchener, Ont. He was predeceased by his son, Michael, brother, Basil and sister, Eula. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, between 6-9 p.m. at the Dartmouth Funeral Home located, 29 Queen St. The funeral will be held at St. Thomas Moore Church on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m., located at the corner of Main Street and Caledonia Road; reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will be held after the reception at The Gates of Heaven on Sackville Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice. Online condolences can be made at www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca. John Cameron (retired Sgt. RCAF) Passed in: Belleville, Ontario, Canada Passed on: September 26th, 2013 John Evans Cameron (Retired SGT - RCAF) passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at Belleville General Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013 in his 80th year. Son of the late Raymond & Amanda Cameron. John is survived by his loving wife, Doreen. Cherished father of Gail & her husband Kevin, Rick & his wife Tina and Diane & her husband John. Papa was very proud of his grandchildren, Joshua (Rebecca), Kayla, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Brandon and Evans and great-grandchildren, Tristan, Isaac, Peyton and Ava....his "bundles of joy". Survived by his sisters, Yvonne Poirier & Marie Mayfield and his brother, Alec Young. Fondly remembered by longtime family friend, Yves Lariviere. John will be remembered for his strong family values. His heart was filled with pride for his family and he valued his many friendships. At John's request cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to gather for a celebration of John's life at the Royal Canadian Legion - Trenton Branch # 110 on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 from 1 - 4 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online Guest Book & Condolences at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com. Florence 'Berni' (Jerrett) Horton Born In: Sydney Mines Born: February 24th, 1954 Passed on: September 27th, 2013 Florence Bernadette 'Berni' (Jerrett) Horton, 59, of Blandford, N.S. and Bradenton, Florida, went to Heaven Sept. 27, 2013, surrounded by her loving family after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Sydney Mines on Feb. 24, 1954 to Edward and Veronica Jerrett. She is survived by her husband, Captain Richard Horton and sons, Kristopher and Matthew. Also survived by her brothers, Ernest (Yvonne), Leonard (Ginny), George (Elizabeth), Donald (Barbara), Reggie (Louise), Michael (Patricia); by her sisters, Delphine Mansfield (Leckie), Lorraine Lewis, Bonnie Young (Sonny), Shirley Snowden (Richard), Beverley White (Mike), Brenda Dacey, Lynn Organ (Philip) and Edwina Jerrett; mother-in-law, Mary Horton; sisters-in-law, Sue Horton and Lynne Heron and numerous nieces, nephews and many, many special friends. Berni was predeceased by her mother, father and her father-in-law, F/L Edward Horton. Berni was employed as a flight attendant with Air Canada for 12 years before leaving Canada for Florida to raise her family. Known to friends as a talented chef who loved to entertain, and to family as a loving mother and partner. She and Rick spent much time travelling the world and meeting new friends & enjoyed their home on Kauai, Hawaii for 21 years. The family would like to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit of the Eastern Maine Medical Center for the excellent and compassionate care given to Berni. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the Cancer Society or the humane society or of your choice.