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Port Williams, NS August 30, 1939 - January 17, 2025 Stuart Bruce Griffin – age 85, of Port Williams, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Valley Hospice, Kentville, surrounded by his family. Born August 30, 1939 in Wolfville, Stuart was a son of the late Bernard and Edith (Conley) Griffin. Stuart lived a life devoted to family and community. As an active member of the Port Williams Volunteer Fire Department for the last 65 years, Stuart served his community with honour and integrity; building relationships in many of the volunteer departments throughout the valley and beyond. His passion for helping others was evident throughout his life. From sharing the crops in his garden, answering calls from neighbours, friends and family anytime of the day or night when there was an issue to cooking the chicken for the annual PWVFD chicken BBQ – Stuart was there with a smile on his face and most likely something witty to say. It was during Stuart’s volunteer years that he met the love of his life, his late wife of 35 years, Audrey (Messem), who filled his life with laughter, unconditional love and burnt potatoes. Stuart would smile, make a witty remark and continue with the meal. We believe that this became the normal for Stuart and he just rolled with it, just like he did most of his life. Stuart’s honesty, loyalty, supportiveness, unwavering kindness, commitment, unconditional love and his ability to mentor were qualities that anyone who came in contact with him quickly learned about him. Whether it was teaching his children how to do math or choosing the right thing to do for each of them, to passing along all of his knowledge about fighting fires and how to prevent fires, Stuart would share his experiences so that others could learn from him and then take that knowledge and apply it to their own choices in life. He is survived by a son, Adam; daughters, Belinda (Jason Strickland) and Bethlyn (Trevor) Hird; brother, Irvin; sisters, Gloria (Davidson) and Donna (Leopold); grandchildren, Elliot, Aurora and Grace; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Audrey and brother, Lesley. Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25th in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where the funeral service (with livestream) will also be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th. Interment will take place in Fox Hill Cemetery, Port Williams. Family Flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to Port Williams Volunteer Fire Department in Stuart’s name. Stuart’s kindness, generosity and love for his family will forever remain in the heart of those who knew him. Stuart believed in building a community and family with relationships and memories that stand the test of time.

Amherst, NS January 16, 2025 Donald Melvin MacLeod passed peacefully with his family at his side, Thursday, January 16, 2025. Born in Port Philip, Nova Scotia in 1933, Don lived a vibrant 91 years. In 1956 he married his sweetheart, Greta Terris. Together they raised 4 children in Dieppe, NB. In retirement they returned to Cumberland Co, NS, where they resided in Trumanville for more than 30 years. Don was an avid beekeeper, a Counselor with the Town of Dieppe, also serving as Deputy Mayor, a board member with the East Dieppe Boys and Girls Club, an employee of CN for 33 years, a farmer and a family man. He loved his little farm and happily worked his land. Cows, chickens, peacocks, guinnea hens, turkeys, he had them all.  He is survived by his loving wife, Greta, sons Terry (Sharon) and Donald "Sandy". Daughters, Catherine Cormier (Roger) and Jennifer MacLeod (Mike Townsend) and his little sister, Marlene MacLeod. He was the proud grandfather of 9, and great grandfather of 8 and was loved very much by them all. Predeceased by his parents, Hilton MacLeod and Helen (Henderson) and brother Dr. Edgar MacLeod.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation can do so to the Truemanville Fire Department.

Dartmouth, NS December 12, 1953 - January 17, 2025 Regretfully we announce the passing of our father John Elliott MacDonald on January 17, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in Halifax on December 12, 1953. John was the son of the late Donald and Lillian MacDonald (Pellerin) of Dartmouth. John will be sadly missed by his three children Karen (Peter) McCarron, Paul MacDonald and Jennifer MacDonald, as well as his three grandchildren, Mason, Aiden and Lanaya. He is also survived by his brother Cliff (Kathy) MacDonald. John retired in 2018 after a 35-year career at the Halifax/Dartmouth Bridge Commission. He had a deep passion for music and playing his bass guitar. Since he was, a teenager John has always been in a band, he continued to play with some of the same members until his passing. John enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, and he was always up for a game of cards. He was a kind and caring person who always helped anyone in need. He had a love for animals, especially his beloved dog, Maggie and his cat Cassie. Visitation will take place Tuesday January 21 at 11:00 a.m., immediately preceding the memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Dartmouth Funeral Home, 29 Queen Street in Dartmouth. A reception will follow at Colleen’s Pub from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at 15C Red Bridge Pond Road.

