Obituaries

Cyril Howard Cashin

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cyril Howard Cashin of Cole Harbour, Guysborough County, 80, after a long and courageous struggle with health issues. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 15, 1945, in Port Felix, Guysborough County to the late Stanley Cashin and Geraldine (Casey) Cashin. Cyril will be lovingly remembered by his family and all those whose lives he touched. He was a hardworking man all his life, taking pride in his work and facing life’s challenges with determination and quiet strength. Cyril left home in 1965 moving to Toronto in search of work, where he worked a variety of jobs before joining the Laborers International Union (LUNA) and worked on the construction of the CN Tower, and also worked many years with the Toronto Harbour Commission, including working on Center Island. He and Donna moved back to Nova Scotia in the late 1980’s and bought a house in Cole Harbour, Guysborough County, where they resided until their passing. Cyril worked on the Goldboro Sable Project, Communities Along the Bay Multipurpose Center, construction of a new bridge in Port Felix, and his last job was lobster fishing with his brother, Cecil, until he had to retire due to illness. Growing up, being part of a large family, Cyril enjoyed the family gatherings at the old homestead; phone calls from his sister, Ann, and sister-in-law, Doreen; Sunday visits with Susan, who brought food; his brother, Val, who visited and kept the wood box full and did upkeep on his house and yard; his brother, Philip, who played guitar and sang with him when he visited; his friend, Donnie, for visiting and daily calls from his friends, Reggie and Christine. Cyril’s passion was classic cars and music, two things that held a special place in his heart. Whether driving or admiring a classic car or enjoying the music he loved, these were the simple pleasures that brought happiness to his life. He owned many classic cars over the years, and he was a collector of musical instruments. His love of music stemmed from the days when he was a roadie travelling around Toronto with bands handling tasks like setting up, transporting, and maintaining heavy stage, audio, and lighting equipment. He had a strong natural ability to notice small differences in sound, pitch, and tone. He was a kind and gentle man with a heart of gold. He will be remembered for his caring nature, his quiet strength, and the kindness he showed to those around him. Cyril had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and his presence brought comfort to those who knew him. Even through his darkest days of being hospitalized for the past month, the doctors and staff at Guysborough Memorial, St. Martha’s, Aberdeen, and the QEII always commented on how he often expressed gratitude for their care and compassion. Cyril is survived by his grandson, Sean (Melissa); great-grandchildren, Nova and Vega; brothers, Cecil (Darlene), Val (Donna), Philip (Marie); sisters, Gertie (Gary), Anne (Ronnie), Pearl (Ron), Joan, Susan; sisters-in-law, Doreen, Charlene (Brian), Roxanne; brother-in-law, Glen (Gertie), and special friends, Christine and Reggie. He will also be fondly remembered by his nieces, Chelsea (Robert); Mandi (Craig); Tonya; Tammy; nephews, Darryl (Stacey); Neil; Joshua (Jessica); Steven (Stephanie); Larry (Glenda); Nathan (Kayla); godson, Greg (Lee Anne); Dwayne (Marlene); goddaughter, Carrie Anne; many great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Donna (Llewelyn); son, Brian; Brian’s twin brother, in infancy; daughter-in-law, Kim; parents-in-law, Chester "Bill" and Phyllis Llewellyn (Georgetown, PEI),  a brother in infancy, Gabriel; sister-in-law, Debbie; brothers-in-law, Timmy, George, Garry, and Joe; niece, Lorrie-Ann, nephew, Jody, and many of his friends and family members. Cyril's passing leaves a sadness in the hearts of his family, who will hold his memory close and remember him in their own special ways. He will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones. Visitation will be held from 2-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Port Felix, and from where funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m., with Father Jonathan Nnajiofor officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Parish or Guysborough Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, 17545 Highway 316, Country Harbour. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com. Forever loved, never forgotten.

Charles Ainley Clyke Jr.

CLYKE Jr., Charles Ainley – 72, of Sunnyville, Guysborough County, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026, at St. Martha's Regional Hospital Antigonish. Born in Antigonish on December 16, 1953, he was the son of the late Ainley and Mary Clyke.

