Cornelius 'Con' White
Lieu de naissance : Codroy Valley
Date de naissance : 30 juillet 1913
Lieu de décès : Sydney Mines
Date de décès : 19 mars 2014
Cornelius 'Con' White, age 100, passed away at the veterans unit of the Harbour View Nursing Home in Sydney Mines on March 19, 2014.
Con was born in the Codroy Valley, Nfld., on July 30, 1913, the youngest of 13 children of the late Sylvester and Bridget (Chiasson) LeBlanc, who were originally from Cheticamp.
Con was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (McNamara) from Reserve Mines and his sons, Cornelius (Con junior), Gerald, and son-in-law, Greg Roche.
He is survived by his children, Lloyd (Christie), Jean Roche, Melvin, Fred (Jean), Marlene Holt (Jeff); daughters-in-law, Shirley and Anne.
Con took great delight in his grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Melissa, Martin, Sheila, Laura, Kathleen, Madeline, Vanessa, Andrew, Stephen and David; his great-grandchildren, Jillian, Mallory, Keegan, Rachel, Alex, Ethan, Dillon, Brody, Killian, Cowen and Cade and his great-great-grandchildren, Kallum and Rory.
Con moved from Nfld. to Reserve Mines in 1921 at age eight. He worked in the coal mines at an early age.
Con was a veteran of the Second World War, serving overseas as a gunner in the artillery. He fought in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Following the war he returned to Reserve Mines and worked in the coal mines and at Hard Rock Mines.
He moved the family to Big Pond in 1949 and worked at his farm for many years. He also worked as a carpenter.
Dad's many interests included tracing his family roots in Cheticamp and meeting many cousins and family members, including Elizabeth LeFort, the well known rug hooker.
He was a dedicated supporter of the NDP and was overjoyed when they won the Provincial election.
One of Dad's goals was to reach his 100th birthday which we celebrated in July 2013 with parties and family gatherings.
Con was a member of the East Bay Branch 151 Legion. He was recently awarded a 15 year legion pin.
Our family wish to thank the staff at the veterans unit of the Harbour View Nursing Home in Sydney Mines. Dad had been a resident there since April, 2010. He loved living there and called it "home". The staff treated Dad like a king and enjoyed teasing him as much as he teased them. They were very caring and compassionate to Dad and our family especially during his brief illness in his final days.
Cremation has taken place. Dad's funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Big Pond, in the summer when many of his beloved family members will gather. Details of his funeral will be published at a later date.
Donations in memory of Con can be made to a charity of your choice.
We will remember Dad as a happy, fun-loving person who had a positive outlook throughout his whole, long life. Dad passed away peacefully on the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, the Patron Saint of a Happy Death. Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of …