Sydney Forks / Iona, NS September 15, 1952 – January 13, 2025 It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Marguerite MacKinnon, announce her sudden passing after a life that graced us with her with kindness, caring and love. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, January 13th, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Her family and friends were so blessed having her in our lives for 72 years. Marguerite was born September 15, 1952, the fourth of eight children, and was raised at the family home on Keltic Drive (formerly the Barren Road). She briefly attended nursing school after high school before joining Air Canada where she spent years based out of Halifax and Calgary. She left the airline to marry and start her family with her husband Malcolm in Sydney Forks, where she resided until a recent move to Iona. Her later years she spent surrounded by children working at Sydney Daycare. She is survived by her daughters Katie, Sydney Forks and Maggie (Scott Cameron), Halifax: stepdaughter Ann Marie MacInnes (Deryl), Sydney: stepsons Edward (Kim), Calgary, Robert, Edmonton, Art (Gina), Victoria B.C., John (Brenda), Westmount, and Kenny (Tracey) Baddeck: brothers Hugh (Linda), Benacadie, N.S., Bernie (Jo-Ann), Sydney River and Doyle (Michelle), Glace Bay: sisters Dena Fairn, Albany Cross, N.S., Brenda Guinard (Paul), Halifax, Estelle Reynolds (Bill), Elmsdale, N.S., and Colleen Oram (Brian), Sydney: daughter-in-law Joanne, Westmount, sisters-in-law Theresa Gillis and Cecilia: aunts Flo MacNeil and Rita Madore. She is also survived by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She was predeceased by her husband Malcolm MacKinnon, his siblings John, Neil, Michael, Bernie, Peggy, Mary and Minnie: stepson Leonard, her parents Roddie and Margie MacKinnon, and brothers-in-law Rannie Gillis, Pat Flaherty, Laird Fairn and Garth Ross: and two brothers in infancy. Anyone who knew Marguerite, loved Marguerite. You could not meet a more genuinely sincere, kind person who treated others like they were the most important person in the world — a testament to the fact she had such a vast network of lifelong friends. Her infectious smile, laugh and quick wit were matched only by her zest for life and zeal for socialization. While she travelled extensively across the globe in her younger years with Air Canada, she was thrilled with more recent trips with her daughters Katie and Maggie to London, sister Estelle and cousins Mary and Theresa to Ireland, and her Dominican getaway with son and daughter-in-law Kenny and Tracey, and her granddaughters Abbie and Emma. And while travel played a large role in Marg’s life, it was spending time around family and friends in Nova Scotia, especially at cousin Pat’s and Linda’s in Benacadie Pond, where she was most in her element. Many Friday nights you could find her at her card partner (and sister-in-law) Mary’s, playing Auction against her mother Margie Dan X and sister-in-law Theresa. On weekends she loved spending time baking bread with her grandchildren, hosting barbecues or Sunday dinners, and taking every opportunity to celebrate with family. While Marguerite fancied herself an elite scat player (some family members assert she was prone to bouts of delusion on this point), there was no disputing her superiority when it came to cooking and baking. It was her passion. She was truly a masterful cook and baker. The only thing she enjoyed more than working her culinary magic in the kitchen was sharing it with those she loved. Her creations weren’t just food, they were an expression of love. We were all so blessed to have broken bread with you, Marguerite. Especially when it was bread that you had made. Visitation will take place Friday, Jan.17, at T.W. Curry’s Parkview Chapel from 5-8 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at St. Columba Church, Iona, on Saturday, Jan.18, at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Barra's Parish Cemetery, Christmas Island. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to EHS personnel and the caring Emergency Department and ICU staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their kind treatment of Marguerite and the entire family in a difficult time. Family flowers only. Donations can be made to the St Barra Cemetery in her memory. In the words of her mother, whom she dearly missed after her recent passing at age 99: ‘Good night and God bless Marg.’