Charlie was a porter driver. He began driving porters at a very young age for his father's company, C.A. Clyke Trucking, until retirement.

He is survived by his two daughters, Juanita (Antigonish), Charmaine (Jimmy) Sunnyville; grandson, Tyrell (Halifax); and his best friend, Mary Alice (Sunnyville). He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Theresa (Jimmy), Brenda (Phil), Patsy (Mike) and Daisy; brothers, James "Boo" (Sue), Ivan, Gary, Neil, James and Dana.

Charlie was a devoted father and grandfather. Of all his blessings, his grandson, Tyrell, was his heart and joy. He was a gentle, loving and caring man whose life was defined by hard work, dedication and love for his family. Charlie also enjoyed playing cards and driving his friends around the community.

He was predeceased by brothers, Ronnie and Archie.

Thank you to the nurses and doctors at Guysborough Memorial Hospital and the ICU and palliative care nurses at St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish.

Although our hearts are broken, we will find comfort in his memories and the love he gave so freely.

Rest peacefully, Pops. We love you, forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 29, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., in the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. on Friday, October 30, at the Wesley United Church, Guysborough, with Rev. Heather Manuel officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Guysborough. A reception will follow at the Sunnyville Community Centre.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com

Mary Christina Dunbar

1939 – 2026

Dunbar, Mary Christina, 87, formerly of St. Josephs, Antigonish County, passed away on October 20, 2026, in the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

Born in Antigonish, she was a daughter of the late Archie and Christina (MacDonald) MacKenzie.

Mary was well known for her baking – especially her bread. In her working life, she worked as a PCW at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home and Highland Crest Home in Antigonish.

She is survived by her children, Paul (Mil), Antigonish; Anita, Antigonish; Brenda, Hamilton, Ontario; and Troy, Antigonish; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jean, Antigonish; Theresa, Dartmouth; and Denelda, P.E.I.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Richard; two grandchildren; and her brother, A.D. MacKenzie.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family burial will be held at a later date.

In memoriam, donations to the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation are appreciated.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

Donna MacEachern

1966 – 2026

Margaret Donna MacEachern, 60, of Cape George Point, Antigonish County, passed away on October 22, 2026, at Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital (formerly St. Martha’s Regional Hospital), where she was born. She was raised in Ballantynes Cove.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her cherished husband of 32 years, Marc Belanger; her two children, Amanda Belanger and Michael Belanger (Chyna-Rose Bennett); her mother, Velma MacEachern; and her younger sisters, Cara MacEachern (Trevor Schulz) and Paula (Mark) Klassen.

She was predeceased by her father, Gerard MacEachern, and her older brother, Derek MacEachern.

Teaching was Donna’s calling. She devoted her life to educating, encouraging, and enriching the lives of the many children, both during her career as a teacher and through volunteering. Her dedication was evident in the countless hours she spent preparing her lessons and ensuring that every student had the opportunity to learn in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. She took great pride in her work and left a lasting impression on the young lives she touched. Throughout the years, Donna gave generously to the communities in which she lived through her charitable volunteer work. She believed in the importance of caring for others and contributing wherever she could.

Above all, Donna’s heart belonged to her family, and she deeply cherished those closest to her. She also found great joy in the natural beauty of the world around her. She treasured time travelling and spent outdoors, especially by the water and on the beach. She fondly remembered camping trips with her children when they were young, as well as family holidays to sunny destinations. Summer held a special place in her heart, bringing opportunities to create lasting memories through her meticulously organized family boat rides and community bonfires on the beach. These gatherings reflected Donna’s thoughtful nature and her desire to bring people together.

Following her retirement, the memories and familiar landscapes of rural Nova Scotia drew Donna back to Cape George, where she and her husband, Marc, purchased a home overlooking the water. There, she found comfort and contentment in the simple pleasures of life, often gazing out at the water and watching the hummingbirds with her faithful dog, Sadie, by her side.

