Carl Sommers

Carl James Sommers

Sydney Mines

It is with profound sorrow and heartbreak that we, the family of Carl James Sommers, age 85, announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, and best friend, on Friday, November 25th, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the only son of the late Arthur Sommers and Mary (Harris) Sommers and the last surviving member of his family.
Carl worked as a dedicated and proud coal miner for more than 35 years, having worked in Florence, Princess, Lingan, Phalen, and Prince Collieries.  He retired from Prince Colliery as a shift manager in 1994.  During his time underground Carl also served as a mine rescue draegerman.  He was an avid bowler and goaltender in the colliery bowling and hockey leagues, having won numerous trophies and awards.
Carl was as dedicated and proud a Maple Leafs and Bluejays fan as there is.  He was a true believer in the blue and white and always believed this might be our year.  In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time in Margaree with his family, where he found his own forever heaven on earth and built the family summer home on the beautiful Margaree River. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, daughters, and numerous life-long friends.  He also enjoyed snowmobiling throughout Margaree and the Cape Breton Highlands. 
Carl was a handyman and could put his hand and head to just about anything.  In his early retirement, he found a passion for woodworking and handcrafts.  Whatever he took interest in, it became his passion, from model railroading to remote control airplanes to photography and fly fishing on the Margaree River.  He was the best dressed and equipped fisherman there.  Whether he caught a salmon or not, he enjoyed his time on the river.  He was a dedicated member of the Cape Breton Anglers Association.  He also enjoyed telling a story or two with old friends or reminiscing about growing up in Florence with his family.  Carl was the only boy of 5 children and was pampered by his mother and 4 sisters growing up.
When he met Betty they immediately began their courtship and a life-long love affair that continued until his death.  He was the epitome of a great Dad and husband, always putting family first.  He was especially proudest when in the company of his two adored grandsons.  He taught us all about the importance of hard work, honesty, family, and fair play.
Left to mourn are his wife of almost 61 years, his eternal soul mate and best friend Betty (Caldwell), his 4 children, Donald (Shawna) Sydney Mines, Gail (Lyle) Prince George, Stewart, Middle Sackville, and Linda (Matt), Middle Sackville, his two cherished grandsons Gregory (Danielle)Sommers Westmount and Matthew (Payton)Skinner, Halifax, his great-grandson Emmett Sommers and his grand furbabies Oreo, Raz, Ruger, and Misty. He is also survived by sister-in-law Linda (Armand Sanguigni) Toronto, and brother-in-law Stewart (Goretti) Caldwell, Bras d'Or, and by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. 
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law Violet and Donald Caldwell, his sisters Selena, Jenny, Julia, Dora, brothers-in-law Donald Caldwell Jr., Allan Caldwell, Frank MacKinnon, George Gale, sisters-in-law Maisie Caldwell, Rose (Keigan) Caldwell and very recently by his niece Mary (Sommers) Pearo.
We, the family of Carl, would like to extend a thank you to the wonderful staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their exceptional attention and care given. They went above and beyond.
Cremation has taken place. Carl’s family will receive visitors Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 1 pm. in J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.  A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com