John Clement Roberts, age 92 years, passed away on August 31, 2022, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care.
John was born in Glace Bay to Clark and Catherine Roberts and was predeceased by his wife, love of his life, Mary Anne Roberts (MacDonnell), sister, Layla (Whiting) and brothers, William, Rannie and John Hugh.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie, Sydney; son, John, New Glasgow; sister, Joey (Ronald), Sydney; brother, Angus (Maria), Spain and numerous nieces and nephews.
Growing up during the 1930’s and 1940’s was not easy, given early health and economic challenges he faced as a young man. But John was multi-talented when it came to navigating barriers and his working life, doing everything from coal mining, laying track, selling insurance, bookkeeping to teaching at the junior and high school levels. He still managed to find time and energy to attend St. Francis Xavier University, completing multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education/Public Administration. His teaching degree took him and Mary to Glace Bay, where he taught at St. Michael’s, in the late 1950’s, then in 1962, to Sept-IIes, Quebec, back to Nova Scotia in 1968 to a dual role of teacher and principal at L’Ardoise Consolidated School. In 1974, John assumed position as principal at the Adult Vocational Training Centre, retiring in 1991. Pastimes included, but not limited to, reading, fishing, gardening, Sudoku, great conversation with family and friends, and cooking. His and Mary’s family parties were legendary for the meals and as a focal point for getting friends and family together.
John positively impacted family, friends, colleagues and students in many ways, always listening, caring and finding a way to help those in need. Sometimes this meant taking a creative and innovative approach to making the good happen. His enabling influence set people up for a better life and success and is still being felt today. A life well-lived by any standard.
Ann Marie and John would like to thank family and friends for their support and good wishes. A big thank you also goes out to John’s 2nd family at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney, for their care and support.
A funeral service will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 2 p.m. with Mr. Gary Grant officiating. The service will be scent free and burial will take place on another date.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel75@gmail.com
Read Less
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Clement Roberts, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Clement Roberts 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia