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 August 10, 2013 Saturday There are 12 obituaries published today John Zahara - 90 yrs Gerald Currie - 79 yrs Andrew Nelson Higdon - 74 yrs Catherine (Angione) Head - 57 yrs George Francis "Frank" Sutherland - 63 yrs Paula Anne Flynn - 64 yrs Ethel Agatha O'Neil - 69 yrs Mary Catherine (Simmons) Kerrigan - 91 yrs Al Gaudet - 91 yrs Frederick Alan Hermack Jr. - 53 yrs Robert Wayne Gushue - 57 yrs William Thomson Taylor - 83 yrs John Zahara Born In: Sydney Born: January 31st, 1923 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: August 8th, 2013 It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce the death of John Zahara, Broadway. He died peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. Born in Sydney, Jan. 31, 1923, John was the son of the late Michael and Josephine (Lucas) Zahara. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. John was the son of Ukrainian immigrants and, like many other immigrants who settled the Whitney Pier community, he devoted years of his life to working at the Sydney Steel Plant; in his case 44 years as a supervisor in the blast furnace department. John lived his whole life in the Pier, and was well known as being naturally gifted in sports. He was scouted by the National Hockey League in his youth and was an avid baseball player and bowler. John also loved to play cards and he and his Lil hosted many enthusiastic tarabish games over the years. In his final years, John spent much of his time tuned in to the hockey and ball games and talking sports with family and friends. His sharp wit and sense of humour kept his spirit young. It was his gift to all who knew him and we will treasure it forever. Above all else, John was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to everyone he met. Left to mourn this great loss are his sons, Stewart (Barbara) Zahara and Dennis Zahara. Also surviving are his loving grandchildren, Stewart (Patricia), Karen (Will Petrac), Brent (Michelle), Carmie (Jody Harpell), John (Liliana), Cella, Lynn (David Lahey) and Tammy (Craig MacDonald); brother-in-law, Glen (Buddy) Young; as well as many nieces and nephews. A great joy in "Papa John's" life were his great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley, Zachary, Jenna, Troy, Shalyie, Kiauna, Calum, Max and Ana, Kayla and Haley. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by the love of his life, Lillian (Young) Zahara in 1997 after 57 wonderful years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Mary Ivany, Stella Davis, Annie Marmulak and Katie Zahara and a brother in infancy. Visitation for the late John Zahara will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to celebrate the life of John Zahara will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Pier Community Funeral Home, All Faith Chapel with Archdeacon Brenda Drake officiating. Following the service light refreshments will be served in the reception area. Interment will take place in Eastmount Cemetery, Whitney Pier. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to CNIB. The family would like to thank the VON, home care and his nephew, Mike Marmulak for the special care given to John during his time of need. 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. Gerald Currie Born: June 21st, 1932 Passed on: August 8th, 2013 It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the sudden passing of Gerald Currie at his home on Aug. 8, 2013. Gerald was born on June 21, 1932, to the late Malcolm and Margaret (Curry) Currie. Gerald is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Marie Francis (Morrison) Currie; two daughters, Amelia (Kevin) Simmons, Glace Bay, Lana (Paul) Hebert, Moncton; and three sons, Jerry (Stephanie) Currie, Tanglewood, Adrain (Norma Mugford) Currie, Reserve Mines, Dannie (Lois) Currie, Reserve Mines. Gerald is survived by his pride and joy in life, his 10 grandchildren, Stephen (Neha) Simmons, Shaun (Crystal) Simmons, Amanda (Dave) Smith, Sarah (Jordan) Currie, Christopher (Melissa) Currie, Maria Currie, Denis Hébert, Jeremy Hébert, André Hébert, Célina Hébert, and two great-grandsons, Ayden Simmons and Cole Simmons. Gerald is survived by sisters, Thelma Mackie, Margaret (Sonny) Treige, Donna Currie and brother, Leonard (Betty) Currie. Also, he is survived by sisters-in-law, Theresa Currie, Peggy Currie and Mary Ellen Polegato. Gerald is survived and admired by many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents, Gerald was predeceased by his sisters, Nora MacNamara, Patsy