R. Donald Cummings, 91, of Sydney, passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on April 22, 2010, following a brief illness. He was the son of the late Harry and Ethel Cummings, Merigomish, Pictou County. Don graduated from the Radio College of Canada in 1938. A veteran of the Second World War, he served in the Royal Canadian Navy in the North Atlantic convoy as a radio operator. He also served in the Merchant Marine and the RCMP Marine Division and Land Based H Division, retiring in 1974. Following retirement, he and his wife, Audrey, lived in Halifax and Antigonish. A long-time summer resident of Jimtown, Antigonish County; Don enjoyed many games of 45's and crib with the annual gathering of family and friends. As a storyteller he shared many stories of life on the sea and far away places. He is survived by wife Audrey (nee Ross), and daughter Peggy, both of Sydney, in-laws Jim and Betty Ross, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Lewis, sister Jean (Mrs. Paul Ritchie) and cousin Dr. O.C. MacIntosh. He was the last surviving member of his family.
A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 25th at Sydney Memorial Chapel, Welton St, Sydney, at 2:00 pm. Rev. Tom Whent will officiate. Reception to follow at 17 Corbett Drive, Westmount at the home of Peggy Cummings. Internment will be in the family plot in Merigomish, Nova Scotia at a later date. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Order of Nurses, the Salvation Army or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family to sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.