Howard James Pettipas
Little Bras d’Or
It is with deep Sadness that we announce the passing of our Father Howard James Pettipas, on July 22,2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born on December 31,1920 in Poirierville, Isle Madame, Richmond County, Cape Breton N.S. He was the son of the late Angelina (DeRoach) and Cosent Pettipas.
Howard lived a long and adventurous life, from a young age he loved fishing and being around boats. In May 1940 at the age of 19 he started working with the Department of Transport (Nautical Division) Canadian Steam Merchant on the S.S. Zenda as a Deck Boy. From December, 1940 to April 1941 he sailed on the S.S Lord Strathcona as a O.S., hauling Coal from Louisburg N.S.
In 1941 Canada was involved in WW2. On Aug 6, 1941 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and in April 28, 1944 he received an Honorable Discharge, his army rank Gunner. As the War was still ongoing and many of his friends and cousins where still overseas, Howard joined the Merchant Marines. This was the highlight of his Military Career. His time as a Merchant Marine gave him a lifetime of memories. He had the privilege of seeing the world, something that he could have only dreamt of. He sailed the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, North, South and Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Mediterranean Sea. He visited numerous countries, and met people from all over the world. Those memories are the stories he loved to talk about with his family and friends.
When his career with the Merchant Marines ended, he settled in Halifax, it was there that he met Thelma Bragg from Cape Breton. They married moved back to Little Bras D’or and started a family. Howard went back to work for the Department of Transport (Nautical Division) Canadian, Steam Merchant in 1949, and worked with them until 1968. He then worked for 2 years at the Sydney Steel Plant, by this time the plant was slowing down. He went back to working at sea for the remainder of his working years, he fished the Grand Banks until he retired at 65 in 1985. Howard experienced that most painful time in his life after the death of his wife Thelma 1989, he spent many days thinking and talking about how much she meant to him. How true it is that time heals everything. He later moved to a senior’s complex on George St, Sydney. He loved to go out and visit his family. He always had to stop at Tim Horton’s for his daily coffee and talk to his friends. Howard drove his car until his death, something that made him very proud. He was member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Florence Branch 83.
Howard’s family was very important to him, he made sure to phone his children and grandchildren every day, just to see if everything was alright. We his family will miss him dearly and are so grateful that he gave us life.
Howard is survived by his daughters; Linda Pettipas, Terrance Bay, and
Audrey (David) Laffin, Florence. Sons; Casper (Marlin) Pettipas, Alberta, Kenneth Pettipas, Boularderie, Paul (Karen) Pettipas, Bras d’Or Michael Victor (Debbie) Pettipas, Sydney Mines. Along with 15 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Howard was predeceased by his wife Thelma (Bragg) Pettipas, daughter Karen Dale (Pettipas) King. Sons, Gerald and William.
Due to Covid 19 and the Safety of all Howard’s extended family and friends, there will be no visitation. A private family service will take place. Please be safe and Thank you all for your kind condolences. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Howard James Pettipas 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia