Cecil George Snow

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cecil George Snow on November 5, 2025, at the age of 77. He was the son of the late Cecil (Jiggs) Snow and Elizabeth (Arsenault).

Cecil is survived by his children, Cecil (Halifax), Shawn (Calgary), and Angela (Florence); his grandchildren, Matthew, Angela, Mariah, Janie Lynn, Cecilia, Ian, Patrick, and Grace; and his great-grandchildren, Ava, Scarlett, Bryce, Blake, and Paisley. He is also survived by his sister, Bernice Pero (Melvin), and his nieces and nephew, Beth, Dawn, and Brent.

He is lovingly remembered by his partner, Gail McCormick, her children, Bonnie, Karen, John, and Stephanie, as well as grandchildren, Kristen, Shelby, Ashlea, Ceilidh, Cody, Hailey, Kadence, and Jayden, and great-grandchildren, Kail, Haven, Adalyn, and Rowen.

Throughout his 77 years, Cecil embraced life with energy, purpose, and heart. He was a passionate union advocate, a dedicated community volunteer, an award-winning athlete, and a proud world traveler. Above all, his family was his greatest source of pride and joy.

Cecil made an enduring contribution as a union leader in Cape Breton and Nova Scotia, championing improvements for healthcare workers and supporting fair working conditions. His leadership continued into retirement, and he cherished the relationships he built through UNIFOR (formerly CBRT & CAW), as well as his networks within CUPE, NSGEU, and NSNU.

An avid skater and runner, Cecil began running in his early 40s and quickly became a well-known and admired figure in local running communities across Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. He competed in numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon multiple times, and treasured the camaraderie of his fellow runners. Cecil also enjoyed staying connected through social media and took great pride in maintaining his friendships.

Cecil’s volunteer efforts were wide-reaching and deeply meaningful. He contributed to many organizations, including the Sydney Mines Food Bank Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Father George & The Railway Children, Royal Canadian Legion Florence Branch 83, Holy Family Parish in Sydney Mines, St. Stephen’s Parish in Florence, the Kiwanis Club, and many others. His dedication to service extended throughout his life, always guided by compassion and commitment to community.

He was grateful for his many special friends and colleagues. Each one held a cherished place in his heart. Every morning at 6:00 a.m., Cecil could be found at Tim Hortons in Bras d’Or, engaging in thoughtful conversation and sharing laughter with those he valued dearly.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wawer and the staff of Unit 3B at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for the attentive and compassionate care shown to Cecil over the past three weeks. He was deeply appreciative.

Visitation for the late Cecil Snow will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at JM Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines.
A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, Sydney Mines, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

“Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another.”
— St. Vincent de Paul

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