Cornelius John 'Con' Cantwell
Con was taken by his lord due to the dust on his lungs, silicosis having worked most of his life in “The Pit” to support his wife and 10 children.
He was a much loved father and husband. Con was married for 63 years to Elma Mae Ferguson who fed and cared for the many family and friends that came to their house.
An avid walker for many years, his early mornings on the highway told many workers if they were a little early or late. Con and Mae enjoyed their later years eating out at some of their favourite spots like Janes’s, Vi’s and Simeon’s where the girls knew he loved their strawberry cheesecake.
Con was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Bras d’Or.
Along with his wife Con is survived by his sons, Connie (Pauline), Brian (Anne), Blair (Jean); his daughters, Gloria (Johnny) MacIntyre ,Joan (Ronnie) MacDonald, Arlene (Sylvain), Karen (David) Marsh, Roxanne (Neil) MacLean and Avril (Pete) Caldwell; sister Madonna MacDonald; brother-in-law Tommy Butts as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Con was predeceased by his parents, Amos and Marguerite Cantwell, daughter Gail, brother Gerald (Elizabeth), sisters Jenny Butts and Alma (George) Ferguson and a brother-in-law Roddie MacDonald.
True to his giving nature Con has donated his body to Dalhousie Medical School to help their science program.
A memorial mass to celebrate Con’s life will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Bras d’Or, with Fr Peter McLeod officiating. A reception will follow at the parish hall.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice as Con and Mae would give to all.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.
