It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harold James "Jim" Fiander, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished member of his family.  Jim passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026 at QE II, Health Sciences Centre.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Joan Fiander (née Reeves), and his two daughters, Tara Deveau (Kirk) and Tracy Fiander Trask (Bill), who were the pride and joy of his life. He was an incredibly proud and devoted grandfather to his three granddaughters, Madison, Mackenzie, and Paige, whose lives he enriched with his love, wit, and unwavering encouragement to do their best—especially when it came to the importance of education.

Jim’s life was defined by his deep commitment to his family, his quiet strength, and his constant support for those he loved. He found great joy in spending time with his daughters and grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever. An avid golfer, Jim relished time on the course, embracing both the challenge of the game and the opportunity to continually improve. He also held a special place in his heart for Florida, where he and Joan shared wonderful years filled with laughter, friendship, and sunshine.

When asked what he did for a living, Jim would often say he was a millwright. However, to those who knew him best, his true gift was his remarkable ability to fix almost anything. Always in motion, Jim spent much of his time building or repairing things for Joan and his girls. An entrepreneur at heart, he worked side by side with Joan to build a successful ceramic shop, grow Fiander’s Variety into a valued community staple in Little Harbour, and maintain rental properties throughout Pictou County.

In his final years, Jim fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning home to Cape Breton, where he spent time with his siblings, their families and other childhood friends.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Susie Fiander and by his sisters, Theresa, Sheila and Margaret Anne. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his daughters, Tracy and Tara; and his granddaughters, Madison, Mackenzie, and Paige. He is also survived by his Cape Breton family; brothers, Bernie and Gordie, and his sisters, Queenie, Joyce, and Paulette. Jim is also survived by his extended family in PEI; sister-in-law Phylis Compton and her husband Ivan. He also leaves behind a group of loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Though he is no longer with us, Jim’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply. He will be missed every day and forever remembered.

Jim’s life will be celebrated on Saturday June 6 at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Visitation will be held between 1-3 p.m. and a funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. The service will be live-streamed on the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honour Jim’s memory to do so by spending time with loved ones and cherishing the moments that matter most.