John Cann
Sydney Mines
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Cann, affectionately known to many of us as Poppy, on December 23rd, 2020 at the Northside General Hospital.
John was born to John E. Cann and Emelie Cann on February 22nd, 1926. He was predeceased by his parents, his adoring wife Irene, his son Grant, brothers Neil and William, sisters Emily and Margaret and his sister-in-law Rhona. He is survived by his son Jimmy (Verna) Cann and daughter Sheila MacNeil, his grandchildren Jody (Roddy) Ferguson, Brad Cann (Janet Kelly), Shauna MacNeil, Troy (Renee) Cann, Michelle MacNeil (Tony Murphy) and Corrine (Matthew) King and great grandchildren Clayton Tilley, Riely Murphy, Michael J Hart (aka little Mike), Mitchell Cann, Willow Murphy, Carter King, Keslyn Ferguson, Anna Kelly, Jamison King, Ethan Cann and Jacob Cann. He also leaves behind his partner of 12 years, Ida Lyle, his little chickadee.
John was a loving and devoted husband to Irene for 50 years, until she passed over 24 years ago. It was a difficult time as he figured out how to navigate life without the other half of his heart. A dedicated father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, he found strength in his love for the people that meant so much to him. His love for his family and friends was abundant.
John worked hard his whole life to provide for his family. After his father’s passing when he was in the sixth grade, John left school to work in the coal mine to help support his family. For a while he sold fish door-to-door until he gained employment at Marine Atlantic at age 31. He worked there for 33 and a half years until his retirement in 1991.
He stayed busy in his time off and stayed active well into retirement. John was an avid skater, enjoying the activity well into his seventies. He loved to dance and attended the dances every Friday and Saturday until only a couple of years ago. He was a social butterfly to say the least. Anywhere you went with him, you were guaranteed to meet several of his friends on the journey. In his retirement years he would chauffeur all the women — and he always managed to be surrounded by many!
His grandchildren also kept him busy with endless pickups and drop offs, unlocking doors when the keys were locked inside, bringing a gas can when the car would run out of gas and loaning his car when ours broke down. He would never hesitate regardless of the hour or the distance, he would show up with a smile and a solution to your problem. He loved watching his nephews working on cars in the garage, it was one of the few things he didn’t do himself.
John was an active member of the community, and he was always eager to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He regularly attended the Salvation Army Church and volunteered for many years on the kettles collecting money. He was a member of St Giles Presbyterian church in North Sydney, and was also a member of the men’s group.
In between helping everyone else, John loved to find a moment to take a nap in his chair. He enjoyed a Sunday drive around the Calabash Road, taking time to stop into the Lick a Treat for ice cream — a favorite of his and Irene’s. He was a collector of many things: pins from all over, die cast model cars/trucks, die cast airplanes and was also the proud owner of a fully functional die cast train that took over the dining room.
He has certainly earned a rest.
We’d like to extend a sincere thank you the Northside Home Makers, Dr. Wawer and the staff at the Northside General Hospital 5 East for their exceptional care and compassion.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. Words of comfort may be forwarded to family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
This is not goodbye, so long for now.
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John J Cann 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia