Captain John Thomas
North Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of John Thomas, age 89, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Born in Harbour Le Cou, Newfoundland, August 9, 1931, John was the son of the late Albert and Annie (Mauger) Thomas.
John made his living on the Sea. At an early age, he fished with his father on the banks of Newfoundland and the waters of Cape Breton. In the mid 1950’s, he began sailing with Marine Atlantic and worked through the ranks to become Captain. A job he truly loved.
Summers were spent in his beloved Harbour Le Cou where he enjoyed fishing and being with family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humour and loved a good story. There was always laughter in our home.
John was a member of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in North Sydney. It was strong faith that carried him through his life.
John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rosalie (Herridge) Thomas; his four children: Ross Thomas (Lisa Richards), Groves Point, NS; Ann Whalen (Donnie Earle), Coxheath; Rosemary Thomas (Bill Pickup), Sydney and John Thomas, Elliot Lake, ON. His four grandchildren: Christopher (Tammy) Thomas, North Sydney; Tara Thomas, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland; Adam Whalen, Edmonton, AB and Mark (Kim) Whalen, Kincardine, ON. His four great grandchildren: Christina and Trevor Thomas, Austin and Aubrey Whalen. Also, by his sister, Edith (Wally) Vatcher, Dartmouth, NS
Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his son-in-law, Kevin “K.O.” Whalen and his dear niece, Angela (Vatcher) Randall.
The family would like to thank Dr. Patrick O’Grady, the Palliative Care doctors and nurses who came to our home and in the Palliative Care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, your care and compassion was immeasurable.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church North Sydney, with Rev. Jackie Warren officiating. Covid-19 protocol regarding the wearing of masks, social distancing and limited seating will be in place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Anglican Church or the An Cala Palliative Care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com
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