Howard Albert Sexton
Passed on: October 4th, 2008
1920-2008 ‘The Chief’, as he was affectionately known passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., he was the son of the late Henry and Maisie (Davis) Sexton. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of the Sexton Family Patriarch, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to all. A kind and gentle man, he touched the lives of everyone he met with his generosity, wit and sincere interest in people. His greatest love was his family and with them he shared his passion for music, storytelling, cards, laughter and life itself. As a young entrepreneur he owned and operated several businesses on the Northside. In July 1941 he joined the RCMP and was an original member of the Black Market Squad. During the war he joined the RCNVR as a member of the Military Police Shore Patrol. In 1950 he became the youngest chief of police in Canada, a position he held in Sydney Mines for 28 years. He was vice-president of the Maritime Police Association, truant officer, mentor and counsellor. He gave potential criminals a second chance. His other jobs included building inspector, house appraiser, carpenter, prescription delivery and jack of all trades. He was a fisherman, golfer and competitive athlete. His volunteer efforts included Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis Ceilidh Golden K, Royal Canadian Legion and many other causes. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret (MacIntosh) Sexton; son, Barry (Marsha), Antigonish; daughters, Judith (Angus) Gardner, Sydney, and Jeanne (Murdock) MacNeil, North Sydney; grandchildren, Jennifer (Fabian) Joseph, Christopher and Jonathan Gardner, Meghan (Chris) Dover, Katie, Sarah and Molly Sexton, Kyle (Liz) Sexton, Shannon and Judith Donovan and Jenna and Matthew MacNeil; his great-grandchildren, Geordie, Michael and Katherine Joseph, Jaime, Alexis and Ava Sexton; his brothers, Orville (Martha) and Glenn (Brenda); sister, Eleanor Marks; sisters-in-law, Mary Murphy, Theresa MacDermid and Betty McIntosh and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Maisie (Davis) Sexton, sister, Barbara (Mark) Carey, sister-in-law, Eva (Cecil) Snow, brothers-in-law, Dougie McIntosh, Gerald Murphy, Donald MacDermid and George Marks and his son-in-law, Joe Donovan. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. The funeral service will take place 11 a.m. Thursday in Carman United Church, Clyde Avenue, Sydney Mines, with Rev. David Luker officiating. Burial in Brookside Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca.
