HAROLD HOLMES BRIAND
Born In: SMELT BROOK
Born: February 1st, 1932
Passed in: NORTH SYDNEY
Passed on: January 31st, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Harold Holmes Briand, 84, who passed away on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017, at the Northside General Hospital. Born in Smelt Brook on February 1, 1932, he was the son of the late William and Martha-Ann (Dixon) Briand, also of Smelt Brook.
He moved to White Point shortly after his marriage. Harold worked most of his life as a fisherman in the Cape Breton area. His four sons followed in his footsteps. Harold often asked the crew to leave the everyday fishing gear on deck so that he could exercise his passion for sword fishing…if swordfish were seen in the area; he wanted to join in the hunt. He kept his harpoon skills up by regularly participating in harpoon throwing challenges at local events. After Dad’s retirement from fishing, he always kept busy at something, whether it was working around wood, making little wood carvings or helping his son Kenny around his boat and gear. He was always there to lend a hand when you needed him. He also thoroughly enjoyed his evening chats with neighbours and friends.
Harold is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Julia (Dunphy); his sons, Patrick (Audrey), South Harbour, Gerry (Marie), White Point, Charles (Frieda), Neil’s Harbour and Kenny (Linda), White Point. Also surviving are brothers, Douglas (Susie) and Manny; sister, Jenny; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Harold was predeceased by brothers, Chester, Willie Vincent, Harry, Ernest, James, Kelson, Jack, Wilfred and Henry; sisters, Mary, Alice and Mable, and infant grand-child, Patrick Noel.
Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at Taigh Solas (3rd Floor, Northside General Hospital) for the care and compassion shown to Harold since he moved to their facility in September 2014.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of NS. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.
