JOHN (JACK) RHYMES
Born In: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia
Passed on: September 27th, 2016
A cherished friend, husband, brother, father, grandfather and uncle, John left us quietly and peacefully in the loving company of family on September 27th, 2016. Born in 1930 and raised in Sydney, John was the eldest of the four Rhymes boys of Cabot Lane. From a family story of remarkable perseverance, he carved a long career with the Maritime Telegraph and Telephone Company in both Halifax and Sydney, serving as the company’s District Commercial Manager in Cape Breton for twenty-five years. John was eternally committed in mind and heart to his hometown. A lifelong Rotarian, he was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in 1985 for his tireless work in support of citizens with intellectual impairments in the industrial area. He was a long time board member and Chairman of the Sydney Kinsmen Resource Center. Strolling anywhere with John was always an exercise in stops and starts as he would pause with warm greetings, handshakes and smiles for anyone and everyone he encountered. Affable, engaging and unyieldingly honest, Jack would never compromise his values for personal gain or hidden agendas, perhaps the only two things which challenged his legendary patience. Even while battling the ravages of Dementia and Alzheimer's he lost neither his instinct to engage nor his fundamental kindness when so doing. His advice was always to "buy quality stocks" but we all knew it also meant to surround yourself with good people. He found joy in simple things, curling in his younger days, fishing in the Highlands or off the dock in Florida, spring training, picking blueberries, camping with his family or just a cup of tea and the newspaper. The world was a beautiful place and John saw every sunrise and sunset as a gift. His devotion to his family was absolute. He is survived by Kaye, his wife and best friend of fifty-six years; his daughter, Janet (Richard) of Dartmouth and son, Tom (Pary) of Pointe Claire, Quebec. He was enormously proud of his “five chickens and a rooster!;” grandchildren, Clara, Mali, Lis, Anna, Julia and John. The joy their hugs and achievements brought to Granddad cannot be measured and they will carry his memory forever. John was predeceased by his father, John (Jack) in 1940 and his mother and pillar, Mabel in 1994. He always was and always will be a brother to Albert, Jim and Hubert and Uncle Jack to his nieces and nephews. With his brothers, he shared a remarkable bond and an equally remarkable history of stories and memories. His seat at the table at the Maple Leaf will forever be occupied. Our loss leaves us with an ache in our hearts but strength in our souls. We will always make sure to "Watch our overtime!" Visitation(s) Monday, October 3rd, 2 - 4 p.m., Dartmouth Funeral Home, 29 Queen St., Dartmouth. Saturday, October 8th, 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Sydney Memorial Chapel, 49 Welton St., Sydney. Funeral immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.