It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Albert Thomas Rhymes, on Saturday, November 27, 2021.
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1933 to Mabel (Longue) and John Rhymes, Albert was the second oldest in a family of four boys who grew up in the Ashby area of Sydney. Despite many early challenges in life, including the death of their father at Sydney Steel, Albert and his siblings thrived under the close watch and guidance of their mother, who they respected and revered. Stories abound of growing up in wartime Ashby including many adventures and misadventures. Outdoor rinks, blueberry picking, swimming in the brook and paper routes were part of Albert’s tales of yesteryear.
Albert attended Ashby School and Sydney Academy, graduating in 1951. He embraced, with pride, his days at Sydney Academy, participating in cadets, hockey, basketball, football, rugby, student assembly and musical productions. Shortly after graduation, he was accepted into the RCMP but a relationship with his wife-to-be and a job offer at Sydney Steel soon altered his plans.
Albert married the love of his life, Velma (Williams) at Christ Church in Sydney, and secured employment at Sydney Steel for the rest of his working days. A family soon followed, along with many projects and responsibilities. He worked in various departments at the Plant but eventually settled in the Metallurgy Department. In later years, he worked in sales, travelling to many European and South American countries selling Sydney rails.
Albert was a very active member of the Anglican church community of Cape Breton, supporting St. John’s (Mira Road), St. Marks (Coxheath) and Christ the King (Sydney). He started the first Scout Troop on Mira Road, volunteered at Camp Bretondean, served as church warden, sang in the choir and oversaw the renovations for a new church hall in Coxheath.
Never one to be idle, Dad would tackle any job. If help was needed, whether we asked for it or not, he was there for us. Whether it was a haircut (with the aid of a bowl) or rescuing a wounded bird for a broken hearted granddaughter, or undertaking a home renovation project, Grand(Dad) was always up for the challenge!
Albert remained loyal to his brothers. He was always available for those small or big jobs that needed completion. He supported and worked with his brother, Hubert at Rhymes Flowers for over 30 years, as well as managing an apartment rental business.
Dad and Mom retired to Mira at ‘Marine Haven’, where they enjoyed many years of peace and tranquility. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends enjoyed many happy summers and occasions, ‘Out on the Mira.’ Retirement also included many trips across the Causeway to visit family and friends in Halifax and Florida.
Following Mom’s passing, Dad moved to Halifax with his family and, more recently, lived at Ivany Place, Bedford.
Albert was predeceased by his father, John, in 1940 and his mother, Mabel, in 1994; his in-laws, Captain Fulton and Florence Williams; his wife of 60 years, Velma, in 2016; sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Gordon Troke; brothers John (Jack) and James; son-in-law, Harold and grandson, Jeff (Misener).
Albert is survived by his four children, Catherine Misener, Robert (Beth), John (Cindy), and Fulton (Heather) Rhymes, as well as three grandchildren, Jennifer(Donald Arnold), Emma and Evan. He also leaves behind his four great-grandchildren, Kate, Jack, Grace and Owen Arnold. He is survived by his ‘little’ brother, Hubert (Chris); sister-in-law, Kaye; and many nieces and nephews (Jim, Donald, Janet, Debbie, Tom, Lisa, Cindy).
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at Northwood, Ivany Place, Bedford for the love and care Albert received in his final years.
Our father was a determined, supportive, and hard-working family man. We will forever admire and respect his constant and steady presence in our lives. The void we now experience can only be filled with a lifetime of cherished memories.
A graveside committal will be scheduled in the spring at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Memorials for Albert can be made to Camp Bretondean in Hillside, Mira or St Georges Anglican Church in Sydney.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
“Say not in grief, ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was…”
– Hebrew Proverb.
2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Albert Thomas Rhymes 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia