Mira Gut
It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. John passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
John was raised in Mira Gut and left at the age of 18 heading for Toronto where he met the love of his life, Pat. They married and had two children. John missed “The Gut” so convinced Pat to move to the home of his heart, Cape Breton, and raise their kids by the ocean. John and Pat celebrated 59 years married on July 21, 2021. John loved to play his guitar and sing, sometimes making up his own lyrics, it was always a foot stomping time at the kitchen ceilidh with his son, Gumper lending a hand with his voice. When John wasn’t playing his guitar, he was telling jokes, so you were either singing along or laughing with him but always having fun. John`s musical talent will live on with his grandson, Travis. JW also loved to work on cars, you could always find him in his garage working on a motor with his oldest grandson, Tristian by his side. Everyone could count on John to help out with any mechanical issues, now we turn to Tristan.
John is survived by his wife, Patricia (Proteau); daughter, Debbie, who he lovingly referred to as Weasel; grandchildren, Tristan (Stephanie), Jessica (Christian) Tayler, Travis, Justin, and his pride and joy, great granddaughter, Mackenzie. John shared a special bond with each of his grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Skippy (Marie), Rose, Theresa (Donnie), Beverly (Ralph), Rita (Frank), Reggie, Bernard (Juanita), George, Sarah (Benjie), Maryette (Cameron), James, the Proteau family, Don (Cathy), Jim (Debbie), Marlene (Regis), Rick (Sherry), Rob (Svenja) and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
John was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Evelyn Steele and his beloved son, John ‘Gumper’; siblings, Ursusla, Bobby, and David.
We would like to thank the many Doctors and nurses, family and friends that helped us through this difficult time. A Special thank you to Jill Murphy whose musical therapy lifted John`s spirits and Bernard Steele, our rock through it all.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of John Steele will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.) Whitney Pier on Thursday, September 2, 2021. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. with the Memorial Service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Covid protocols will be practiced at the service. Live Streaming will be available on our website. Interment will take place in Loch End Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in John`s name to the Palliative care unit of CBRH.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Life is short
So make it worthwhile
Don’t spend it grieving
Spend it with a smile
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of STEELE John William 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia
So sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to Aunt Pat and Debbie and all of your grandkids also to the Proteau Steele families.
Uncle John we will miss you dearly .I know your dancing in the sky .Watch over Aunt Pat ,Debbie and all of your grandchildren from above,I will remember everything about you .
Rest In Paradise J.W.!!!! Cape breton will always remember you.
Love always your nephew Anthony “The Wop” “Boner”