Whitney Pier, NS July 17, 1944 - January 14, 2025 It is with a heavy heart that we the family, announce the passing of David Keough, on Monday, January 14, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Sydney on July 17, 1944, David was the son of the late Andrew and Mary Anne (MacRae) Keough. David is survived by his loving wife, Diane (Fougere) Keough and celebrated 57 years of marriage this past July. David also leaves behind his extended families of Keough, Murphy and Fougere.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, David was predeceased by his eight sisters and two brothers. Over the years, David enjoyed camping, hockey, playing ball, playing pass the ace and getting together with family and friends.  He was a dedicated fan of the Eagles hockey team and loved attending their games.  He retired from the Sydney Steel Plant after many years of service. There will be no visitation for the late David Joseph Keough.  Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating.  A light lunch will be served at the Pier Community Funeral Home following the service.  Interment will be in New Calvary Cemetery Whitney Pier. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David, may be made to the Holy Redeemer Building Fund. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Scots Bay, NS January 10, 2025 Michael Leslie Dykens - 71, of Scotts Bay, Kings County, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Kentville, Michael was the son of the late Leslie and Myrna (Huntley) Dykens. Michael was a hardworking farmer. His farming career spanned over three decades. He was employed with L.B. Meek and Son Ltd. for 30+ years, finishing his farming career at Wilmar Acres. He was a fan of Nascar Racing, vintage cars, wrestling and tractors. He also took great pride in his 1978 Ford Ranger Custom XLT. Michael spent the last 15 years at the Evergreen Nursing Home. During his time there, he enjoyed fishing in the pond, speeding up and down the halls in his wheelchair and flirting with the nurses. He is survived by son, Chris Dykens (Lacey); grandchildren; Jayden Dykens and Josepha "Josie" MacDonald; sister, Rhonda (Wayne) Martin; brothers, Lyndon, Leon (Julie), and Bruce Dykens. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by son, Mark Dykens; sisters, Marlene Davidson, and Roleen Bourque; and brother, Rodney Dykens. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Michael's honor.

Sydney, NS / Cochran, AB August 16, 1974 - January 15, 2025 It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we the family announce the unexpected passing of Darren Carroll at the age of 50. Darren grew up in Sydney N.S before moving to Ontario, British Columbia, Calgary and then finally settling in Cochran Alberta. Darren worked most of his adult life out west in the oil fields as a machine operator. Darren was quiet until you got him on the topic of something that interested him. If you knew Darren you know how much he loved snowboarding, travelling, comics, cars, motorcycles and music. As a teenager you often seen Darren with long brown hair that was typically in his face while wearing a leather jacket with an electric guitar in hand. Left to morn his death is his mother Theresa Carroll, brothers Richard Carroll (Darlene), Glen Carroll (Mona), Bernie Carroll, Troy Carroll (Muriel), favourite sister Lori Gillis (Kevin), Aunt Rosie Fraser, Uncle Tommy Baker (Kathy), friends Eddie Stapleton and Cheryl Bishop, along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Darren is predeceased by his father Richard Carroll. Maternal grand parents Stella and James Baker. Paternal grand parents Elizabeth and Eddy Doucette. Aunt Joan (Bob) and uncle James (Kay). Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Family will gather to celebrate Darren’s life at a later date. “Grief is the price we pay for love”

River Bourgeois, NS March 30, 1936 - January 14, 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Whitney Alexander Boudreau at the Strait Richmond Hospital on January 14, 2025 after a brief illness.   He was born on March 30, 1936 to Willie and Rita (Thibeau) Boudreau.   Whitney passed away peacefully with his loving wife of 62 years, Gloria (nee Fougere) by his side.  Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Perry (Mary), daughter-in-law Brenda and grandchildren Samuel (Savannah), Benjamin, Jacob, and Grace who adored their “Papa” and enjoyed time spent with him over the years.  He is also survived by his sisters Patsy Cormier (Paul) and Eleanor Pedersen (Pete) and many nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Whitney was predeceased by his son Darren and his brothers-in-law Peter, Roy, Leo, and Ronald (Annette).   Whitney will be remembered fondly for his love of the “camp”, his love of food-especially Gloria’s buns and jam, his warm smile, kindness, and his willingness to drive everyone and anyone anywhere they needed to go.   He will be greatly missed by his best buddy John “Sac” McPhee.  A special thank you to John and his daughter Leslie and many other family and friends in the communities of River Bourgeois and St. Peter’s for their support and kindness during Whitney’s illness.   Thank you also to the physicians, nurses, and the palliative care team at the Strait Richmond Hospital.  Funeral Mass will be held at the St. John the Baptist church in River Bourgeois on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:00 am.  Reception to follow at the Tara Lynne Community Centre in River Bourgeois.  In memory of Whitney “Papa”, we ask that you share an act of kindness, as he so often did. Memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the Strait Richmond Hospital.  “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”  - William Arthur Ward.

