Peacefully, at home, on Saturday, April 2, 2016, surrounded by loving family, the death occurred of John Robert Dover, of Halifax and formerly of Prince Edward Island.
John loved life, loved his family, loved to laugh and loved to tell stories, sometimes with exaggeration.
He also reveled in pulling pranks on unsuspecting friends.
John graduated as an architectural draftsman from Provincial Vocational Institute in Charlottetown, then moved to Halifax to work with the architectural firm of Duffus, Roman, Kundzins and Rounsefill for 32 years.
He also worked with Forsyth and Cochrane at Historic Properties.
There are many reminders of John’s craft in buildings around the Maritimes.
After retirement, John had the opportunity to work on Sable Island over a period of two years. This was a high point in his life.
In the latter part of his life, John loved to be at home with his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Jack, watching NASCAR on a Sunday afternoon.
John’s love of the water and Cape Island boats was evident to those who knew him by the number of hours he spent on the Nancy CIV and the Savage Skye.
He was a member of Rockingham Yacht Club, Bedford Basin Yacht Club and Purcell’s Cove Social Club.
He especially enjoyed his trips to Vancouver and the salmon-fishing expeditions with his buddy, Derek.
He also enjoyed spending time at his mother’s cottage at Savage Harbour on P.E.I.
John is survived by his loving wife, Sheila (Coolen); and his four much loved daughters: Michelle (Don Martin), Nancy (Jim Baker), Cindy (Kendall Nowe) and Cathy. He was he loved Poppy/Puppa to his nine grandchildren and three great-grandsons.
He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary (Bill Rooney).
Also, to miss him is his furry “grandchild”, Mr. Hancock.
John was predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Marjorie Dover; his brothers, Ramon and Alan; and his brothers-in-law, Sonny Coolen and Rogers MacDonald.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hugh Matheson for his care of John over the years; Dr. Jennie Parker at the Infirmary; the VON who took such good care of John at home; and a special thank you to Dr. Laurie Mallery of the PATH program whose availability, guidance and compassion allowed John to remain at home. We could not have done it without her.
A celebration of John’s life will take place on Saturday, April 16 at the Armdale Yacht Club on Purcell’s Cove Road, between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m.
If so desired, donations to the PATH program would be appreciated. These can be made on-line at qe2foundation.ca/memory and directed to the PATH fund (T858).
Interment will take place at a later date in Central United Church Cemetery, Dunstaffnage, P.E.I.
Online condolences may be sent at www.peifuneralcoops.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Central Queen’s Funeral Home, New Glasgow, P.E.I.

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