Roach, Anglorum Currie, Anna Currie and brothers, Neil, John, Ambrose, Joseph and Allister. Gerald was a humble, spiritual and loving family man. Gerald was a miner for 40 years. During these years he risked his life as a rescue draegerman in the 26 mining explosions and fires in 1977 and 1980. In addition he was proud to compete with his draegermen's team in local, national and international competitions. Gerald served on the parish council numerous times, working on various committees to improve the lives of people within his local and wider community. He was very generous and supported many charities including years of sponsoring children through World Vision. Following his retirement he worked tirelessly to restore and maintain St. Joseph's and Holy Family Parish Cemetery. He appreciated and was proud to be joined by many cemetery volunteers and the work that they accomplished. In keeping with Gerald's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Sunday, Aug. 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral mass will be officiated by Fr. Dan Boudreau, con-celebrated by Fr. Reggie Currie and Fr. Ray Huntley on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph's Parish Church, 22 Main St., Reserve Mines. Interment will take place at St. Joseph's and Holy Family Cemetery. A reception will follow in the parish hall located in the basement of the church. Family flowers only please. Donations in Gerald's memory may be made to St. Joseph's and Holy Family Cemetery or a charity of your choice and would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Gerald's good character And the kindness of his heart Won the affection of his loved ones. Gerald was loved by all. Andrew Higdon Born In: North Sydney Passed on: August 4th, 2013 Andrew Higdon passed away on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013. Born in North Sydney, Andrew was the son of Loretta (Jenkins) and the late Louis Higdon, North Sydney. Andrew graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College and then began his career as an industrial arts teacher at Bicentennial Junior High School in Dartmouth, N.S. He later moved on to work at John Martin Junior High School and then with the Department of Education. After his retirement Andrew began a new career as a real estate agent with Century 21 ABC. He was very giving of his time; he was an active member of his church and also volunteered with many groups and charitable organizations in the Halifax/Dartmouth area. Andrew is survived by his wife, Muriel (Dicks); children, Shawn (LeaAnn), P.E.I., Tanya (Ken) Engle, U.S.A., Sheldon, Halifax; brothers, Brian (Linda) and Robert (Michele), both of North Sydney; grandchildren, Brianna, Brett, Lauren, Madeline and Emily and various nieces and nephews. Andrew was also survived by a special cousin, Fred Patterson (Eleanor), North Sydney and Corrine Patterson (deceased). Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Friday Aug. 9, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10th in Woodlawn United Church with a reception to follow in the church hall. Interment will take place in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodlawn United Church Accessibility Fund. Online condolences maybe sent by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel). Catherine (Angione) Head Passed in: Sydney Passed on: August 9th, 2013 Catherine Head passed away on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. The full obituary will appear in Monday's Post. Arrangements are under the direction of V. J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. Frank Sutherland Born In: Sydney Mines Born: April 17th, 1950 Passed in: North Sydney Passed on: August 8th, 2013 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George Francis 'Frank' Sutherland, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Frank left us on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, at the Northside General Hospital. Born in Sydney Mines on April 17, 1950, he was the son of the late George and Bessie (MacDougall) Sutherland. Frank was a very kind, gentle person and a dedicated family man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Frank had a great love for the outdoors, and spending time with the boys. He was retired from MacDougall's Wholesale in Sydney Mines, having worked there for many years. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Linda (Robertson) Sutherland; his children, Traci (John) MacQueen, Frankie (Tasha) and Carrie (Nathan). 