Daniel David (Rocky) Rockwell
Date de naissance : 9 avril 1936
Lieu de décès : SYDNEY
Date de décès : 17 janvier 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend on January 17, 2018 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Born April 9, 1936, Danny was raised by his late grandparents, Edgar and Katie Rockwell since infancy.
Da lived life like an old Frank Sinatra song “I did it my way”. His infectious laughter was heard and known by many. Da was an avid water skier being the pioneer of the sport. His hobbies included boating, especially with his boating buddies and friends, downhill skiing, fishing and hunting in Loch Lomond and his most famous hobby, carpentry, for which several people benefitted. Da was employed with Devco for 41 years beginning at Number 12 Colliery in New Waterford and ending for retirement at Prince Mine, Point Aconi. During his underground mining career, he held several positions; he was a member of the Dragger Team, a mechanical supervisor, an overman and finally finished as an underground manager. He was known as ‘GOD’ to all who worked and knew him during those years.
Da is survived by his loving partner of eighteen years, Joan Gessner; children, Mary Rose (Jerry) Murphy, East Bay, Eric (Vinetta), Gardiner Mines, Donna Rockwell (Shawn Zillman), Gardiner Mines; their mother, Lydia Rockwell, Dominion; step-children, Patrick (Irene) Gessner, Sydney, Chad Gessner, Alberta, Cathy (John) MacNeil-Gouthro, Halifax, Coreen (Darrell) Bennett, Newfoundland. Da’s pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jordan, Lyndon, Kristen, Alyssa, John Daniel, Ryan, Avery, Aubrey, Dominik, Erica, D’Arcy, Hayden and Jack. Da is also survived by many brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his grandparents he was predeceased by special uncles who shaped him to become the man that he was, Dave, Emerson and Johnny Rockwell; Fiancé, Kay MacNeil; stepson who he had a special bond with, Aubrey MacNeil; a grandson who he cherished, Breton Daniel Musgrave in infancy; a sister, two brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
As per Da’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private service to be held.
At this time, we the family would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to the 4A nurses at the C.B. Regional Hospital, who shared stories and treated our father with dignity, kindness and respect just like their own. To the ICU nurses who were with him in the end and a special thank you to Doctors Gordon Young (Renal Specialist), Lisa Gammell (Family Doctor) and anyone else who cared for our father. Da will forever be missed by his family and many friends and in passing Da would say “He who dies with the most toys WINS”. Until we meet again. RIP Da.
Arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, NS, 902-862-7500.
To send online condolences, go to: www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.
