Emmanuel "Mannie" Earl Simms

Emmanuel Earl Simms

Georges River

With broken hearts, we regret to announce the death of Emmanuel Earl “Mannie” Simms, on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, from complications with dementia. Mannie passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Leonard and Josephine (Kempt) Simms. Mannie worked as a coal miner for a short time before moving to Ontario with his family, where he began working with the Boilermakers Union Local 128 Toronto. He would spend many years working on construction projects all across the province until 1980, when he would move his family back to Cape Breton. Mannie continued to travel between home and Ontario working as a boilermaker rigger and later spent a brief time working for a local security company, until his retirement.

Mannie followed many sports, but boxing was the one he followed with a passion. He kept a close eye on the careers of the boxers of his time Ali and Frazier to name a few. He was an active volunteer with the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was a former member of Fulton Orange Lodge in North Sydney.

Mannie was very interested in community events and politics. He enjoyed long, robust conversations on such subjects, of which I am sure family and friends can attest to. He also enjoyed a good game of Chess when he had a worthy opponent, usually his son Emmanuel “Mannie Jr.”

Mannie is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Joyce (Hardy) Simms; daughter, Deborah (Bernie Bonnar); son, Emmanuel “Mannie Jr.” (Marion Reid); grandchildren, Christopher (Taylor), Brittany, J.T., Mannie, Emma and one very special great grandson, Declan, who was the light of his life, all residing in North Sydney.

Also surviving are his brothers, Lindsay (Bernita) Sydney, Bernie Sydney, Sandy (Cathy) Thorold ON; sisters, Sandra (Garry Roscoe) Niagara-on-the-Lake, Susan (Michael Doyle) Guysborough, as well as many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Beside his parents Mannie was predeceased by brothers, Charles and Kenny, as well as sisters, Deborah and Evelyn Mae, all in infancy.

The family wish to extend thanks to Dr. Joan Salah, Dr. Stephanie Langley, Dr. Monica Dutt, Dr. Shimone and VON for the care and compassion shown to Mannie and his family.

Due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19, there will be a private family viewing and service with Deacon Michael Doyle presiding. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney, at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

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