Main-a-dieu, NS
May 4, 1937 - August 27, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Willis James Lahey on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Born May 4, 1937, in Main-a-dieu, he was a son of the late Thomas and Margaret (Perry) Lahey.
At a very young age, Willis left home to join the Canadian Army (RCR) and spent most of his three years in Soest, Germany. He worked at various jobs until he began working at the Fortress of Louisbourg, where he worked for 32 years. He was a part time lobster fisherman, something he loved to do and did until the age of 82.
Willis was very involved in the community of Main-a-dieu. He was a founding member and first Fire Chief of the Bateston Volunteer Fire Department, a position he held until retirement and served a term as a councillor for the former Cape Breton County. In his younger years he was involved with Sea Cadets and coached Little League baseball. He was also past president of the parish council, an altar server and Eucharistic minister.
Willis was a strong supporter of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play ball and hockey, travelling to many tournaments. He also enjoyed playing ball himself, bowling and darts.
Willis was a loving husband to his wife, Kathleen (Stevens) for 65 years and a devoted father to his children, Linda Gwinn, Main-a-dieu, Kimberly Mickey (late Vince), Grande Prairie, Karen (Earl) Cann, Sydney Mines, Kelvin (Judy), Reserve and David (Anne), Sylvan Lake, AB. He is also survived by ten grandchildren , Melissa (Sid), with whom he shared a special bond, Kyla (Sandy), Chrissy (Curtis),Tara (Wayne),Candace, Jamie, Josh (Samantha), Kolton, Adam (Stephanie) and Brent (Amie); 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Buddy) Kehoe, Louisbourg, Judy (Roger) Magee, Louisbourg, Rita (Alex) MacDonald, Romeo, MI, Sarah (Gary) Smith, London, ON, Peggy (Bob) Kennedy, Guelph, ON and Irene Gouthro, Glace Bay; brother, Perry (Sandy), Louisbourg; sister-in-law, Catherine Lahey; brothers-in-law, Ferdie White and Earl (Iris) Stevens; and many nieces and nephews.
Willis was predeceased by his daughter, Wanda Lahey; grandson, Micheal; sisters, Anna Mallett, Marcie White, Regina Stevens and Lillian Kelly (late Michael); brothers, Johnny and Edward; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecil and Azaliah Stevens; niece, Tammy Gouthro; and nephew, Robbie Kennedy.
Visitation will be held in Immaculate Conception Church, Main-a-dieu on Friday, August 30th from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the church on Saturday, August 31st at 11 a.m. with Father IK presiding, followed by interment in the Parish Cemetery. Following the interment a reception will be held at the Cafe, everyone welcome!
Memorials may be made to the Cemetery Fund.
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