Donna’s life was one of dedication, generosity, and love. Throughout her life, she carried with her the values of family, community, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of rural Nova Scotia. Wherever she was, she created memories and connections that will endure. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation was held October 26 in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Funeral Mass was held Oct. 27 in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ballantyne’s Cove, with Reverend Andrew Boyd presiding. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

In memory of Donna, donations may be made to the Holy Rosary Church Cemetery Fund or Cancer Assistance Halton Hills.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com

Katherine Punch

1941 – 2026

With great sadness, we announce the loss of Katherine Bridget Ann (Grant) Punch, 84, of Monastery, Antigonish County, who passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2026.

Katherine was born on November 7, 1941, to the late Florence (McDonald) and Michael Grant of Monastery. Her selfless commitment to family began at a young age, when she assumed a parental role to her younger siblings and caring for others remained her priority to the end.

Katherine is survived by her children, Dwayne Punch, Monastery; and his children, Andrew and Rylee; Jennifer Punch (Paul Myette), Halifax; and their children, Aidan and Nora; Shauna (Jordan) Hachey, Halifax; and their children, Jasper and Beatrice; sister, Lorna (Dermot) Chisholm; brother David (Marianne) MacEachern; brother-in-law, Carmen Hatfield; and cousin, Donnie (Donna) McNutt, as well as loved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Punch; parents, Florence and Micheal Grant; sisters, Marie MacDonald and Evangeline Hatfield; and brothers, Edward and William ‘Billie’ Grant, and brother-in-law, Angus MacDonald.

Katherine worked at the switchboard in Monastery before dedicating her life to Charlie and their three children, Dwayne, Jennifer, and Shauna. She was a steadfast matriarch, and her sacrifices did not go unnoticed. She was humble and took great pleasure from the simple things in life; her family, her home, her game shows, a drive on the old road to see the sights, a wood fire, salt and pepper with a side of supper, and a stiff drink of whiskey. Over the years, she could begrudgingly be found with Charlie anywhere a fiddle was playing. Together they enjoyed kitchen parties, Newfie Fever dances, and spending time with friends at the camp back in the day. She missed him dearly and her family takes comfort in knowing they are reunited.

She was a loyal parishioner of St. Peter’s Parish, Tracadie, and a member of the Catholic Women’s League and Ladies Auxiliary with nearly 50 years of service. Often called upon for the best egg salad sandwiches, rolls, or biscuits, Katherine was a committed community volunteer known for dishing out a meal to anyone in need.

Katherine never shied away from hard work, whether at her home, in the garden, or at the Christmas tree lot in Beauly. Meticulous in all endeavours, her motto was, "If you are going to do it, do it right,” including her way of hanging a line of clothes. Katherine would be widely considered quiet and unassuming, but those closest to her know she was full of quick wit and sass. Her children always enjoyed her questions about dances, fights, and food after a night out. And her grandchildren enjoyed her constant ribbing, and the $20 she slipped them at every visit.

Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to honour and share in her memory. Visitation was held at C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish on October 20, 2026. Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter’s Church, Tracadie, on October 21, 2026, with Father John Barry presiding. The burial took place in the parish cemetery, followed by a reception at the fire hall in Monastery.

Donations in her memory can be made to the St. Peter’s Parish, Tracadie, the Tracadie & District Volunteer Fire Department or Breast Cancer Canada.

Online condolences can be offered at www.clcurry.com.

Richard Darren Scott

Steep Creek – With heavy hearts, the family of Richard Darren Scott announces his passing on Sunday, October 18, 2026 in Guysborough Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. Born on May 9, 1969, Richard was the cherished son of Marvin and Lina Scott. He was predeceased by his father, Marvin.

He is survived by his loving mother, Lina Scott; brother, Marvin Scott Jr.; and sister-in-law, Shaunna. He will be lovingly remembered by his nephew and niece, Cameron Scott and Olivia Scott, along with Cameron's companion, Charlie MacLean, and Olivia's companion, Logan DeYoung. He also leaves behind his cherished great-niece, Charlotte Scott, who brought him joy and light.

Richard was a steady, kind?hearted presence in the lives of all who knew him. He carried a quiet strength and a gentle humour that stayed with everyone he met. Melford and Steep Creek were always home — a place where he shared countless stories, and created memories that will be held dearly.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date to honour Richard's life and the impact he had on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

May he rest peacefully.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com