Wagmatcook, NS November 14, 1960 - January 6, 2025 It is with deep sadness and tremendous regret that we announce the passing of a great man. He was a wonderful hard working person. If you were having a bad day a visit to our local post office would often do the trick, he would give lots of hugs and create great memories with everyone he encountered. Family or not he made everyone feel special. No one left without a smile because he enjoyed making you laugh. Maynard Joseph Peck left us to join the spirit world on Monday, January 6th, 2025. Maynard passed at the age of 64, surrounded by his loved ones at the Victoria County memorial Hospital in Baddeck. He was also born in the same hospital on Nov. 14, 1960, Maynard devoted his life to being a foster parent, he took Colton & Terry Jr as his own children, spending quality time with all of his loved ones. He was big on holidays, he always made them extra special. Halloween and Christmas were his favourite. He made sure to gift everyone. He also loved ordering from Avon and he took ppl’s orders. He received the products and delivered it to ppl. He encouraged everyone to graduate High School. He wanted the best for those he crossed paths with and he gave everyone equal love, attention, compassion and encouragement. He had many, many godchildren. Anyone who stayed with Maynard was considered family and with the numbers over the years, there are too many to name. Maynard was also a strong man of faith and a longtime faithful attender of Queen of the World Parish, Wagmatcook. Maynard was a very hard working man, he enjoyed his job at the smoke shop when it use to be at the band office. After he was done working there, he worked at the post office since it opened. He helped everyone in the community to set up their Td Bank cards. He truly loved his job at the post office and he had planned to go back when the cancer was gone. He truly enjoyed his job! He was an amazing loving man. Maynard does leave behind his loving siblings Keptin Douglas "Doug" Peck, Charles "Chukie" Peck, Roy Peck, Mary Lou Isadore (Pete), Norma Peck, Allison Peck (Korey), Howard Isadore (Robert) along with godmother Martha Isadore, many godchildren, nieces and nephews and foster kids. He is predeceased by siblings Malcolm Peck, Terrance Peck, Margaret Peck Nephew Derek Isadore and niece Angel Tremblay. Also, his parents Micheal Peck, Emily Isadore And June Peck. A visitation will take place starting at 7pm on Tuesday, January 14 at the Elder's Centre in Wagmatcook. Funeral Mass will be held at Queen of the World Church, Wagmatcook on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 11:00am. Interment to follow in Wagmatcook Cemetery.

Kentville, NS January 9, 2025 Our family is so sad to have to share that Gary Frederick Marshall passed away in the Blomidon Court Nursing Home in Greenwich, NS, mid-morning on Thursday, January 9, 2025. His wife, Heather Morse, was faithfully by his side, holding his hand as he made his way through the emotional sendoff he received from the staff, family and friends who were able to gather there that morning. Gary never wanted any fuss about him; he just wasn’t that guy. But we’re sure he also didn’t quite understand how far and wide his reach in our world was. We’re confident that those fortunate enough to know Gary and spend time with him during his jam-packed, adventure-filled life would agree. Whether he was sharing a hearty laugh, engaged in deep conversations, or so generously and naturally sharing his experience and expertise, Gary was a people person, and we are all so much richer for that. Gary is now with the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, NS, as they help fulfill his wish to be cremated. A longer retrospective of Gary’s life and information about a future celebration of life will follow. Instead of flowers, our family welcomes donations in Gary’s name to some of the organizations and causes that stand for things he loved throughout his life and also that affected him and our own hearts dearly while living the last part of his life with Vascular Dementia: the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia SPCA or KidSport Canada.

