Clyde Coell Wareham
Date de décès : 20 décembre 2017
Clyde Coell Wareham, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, N.S. His battle against cancer was short but fierce. He had a hopeful outlook on life at all times, displaying courage, optimism, and a feisty sense of humor. Clyde was buoyant, outgoing, and made friends everywhere. He was never afraid to be himself in any setting. Anyone who has known Clyde can attest that he was direct and sharp-witted, while always radiating an underlying kindness and caring.
He was born on October 23, 1933, in Birch Grove, Cape Breton, NS, to William and Maude (Pickford) (Janes) Wareham. Growing up in Glace Bay, he moved to Ontario with his brother Baxter Janes when he was thirteen. After several years of working in the manufacturing industry, Clyde served in the Army with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, earning his paratrooper wings.
Clyde was the consummate ‘go getter’, never long without a job. Numerous employers valued his initiative and work ethic over the years such as Galt Tack and Nail, Galt Malleable Iron, Galt Dairy, Fisher Bread, The Galt Hornets, Waterloo Board of Education, Manning Maxwell and Moore, and Dresser Industries. His ‘gift of the gab’ and brashness led him to be chosen as the United Steelworkers Local Union President in 1968. After moving from Ontario to Cape Breton, NS in 1974, Clyde worked hard to build a series of small business ventures with his wife Bonnie. They founded Premium Distributors Ltd., for which Clyde managed the operations and business development aspects of the business. He adapted readily to several industries undertaken by the company, including magazine distribution, greenhouse operations, and manufacturing of mining and textile products.
Clyde’s community activities were numerous. He was a member of Trinity United Church in Sydney, where he participated in countless charity events, raising money for the less fortunate and assisting new immigrants to Canada. He was an avid fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada where he excelled at M.S. carnation and Christmas cake sales. Most recently, he was a devoted member of the Tartan Team volunteer program at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, where he relished the many friendly encounters with travelers from around the world. Clyde was also proud to be a board member of the Halifax Region of the Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.
Clyde adored his wife (Bonnie) of 43 years, and devoted much of his life to her care during their struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. He treasured spending time with his family, especially while camping on the northeastern shores of Cape Breton and in Wreck Cove, where many family memories live on. He also loved dancing, golfing, boxing, playing cards, music, and collecting Canadian coinage. Clyde’s family would like to extend special thanks to those whose major medical contributions allowed him to fully enjoy the life he loved: Dr. Virick in Sydney, Dr. Kapilan in Bedford, Dr. Young in Halifax; Dr. Hadzimurtezic in Halifax, the nurses on the 7th and 8th floors at the Victoria General Hospital, and the Canadian Red Cross. Countless more supporters, caregivers, and medical professionals helped Clyde; many of whom were like family. Although the family regrets they can’t name them all, they remain forever grateful.
Clyde was predeceased by his parents, William and Maude Wareham; his wife, Bonnie Wareham; his first wife, Lucille Smithson; his daughter, Linda Wareham-Benedict; his sisters, Margaret, Sarah, Clara, Dorothy, Claudine and Barbara, and his brothers, William Jr., Ernest, Samuel, Elijah, Charles and Baxter.
He is survived by his sons, Paul (Mana) Wareham of Bedford, NS and Walter (Misun) Wareham of Edmonton, AB; daughter, Margaret Wareham of London, ON; sisters, Jerusha (George) Roberts and Sharon (Emile) Fournier; brothers, Howard Janes and Frank Janes; son-in-law, Ben Benedict; grandchildren, Darian, Nicole, Jennifer, and Monique, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life, Clyde maintained a lively and friendly demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Reminding all his friends and loved ones to “keep smiling”, his signature gift of laughter will never be forgotten.
A memorial service will be held at the Fireside Room at the Gateway Community Church at 10 Beaverbank Rd., Lower Sackville, NS, on Saturday, January 6, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and is open to all of Clyde’s family and friends.
As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate donation made in Clyde’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society: www.cancer.ca, 1-888-939-3333.
Arrangements are entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., Middleton, NS, (902) 825-3448.
Condolences may be posted on Clyde’s online guestbook at www.middletonfuneralhome.com.
