John Roderick Coady
1945-2022
« I leave this world with no regrets and so much to be
thankful for. » It was with deep sadness that we announced the
death of John Roderick Coady on August 10, 2022, in Charlottetown,
PEI, surrounded by the love of his family. And now, we would like to
tell you more about this special man. John was born August 16, 1945,
the ninth child of Edward Joseph Coady and Frances Irene (Gouthro)
Coady of Little Bras d’Or.
John cherished his idyllic memories of growing up on the busy
Coady homestead and loved to tell stories of his childhood antics with
his many friends. To say John led a full life would be an
understatement. He was never one to sit for long and always seemed to
have a project on the go. In his younger years he was employed on the
Lake boats and, before settling down to his studies, he made an epic
road trip across Canada, the first of his many travel
adventures.
After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree at Saint
Mary’s University, followed by his Bachelor’s
degree in Education, John went on to teach at Memorial High School and
then Sydney Mines Junior High. During this time, he pursued his Master
of Education in Counselling and worked as a School Counsellor as well
as an Administrator. Towards the end of his career in Education, John
also served as principal of the Northside Learning Centre and
principal of St Joseph Elementary School in Sydney Mines, where he
made many friends that he continued to speak highly of years
later.
John believed in giving back to his community and became an
active Kinsmen, holding various positions within the organization and
forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. He also became active in
politics, first as County Councilor for District 2, followed by Deputy
Warden, then Warden of Cape Breton County and, finally, as the first
Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. John’s
intelligence and natural ability to connect with people, at their
doorstep or when addressing a group, was well-regarded even in
challenging situations. With John, you knew where he stood and you
knew he truly believed in the potential of the communities to which he
served. He was dedicated to public service, continuing to work in
various capacities behind the scenes after he stepped down as Mayor,
including acting as Executive Assistant for his friend, MP Mark
Eyking.
John relocated to his other favorite island in 2004 and
quickly settled into a less public but still very active life with his
wife, Sandra Rendell. John worked for 10 years as General Manager of
the World Potato Congress and as a result, was able to travel the
world, usually with Sandy by his side. John loved to plan their
adventures, never missing a detail but leaving room for spontaneity,
as was his nature. They built a beautiful life together and their
children and grandchildren often travelled to Charlottetown to spend
time with them. Never one to slow down, John continued to work as a
Property Manager in Charlottetown until his death.
While John certainly embraced life and packed so much into
his 76 years, it was time with his family and friends that he
cherished most. « Puck » loved his siblings and made sure to
keep in touch despite the distance that separated them. He was a
devoted husband to Sandy and so enjoyed their rare quiet time
together. He was a supportive and loving father to his children, he
provided solid advice when requested and was always up for an
adventure. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren, making
them his famous pancakes or spaghetti and climbing the biggest hills
to enjoy the sunset. One of his favourite challenges – at which he was
seldom successful – was to attempt, with Sandy’s CB family,
to beat his mother-in-law, Mary, at crib! That John was a dedicated
family man was on full display at the Coady Family Reunion in Cape
Breton mere weeks before he died. He made sure to keep in touch with
old friends and always « made the rounds » when he visited
Cape Breton. He will be forever missed by all who loved
him.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Sandy
Rendell; children Michael (Doreen) and Angela (John), Doug (Stacey)
and Sarah Jane (Jamel); grandchildren Michael (Chelsea), Kiara
(Erika), Charlie, Julia, Reese, Colby, Talayah and Jeriah; and
great-grandchildren Seth and Owen. John is also survived by siblings
Joseph, Lalie and Patricia; and extended family and friends –
including his loving mother-in-law, Mary Rendell – all of whom John
cherished so much.
John’s family, will be forever thankful to have
known and loved such a devoted, dependable and honorable
man.
A funeral mass with take place at St Joesph’s
Church, Bras d’Or, on Saturday, Nov. 5th, 10:15
am.
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19452022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Roderick Coady 19452022..
Décès pour la Ville: Charlottetown, Province: I-P-E