Wilfred Sonny Gunn

WILFRED NEIL (SONNY) GUNN

Sydney Mines

It is with the greatest of sadness we announce the passing of Wilfred Neil (SONNY) Gunn at home on October 8th, 2021.  Sonny was 86 and the last surviving member of the immediate Gunn family in the area.

Born and raised in Sydney Mines, Sonny was the son of the late Wilfred Laurier Gunn of New Harris & Katherine Euphemia (MacAulay) of Sydney Mines. Sonny was also predeceased by his two brothers, Donnie and Robert. Sonny is survived by Robert’s two children - nephew Robert and niece Kathy, both of Ontario. 

He was a kind, gentle giant of a man with many friends. He will be missed for his daily chats and tea. Left to miss him on a daily basis is Corey MacDonald (Amanda), who was like a son to Sonny, as Sonny was like a second father to Corey.  They were an incredible team, spending much of their spare time tinkering at this or working on that.  They were good, consistent friends for over forty years.  Sonny’s other close friends were Michael McKenna, Jimmy Reynolds and Rob McGrath.

He enjoyed many summers at the old Gunn Property in New Harris, now known as “Camp Carter.” As a child Sonny traveled by bike to catch the ferry boat from Greener’s in Sydney Mines to New Harris. Before enlisting with the Armed Forces, Sonny worked at MacAulay’s Esso in Sydney Mines with his uncle Clarence. Later he was stationed in various locations, notably Petawawa. 

Sonny was employed with Sydney Engineering Dry Dock & Shipyard in Sydney where he was a Diesel Mechanic and Pipefitter for over twenty-five years before retirement.  

Sonny was always an avid walker who enjoyed a walk about town - sometimes to take in the view, see what was new, or just stop here and there for his daily chat. Even right up until his death, Sonny continued to walk.  He loved boating on the Bras D’or Lakes, sitting on the dock watching the fishing boats or the ferries between Newfoundland & North Sydney in the evenings, and he always loved a good cup of tea and a chat. 

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home in North Sydney. Online condolences can be made at www.wjdooley.com.  

Until We Meet Again Old Friend     -

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