'Baboo' will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Kalin (Ronnie), Logan (his dad Wayne), and his 'forever birthday gift,' great-granddaughter, Bella Grace. Frank is also survived by his siblings, Brenda (Hector) MacLean, Ann (Arnold) Davis, Colleen (Brian) MacNeil and Roddie (Bonnie), as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Frank will be missed by the Robertson family: Marilyn and Alan Martell, Helen and Bob Eisener, David (Rosanne) Robertson and Curtis and Lisa Robertson. Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by his nephew, Chris MacLean. To honour Frank's wishes, there will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, in Holy Family Church, (formerly St. Pius X) at 2 p.m. with Fr. Thomas John officiating. A reception will be held in the church hall, following the service. There will be a private family burial. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, may be made to L'Arche Cape Breton www.larchecapebreton.org or by mail to L'Arche Cape Breton, 3 L'Arche Lane, Whycocomagh, N.S., B0E 3M0; (902) 756-2474. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com. "Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows." Paula Flynn Born In: Baddeck Born: January 4th, 1949 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: August 8th, 2013 Paula Anne Langille Flynn, 64, of Baddeck, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, after a lengthy battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She was born Jan. 4, 1949 in Baddeck, N.S. Paula was a long time resident of Dover, Delaware. She returned to Baddeck 20 years ago and was a member of Greenwood United Church. She was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion where she enjoyed serving breakfast on Saturday mornings, and playing crib on Sunday afternoons. Paula was an avid skier and sailor and enjoyed being out on the waters of the Bras D'Or Lakes. She loved to sing, knit and do crossword puzzles. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends she made as a server in various restaurants around the community especially Auberge Gisele's Inn where she worked for 16 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Edward Flynn, Delaware, her parents, Alton and Judith (Williams) Langille, Baddeck and special sister, Aileen (Warnholtz) Rudderham (Emerson), Edwardsville. She is survived by her sisters, Andrea (Robert) Brown,Victoria, B.C., and Patti (Vance) Stephenson, Baddeck; brother, Walter Langille (Janice Spencer), Toronto, Ont.; nieces, Kelley (Clarence), Allison (Heath) and Rhonda; nephews, Derek and James (Vera); seven grand-nieces and two grand-nephews. Her family is deeply grateful to Dr. Genge and the medical staff of Victoria County Memorial Hospital, and the staff of the CCU and ICU units of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney and Ann Fraser who was by her side the last nine weeks. Cremation has taken place under the direction of MacAskill Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Greenwood United Church in Baddeck on Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at 2 p.m. with reception to follow in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Foundation and Greenwood United Church Memorial Fund. Ethel O'Neil Born: December 20th, 1943 Passed in: Sydney Passed on: August 9th, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ethel on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Adelaide (Delaney) Lever. She was predeceased by brothers, Bill (Madeline), James Leo, Cornelius, Theodore and Leroy; sisters, Shirley Anne, and Helen Gouthro. "Ma" is survived by the "12 men in her life", husband, Aloysius; sons, Leonard (Phyllis), Dartmouth, Kenneth (Barb), Glace Bay and Edward, Winnipeg. "Nanny's" grandsons, Jeffrey (Kathryn), Ryan (Nicole), Kyle, Dartmouth, Sean (Aliesje), Liam, Colin, Glace Bay, Dylan, Winnipeg and great-grandson, Miles Joseph O'Neill, Dartmouth. Also surviving are sisters, Stella (late Murdock) Campbell, Glace Bay; Theresa Babcock (Bob), Wisconsin, USA; Shirley (late Ken) Doucette, Dartmouth; Lorna, Glace Bay; brothers, Fred (Anita), Milton, Ont.; John, Toronto; Harold (late Annette), Dennis (Helen), Glace Bay; Sonny (M.C.) Ajax, Ont. "Gatha" is survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. Ma lived a full and rewarding life, she enjoyed 59 years with the love of her life, Wishie. She adored her boys, enjoyed entertaining in her kitchen, playing cards and having a laugh with her many friends. The family would like to thank Ma's numerous friends for their visits and support during her illness. