David Vincent Tobin
Lieu de naissance : Sydney Mines, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de naissance : 19 septembre 1938
Lieu de décès : Sydney Mines, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 31 mars 2011
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dave ‘Poppy’ Tobin, 72, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Surrounded by his loving family, Dave passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney on March 31, 2011.
Born in Sydney Mines, Sept. 19, 1938, Dave was the son of the late David Vincent and Christina (McGean) Tobin. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Sydney Mines.
As a young man of 21 years of age Dave suffered a severe injury while working on a TV tower in Sydney when he was struck with a direct bolt of lightning. For years he endured many surgeries to help restore his health. He carried on with his life never letting his injuries overcome him and applying the philosophy that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. He attributed his inner strength, resolve and as Mary C. would often reference, his stubbornness from that same lightning strike. Dave was a kind, generous person whose biggest joy in life was being with his family and friends. He loved many things throughout his years, from a good card game to the thing he loved most of all, the time he would spend with his family and friends at any family gathering where his mantra was “the more the merrier” and where he would most times end up being the star of the show with his traditional rendition of his favourite solo performance of “The War Ships Have Landed”. Despite many an obstacle and the curve balls of life that we all receive you would never hear a complaint from Dave no matter what the circumstance, a characteristic that he had to the very end and one in which he instilled in everyone who had the pleasure to know him.
Dave was a true friend to all who had the pleasure and privilege to spend time with him, whether it was family, friends or new acquaintances Dave always made everyone feel like they were part of the family and welcomed them with open arms. A self proclaimed “jack of all trades and a master of none” he was always there with a helping hand for those who needed it, at the ready to lend a hand and share his wisdom as a true DIY (do it yourself) kind of guy. He helped his family and friends really understand the true meaning of “let’s get er done”!
Dave was blessed to have shared his life with his best friend and soul mate Mary C., for close to 48 years. Together, they raised and educated four beautiful children who went out in the world, created families of their own and gave Dave and Mary the gift of 10 wonderful grandchildren who are the light of their lives.
Poppy enjoyed many happy trips with his children and grandchildren over the years and they are all left with many great memories of Poppy in his element with Nana surrounded by the grandchildren. There was lots of joy, love and laughter in the Tobin household when all the family was home for holidays and summer vacations.
Dave is survived by his wife, Mary C. (McKinnon); his daughter Kim (Glen Kettlewell), grandchildren Liam and Brenna, son Paul (Margaret MacKenzie), grandchildren Megan, Ryan and Riley, daughter Lisa (Troy Jenkins), grandchildren Mitchell and Ian and daughter Leeanne (Darren Gillis), grandchildren Hannah, Sophie and Lauren.
Dave was predeceased by his brother, John, sister-in-law, Carolyn, brothers-in-law, David Lyons, Buck VanHorne, nephew, David and niece, Christine.
He is also survived by his sisters, Bridgett (Biddie)-(Bruce Priestman), Scarborough, Margaret Van Horne and Celia Lyons, both of Mississauga, Sarah (Sandy MacRae), North River; brother, Jim (Lola), Sydney Mines and many nieces and nephews.
In honour of Dave’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Francis Funeral Home, Main Street, Sydney Mines. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Thomas John officiating. Reception with the family to follow at St. Pius X Hall, Main Street, Sydney Mines.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children's Wish Foundation.
Online condolences at d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca.
“The Love we shared and the memories we made will last a lifetime ... Love Ya Much!”
