urray Cottenden
Murray Cottenden, aged 88 of Sydney, Nova Scotia, passed away in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, NS, on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Born in Springhill, he was the son of James and Lexie Cottenden. Murray married Mary Evelyn Hayes. Prior to World War 11 he was employed in the Springhill Cumberland County Coal Mining Industry. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed overseas during World War 11. During an air raid his plane was shot down over Europe and he was a Prisoner of War for about three (3) years. He returned to Canada following the end of World War 11 and continued to be employed in the Springhill Cumberland County Coal Mining Industry. He volunteered for various organizations and was a tireless worker and blood donor for the Red Cross for many years. In January 1959, following the closing of the coal mines in Springhill, Murray and his family moved to Sydney, NS, where he continued working in the coal mining industry. He also spent a few years in the City of Halifax, employed in the cal mining industry and subsequently returned to Sydney, where he continued to be employed in coal mining. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his son David (Anne) of Bridgetown, NS and his son, Bruce (Valerie) of Dartmouth, NS as well as four grandchildren: Ernie (Joel), Ingrid (Shane), Jamie (Annette) and Jennifer Lee (Mark), plus four great grandchildren: Amber, Heimdall, Anna and Gabriel, brother Harry (Deed). He was predeceased by an infant son, Carson, and his parents, James and Lexie Cottenden. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to a charity of choice.