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Dr. James MacLean, and all health care professionals at the CBRH Cancer Center and 4E, who provided exceptional care and support to her and our family, during her illness. Cremation has been completed. There will be no visitation. A funeral mass of celebration will be held at St. Anthony's Church, Glace Bay, on Monday, Aug. 12th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Patrick O'Neill officiating, reception to follow in the church basement. Condolences may be forwarded to the family @ www.jmcurryfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Cape Breton Regional Cancer Center or Palliative Care Program would be appreciated. "Love ya Ma" Mary (Simmons) Kerrigan Passed in: Rotonda Passed on: August 5th, 2013 Mary Catherine (Simmons) Kerrigan, of Sterling House, Rotonda, Fla. Passed away Aug. 5, 2013, after a brief illness. She was 91 and is sadly missed by all. Born in Holyoke, Mass., Her childhood was spent in Quincy, Mass. She graduated from Quincy High School, and Boston Secretarial School. After marriage, she raised five children in Rockland, Mass., where she was actively involved in community events, scouting, and Holy Family Catholic Church. On retirement she and her husband moved to Englewood, Fla. Square dancing, playing bridge, painting, reading, and being with her family gave her great pleasure. Summers were spent in Cape Breton, Cape Cod, with occasional travel abroad. She is survived by four children, Matt Kerrigan (Marie) of Halifax, N.S.; Eileen Dunlap (Jim) of Westport, Mass.; Mark Kerrigan (Rita) of Ellisville, Miss.; Maryann Kerrigan of Quincy, Mass.; grandchildren, Joanne Kerrigan of Halifax and Brian Kerrigan of Abu Dhabi, UAE. She was predeceased by her husband, Selwyn Edwin Kerrigan and son, Allen Edwin Kerrigan. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service and interment at Sarasota National Cemetery will be held at a later date, notice to be given. A memorial service will be held in Massachusetts for family this fall. Al Gaudet Passed in: Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada Passed on: August 1st, 2013 Al died at Valley Regional Hospital Aug. 1, 2013 at age 91. Parents were the late Edith (Bourque) and Thaddeus Gaudet of N.B. First love and wife of 44 years, Rose MacDonnell, died in 1988. Grieving children are Barb (Syl), Joe (Sharon), Rosanne and Jerry (Ruth). Grandchildren are Amy, Joanna, Greg, Janine, Daniel, Diana, Keagan, Brandea and Charla. Al had seven great-grandchildren. Surviving sisters are Theresa Liston and Mary Lambert. Special sisters-in-law, Bea Warcop, Pat White and Mona Macdonnell. Predeceased by siblings, Joe, Bea, Dell and Madeleine. Al and Jean Rose of North Sydney marrried in 1994. Al was laid to rest at Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mills, Kings Co. after a mass by Father J. MacPherson at St. Joseph's Church, Kentville. Funeral details were entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, N.S. Frederick Hermack Born: April 15th, 1960 Passed on: July 21st, 2013 Proud father, loving husband, dedicated son, great brother and brother-in-law, terrific uncle, good person. It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Fred Hermack Jr. The eldest of the Hermack children, Freddie was known and truly liked by everyone he met and was a gifted athlete and community minded business person in the city of Oshawa. Freddie will best be remembered as an honourable, noble, caring gentleman who put his family first and genuinely embraced and enriched his community and everyone he met. Fred will be forever missed by his soulmate and wife, Lynn and his three children, Freddie the Fourth, Elyse and Caitlyn. Loving firstborn son of Fred and Alice (Wadden) Hermack, son-in-law to Tom and Diane Williams. Never to be replaced to his brother, Ian and sisters, Kim (Anderson), Brenda (Adams) and Alison (Evans), brother-in-law to Sharon Hermack, Steve Anderson, Charlie Adams and John Evans, Jeff and Alison Williams. Loving uncle to Tyler, Jessica, Garrett, Jillian, Jaimee, Shane and Cassidy. He will never be forgotten by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. For condolences, the family would like you to visit the book of memories page set up to share memories, thoughts, prayers and pictures. Please go to the web page, www.armstrongfuneralhome.net/book-of-memories/1636560/Hermack-Frederick/index.php. Robert Gushue Born In: Sydney Passed in: Sydney Passed on: August 8th, 2013 Robert Wayne Gushue, 57 of Sydney, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, after a lengthy illness. