Cletus Maurice Couture
Little Pond
With broken hearts, we, the family of Cletus Maurice Couture, of Little Pond, announce his passing on Friday, December 11, 2020, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Cletus was the son of the late Henry and Lillian Couture of Bathurst, NB; brother to Joan Ann O’Neil, and uncle to Kirk O’Neil.
He was predeceased by his parents, his two half-brothers, Maurice and Arthur, and two half-sisters, Rita and Modeste.
He graduated from LeBlanc High, then attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, enrolled in Chemistry. It was St. F.X. where he met his wife, Marilyn (Boutilier), daughter of the late Hector and Medie Boutilier of Little Pond.
Cletus worked as a lab technician at Dalhousie University in the Physiology and Biophysics Department. Through part-time study, he advanced into the faculty as Senior Instructor in Physiology. Cletus and Dr. Terry MacDonald collaborated to write modules and set up Dalhousie’s first distance course in Physiology.
Cletus became the Administrator of that distance course, delivered materials, evaluated students, and provided support for the students. He completed a degree in Economics through part-time study, while working full time.
He had a love of learning and read extensively to improve his mind. He could detect problems, then repair small engines, appliances and computers. Cletus developed a love of genealogy and successfully traced his family tree, even finding a distant link to royalty. He was fluent in both English and French, as well as being proficient in Spanish.
He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and taking photographs of whatever caught his eye. Cletus loved to travel and made a couple of trips to the U. K. and Europe.
He was a wonderful father; so proud of his daughter Angela Marie and his son Andrew Ryan, especially when they both won first prize in different science fairs while attending school. He was pleased to welcome Nikkole to our family as Ryan’s bride.
Cletus had a reserved nature, staying out of the limelight, but he had a wicked sense of humour. He showed community spirit, joined the St. John’s Ambulance, and offered first aid at sporting events and entertainment venues. When Ryan joined the Beavers, Cletus became a leader in the organization. He also taught Sunday School at St. John Vianney Church in Lower Sackville.
After taking three cycles of Chemo and two treatments of immunotherapy, the Cancer Centre became very familiar. We are grateful to the wonderful people who treated Cletus, especially Dr. Saliba. Thanks to Dr. Miller, who became Cletus’s surgeon. His kind manner was much appreciated. Thanks to the staff of Palliative Care for providing support during care at home, including Susan MacKenzie, Aimee Brenna, Holly Winn and Dr. Poulos. After being admitted to the third floor for treatment, Cletus was well looked after by all staff, especially Dr. Yuen, and Dr. MacDonald. Thanks to the nurses and Dr. Burns, who took such good care of Cletus when he was admitted to the Palliative Care Unit. Thanks to the VON for regular home visits, and the Canadian Red Cross for providing equipment needed for care at home.
Due to Covid 19, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. The funeral Mass to celebrate the life of Cletus Couture will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 10 am in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Fabian Ihunegbo officiating. Covid restrictions will apply. There will be a graveside service at a later date for family and friends. Donations in Cletus’s memory may be made to the Cancer Centre, Palliative Care, or a charity of your choice.
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Cletus Couture 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia