Earl Verner
Passed on: June 7th, 2008
86, Sydney River Earl John Verner, 86, of Thompson Avenue, Sydney River, passed away peacefully after a short illness, Saturday, June 7, 2008 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late William Emanuel Verner and Mary (Foran) Verner. Earl was a veteran who served overseas during the Second World War. When in Europe he was also a member of the Canadian Army Hockey Regimental Team, where they won the Canadian Championship. During his early years he excelled in hockey, baseball and tennis and played on many championship teams. Music was a major part of his life, having sung in Fr. Hugh A. MacDonald’s Mens Choir throughout Cape Breton for many years. Many evenings were spent listening to classical music from his diverse collection. He passed his love for music and the arts on to his children and grandchildren, who continue his tradition; some of whom have produced music CDs and children's books and have had art shows from Sydney to Halifax. A businessman for over 50 years, Earl founded Verner Surveys Ltd., Sceptre Developments Ltd. and was a partner in County Farmlands Ltd.. For many years he worked alongside his sons, Gregory and Geoffrey, in the family survey business, retiring in 1986. He was known throughout his profession as a man of high ethical standards who took great pride in every job he undertook. He had a great love for the outdoors and loved nature and would spend countless hours working on projects in his yard or at his cottage in Northside East Bay. Earl is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen (O’Connell) Verner; sons, Gregory and Geoffrey (Colleen), Sydney and daughters, Estelle Janega (Rick) and Regis Verner, both of Bedford.; grandchildren, Daniel Verner, Austin, Avery and Hannah Janega; sisters, Anita Morrison, Port Hastings and Dorothy White, New Waterford. Earl was predeceased by half siblings, Joe Verner and Susie Verner O’Connell and by brother, Charles Verner and sisters, Flossie MacNeil, Allie Connors and Margie Verner, Mary Verner and Millie Hiltz. There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 2 p.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church with Fr. Norman MacPhee and Fr. Frank Abbass officiating. Reception to follow. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, East Bay. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