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Whalen) Gushue, Sydney. He is survived by brothers, Tom (Addie), Raymond and Terry; sisters, Carol (the late James Lahey), Teresa (Joe Gale), Janette (the late Jack Fletcher), Marlene (John Dixon), Kim (Albert Harriet), Brenda (John Aucoin) and Dottie (Andrew MacNeil). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Patrick and David and sisters, Florence Smiley, Linda Colbourne and Debbie Janes. Cremation has taken place, there will be no visitation. A private family service will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the C.B. Palliative Care Society, Palliative Care Unit. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com. William Taylor Born: June 12th, 1930 Passed in: Sydey Passed on: August 3rd, 2013 Another angel has received the honour of receiving the wings of glory, as the work he did here on earth is finished and he is now gone on to his rightful glory. William passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. William Thomson Taylor was born on June 12, 1930, to his proud parents, Margaret Joyce (MacCuish) Taylor and her husband, William Stanley Taylor. He was one of four children. William had an adventurous childhood, as he moved around to a few places and met many people who taught him various life skills, which he was able to use in his early years and, in his later years, gave him many rewards. William, also known to a few as T.T., had many other gifts that he shared with family and friends, as he had a very kind and peaceful soul, as well as a heart that was as big as the world and much love for all who knew and loved him dearly. For 43 years, William was employed with the City of Sydney (CBRM) and like many he worked with, started out doing pick and shovel. As a young man and after working as a labourer, William was successful in working himself up the scale, where he finally finished as a heavy equipment operator. Up until he took early retirement in 1991, due to his health, William took great pride in his job. He was able to enjoy his retirement by traveling to a few places. William entertained people by playing his accordion and his hearty laugh was one that was so contagious that one had to laugh with him. He loved taking pictures of anything that captured his attention. William had a great voice and truly enjoyed singing. Many commented on his singing, as at one time, he sang in the choir at Bethel Presbyterian Church and was a member of the young peoples group. He was also a member of the L.T.B.A. Lodge #202 in Sydney, where he held many offices. William was predeceased by his parents; many uncles and aunts; nephew, David, John's son; brother, John; sister, Joyce Taylor Crawley; and by many great friends he had known over the years. He is survived by his brother, Dan B. Taylor (Donald); many nieces, nephews and cousins; and also by his dear and true friend of 29 years, Edward MacPherson. William's wish was to be buried without any fancy funeral. He was a plain and simple person who was a "Plain Jane" as it were, but now and then, he would love to be in the spotlight and loved the attention it brought his way. There will be no visitation and interment will be held in the Garden of the Good Shepherd at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Robert Lyle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Bethel Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice. I would like to thank each and every nurse and doctor who, so professionally, attended to William in his time of sickness, as well as his family doctor, Dr. Buhariwalla, who we consider a friend and his staff at the Pier Medical Clinic for the love they showed William. Also, to the many people who sent their love and well wishes for William through the internet and regular mail. To Margaret MacLeod for her utmost compassion and understanding of his needs, as well as those who came to see William and left him feeling refreshed from their lovely visit. Please forgive me if I have missed anyone, as there are so many. Much love and God bless to each and everyone of you, as we were truly blessed to have known William T. Taylor and the world will be just a bit more lonely without him. But, do not mourn his passing, as he is only a heartbeat and memory away to many who knew and loved him. So, please have a good laugh and cry and get together to remember William for all his humour and kindness. Condolences may be sent to the family www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email [email protected]