Angus Joseph Currie
Born: May 2nd, 1925
Passed on: December 17th, 2016
On May 2nd, 1925, Angus Joseph, eldest son of Dougal A and Effie Belle (Harrietha) Currie was born in MacAdams Lake. As a young boy growing up in the depression era his family was faced with many hardships. He often relates the story of the year that Santa Clause didn’t come. ‘Angus Joe’, as he was affectionately known, was a native Gaelic speaker, who first learned English while attending a one room school house in MacAdams Lake. Although he loved school, the circumstances of the time dictated that he forego his education after the eighth grade, to help support his family. He began his career in the lumber industry working at Bobby Steven’s saw mill earning a dollar a day. From his first paycheck, he proudly purchased himself a blue suit from the Sears catalogue and a radio for his family. His experience at the saw mill was the catalyst toward a career in the lumber industry that spanned decades and transitioned from horses to machinery. He employed many men in all aspects of the forestry business including cutting, milling and hauling lumber. Angus Joe was also employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation for 27 years as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1991.
On his travels from MacAdams Lake to Beechmont, Angus met, courted, and eventually married the love of his life, Theresa Bennett. They were married on November 25th, 1947 and throughout the years they shared many joys and sorrows. Due to their deep faith and commitment to each other their marriage only grew stronger and they just recently celebrated 69 years together. Angus and Theresa raised their large family in a tiny bungalow in MacAdams Lake until December 1969, when they moved to their new home in Northside East Bay, where they remained until November 2014 when Angus moved to the Veteran’s Wing of Taigh Na Mara, Glace Bay. As, Angus and Theresa were inseparable, rarely did you see one without the other, Mom made the decision to move to Miners Lane, Harbourstone Enhanced Care in March of 2015 and Dad joined her two days later.
Angus was an involved member of his community. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay, a member of the Holy Name Society, served on Parish Council and was a Cursillista. Along with his faith based activity he was also a trustee of MacAdams Lake School and MacCormick School in East Bay. During World War II Angus received basic and advanced armed forces training in Yarmouth and Aldershot, NS. However, prior to being deployed they received word that the war had ended.
He was a man of few words, but always managed to put things in perspective and have his point of view heard. Charismatic and quick witted, he wasn’t above enjoying a good joke or a harmless prank or a punishing hand shake which brought about his hearty laugh. His integrity and kind nature earned him the respect of all people who knew him, regardless of their age. A true neighbor in every sense of the word, he was never too busy to help someone in need. He loved when family, friends and neighbours would stop in for an impromptu visit. On Sundays, holidays and special occasions the Currie house would be bursting when his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gathered. Angus found joy in these moments and many great memories were made. He had a great appreciation of his Gaelic heritage and culture and had a great love of Celtic music and dance. He was a contributor to Cainnt Mo Mhathar (My Mother’s Language) an online resource of recordings featuring native Gaelic speakers and their everyday Gaelic.
Angus passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on December 17th, 2016, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care. His journey continues, we believe he will be reunited with family and friends who have gone before him and we know the Ceilidh will go on. The family would like to sincerely thank all of the staff of Miners Lane, particularly for the care and compassion shown to him in his final days.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa and their ten children, Bernie (Donna), Mae (Allan) Rowe, MacAdams Lake, Marie (Tom) Wilson, Kevin, Sydney, Cecil (Jackie), Beechmont, Florence (Tom) Plumridge, Sydney River, Theresa (Mervin) Criss, Coxheath, Angie (Joan), East Bay, Clarence (Johanne), Coxheath, Daniel, East Bay. Twenty-three grandchildren, Carleton (Karen), Melanie (Andrew), Matthew (Michael), Ryan (Lauren), Amanda (Sandy), Trevor (Amanda), Tyler (Jenn), Rachelle (Joe), Kris (Lisa), Greg (Nicole), Meghan (Liam), Drew (Kristin), Brandi (Ryan), Sage (Greg), Liam, Michael, Jeffrey, Jason, Danielle (Ian), Bryden (Hanna), Ashley, Brendon and Chelsea. Twelve great grandchildren, Tristan, Connor, Charley, Devon, Ruby, Maggie, Reece, Avery, Myles, Isabella, Angus and Quinn. Angus is also survived by siblings, Mary Pickup, Michael, Theresa MacLean, Cecilia (Ray) Gosbee, Jimmy (Shirley), Caddie (Archie) Fraser, John (Lizzie); sister-in-law, Peggy Currie and daughter-in-law, Florie Sullivan.
Besides his parents, Angus is predeceased by his sons, Daniel (1953), Cecil (1957), and his daughter, Anne (1965); granddaughter, Jessica Plumridge (1992). Siblings, Katie Mae, Flora Jane MacMullin, Christina MacInnis, Francis 'Buddy' and Dan. Brothers and sisters-in-Law, Michael MacInnis, Claude MacMullin, Foch Pickup, Billy Bennett, Sally Currie, Tom MacLean and Rhodena Currie.
Visitation for Angus Joe will take place on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 2-6 p.m. at TW Curry Parkview Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday December 21 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay, with Fr. F. Abbass officiating. Interment to follow in the Parish Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, the St. Mary’s Parish Building Fund or a charity of choice.