Maccan, NS March 10, 1965 - January 7, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Martin Alfred Parsons on January 7, 2025, at the age of 59.  Martin (Marty) passed away peacefully at his home in Maccan, Nova Scotia. Born on March 10, 1965, in Scarborough, ON, he was the son of the late Basil and Marilyn (Kempster) Parsons. Martin was a beloved father to Nicholas MacDonald (Kayla Miller), Christa MacDonald (Justin Wark), Lacey MacDonald (Adam Crowley), Jackie Chapman (Barbara Harvey), and Alex Parsons. Martin’s siblings, Kim Parsons (her children Dustin, Cody and Sammi-Jo) and his "little" brother Bill Parsons (his children Travis, Rea and Donna), are left to mourn, along with his "brothers-from-another-mother"—Dave H., Fred C., John B., Fred G., Jamie G., Mike O; Jack G., Scott S.; and "sisters-from-another-mister"- Cindy and Susan; as well as many nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his special godson Sean Grant. He was a special Grampie to Brooke Miller, Abby Miller; Payton Wentzell; Aiden Cameron; Alexis Stewart (Haley MacLellan), Mason Stewart, Waylen Crowley, and "Peter" to Bentlea and Anakan Crowley. Grampie loved bike rides through the woods, hosting BBQs, and watching sports with his grandkids. He was the husband of Michelle Parsons, sharing many adventures during their 32 years together. Martin dedicated his professional life to welding and production assembly, working at Surrette Battery and Benjamin Heating for most of his life. Known for his strong work ethic and sharp sense of humour, his colleagues will deeply miss his presence. He found joy in fishing, hunting, and relaxing in front of the TV. Martin was a fierce competitor at washer tournaments, often winning titles with his "washer wife," Tracy. He also loved gathering around beach campfires with family and friends. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Martin played softball for over 40 years, often organizing teams for tournaments across Nova Scotia. He started as an outfielder but found his true talent as a pitcher. In his 30s, Martin strapped on skates after many years to coach his daughter Alex’s hockey team. For years, he managed Saturday-night pick-up hockey games in Springhill, blending his love for sports with his community spirit. Donations in memory of Marty can be made to KidSport Nova Scotia.

Grand River, NS January 6, 2025 On Monday night, January 6, 2025, Norman slipped away peacefully at the Richmond Villa in St. Peters. Born in Framboise, Richmond County, he was a son of Earl and Cora Bartholomew. The family moved to Grand River, Richmond County when he was six. Norman is survived by his daughter, Kim (Ray Pushie) of Sydney River and son, Gordon of Grand River. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jean Bartholomew; several nieces and nephews; step-granddaughter; step-grandson; and two step-great-granddaughters. Norman was predeceased by his wife, Shirley (Lewis); four sisters, Gladys, Jean (AJ MacLeod), Rose (Gilbert MacAulay) and Earline (Garfield Miller); and a brother Kenneth. A graduate of St. Peters High School, his first employment was as a scaler for the Mersey Paper Co. He later was employed by Elmon Motors in Sydney. In 1959, he was appointed the Coordinator of Emergency Measures for Richmond County. He worked in this position during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early sixties and spoke of how close we came to nuclear war. In 1962, he was appointed a Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. For 32 years, he worked in the position of Director of Social Services for Richmond County. He retired in 1993. In 2000, he rejoined the workforce as a mail carrier for Canada Post for another twenty-one years, re-retiring at the age of 85. Norman was a member of the Grand River Presbyterian Church where he faithfully served as an elder, choir member and Clerk of Session for more than forty years. Thank you to the Richmond Villa Staff for making him feel at home. Sincere gratitude and thanks to all the staff of Hospice Cape Breton. Your care gave us time and made him feel like a superstar. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a quick laugh and a great sense of humour. You could describe him as a brand man. A lifelong Detroit Red Wings fan through wins and losses, he supported The Chrysler Corporation and would often say, “If Chrysler didn’t make it don’t take it,” and he was a big fan of country music, especially fond of old country as he called it. To respectfully quote one of his old-time country favourites, Hank Snow, “I’m moving on”. Visitation will take place in Grand River Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 9th from 4-6 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the church on Friday, January 10th at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Richardson officiating. Interment will take place in Grand River Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Donations in memory of Norman may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.