Harry O'Sullivan
New Glasgow – Harry O’Sullivan. Loving husband, devoted father and doting (great-) grandfather, Ernest ("Happy" Harry) O'Sullivan, longtime resident of 28 Prospect Street, died peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital on July 9 at the age of 88.
Harry was born in Lévis, Québec, and was a son of the late Thomas and Margaret (MacDonald) O'Sullivan. Following his schooling in Québec, Harry and his family moved to Nova Scotia, where he met his darling wife Pearl, to whom he was married for 54 years.
In his youth Harry was an avid hunter and fisherman and his love of the outdoors continued well into his eighties. He, Pearl, and their five children took frequent camping trips. In later years, he and Pearl drove their Prowler trailer to campgrounds around the Maritimes and were seasonal campers at both King's Head and Harbour Light campgrounds in Pictou County.
Harry joined the Pictou Highlanders during the Second World War, eventually earning the rank of sergeant.
Never afraid of hard work, Harry was employed in sales first with Keaye's Best Yeast and later Vactric Canada Ltd. He worked for many years as an agent for Quality Cleaners and then Bagnall's Cleaners before he retired in 1985. His cheery smile and kindness earned him the nickname, "Happy Harry."
The son of a CN stationmaster, Harry loved the railroad and was a collector of model trains. His passion for trains has been passed on to several of his grand- and great-grandchildren.
Harry was a devote Catholic and a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Minister of Hospitality. He and Pearl renewed their wedding vows at St. John's when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998. During their married life, Harry and Pearl served as counselors for Christian Family Life by being examples to young couples contemplating marriage.
Harry will be remembered for his love of family, his daily recitation of the rosary and his enjoyment of life's simple pleasures, including family celebrations and his favourite TV shows, which he watched from the comfort of his recliner.
Harry was predeceased by his wife Pearl (Rodgers), his parents and his brothers Donald and Roderick.
He is survived by his children: Thomas (Nancy), Elizabeth (Ronald) LeLievre, Patricia, Henry (Anne), and Michael (Tracey Fleet); his eight grandchildren: Shannon, Ryan, Shane, Michelle, Mark, Megan, Tyler, and Jared; his seven great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Delaney, Alannah, Alora, Riley, Matthew and Benjamin; step grandchildren: Jared, Brynn and Aliya; chosen grandchildren: Emily and Madison; step great grandchildren: Finn and Wes; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitations for Harry will be Sunday, July 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, High Street, New Glasgow at 11 am on Monday, July 13 with Father Gary MacPherson officiating. Burial to follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Stellarton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care Society of the Aberdeen Hospital, the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses), or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca