Frederick (Freddy) Tobin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, Frederick Tobin on July 26th, 2024. Just a year after his ALS diagnosis, Freddy died surrounded by loved ones at home.

Born on October 26th, 1946, in Sydney Mines, Freddy spent a lot of his youth playing baseball and hockey. As a young adult, Freddy spent a few years in the army and was stationed in Germany before coming home and working as a coal miner. Many lifelong friendships were forged during Freddy’s 32 years in the pit. Freddy later worked as a security guard at Harbourview Hospital where, for seven years, he made friends with both staff and residents alike while patrolling the halls.

Freddy met Debbie in 1969 and they were married 4 years later. They raised a family together on Mill Pond Road. After the tragic loss of their second child, Aaron, to cancer, they continued to raise their two daughters, Jill and Melissa, with much help from family and neighbours. Freddy took pride in seeing his daughters travel, excel in their careers and get married.

Freddy was rarely seen without a Red Sox or Bruins hat on. In his spare time, he watched the Sox or Bruins play with Debbie, he caught many fish (debatable) with his buddy Edwin or brother Dennis, and he lived for days on the golf course with Barrie, his brother-in-law, who was unofficially his brother. Until Freddy fell ill, he never missed a chance to be outside, regardless of the season.

Freddy is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Debbie (Jenkins); his two lovely daughters, Jill (Aaron) and Melissa (Greg), and his one surviving furry friend, Noodles. Also left to mourn are his sister-in-law, Carol Tobin, and his siblings Danny (Linda) Tobin, Dennis (Geralyn) Tobin and Susan (Bryan) Cullen.  Brothers- and sisters-in-law, Louise Jenkins, Victor (Judy) Jenkins, Paul (Jeannie) Jenkins, Dominica (Carl) McIntyre, Perky Young, Greg MacInnis, Louise (Francis) McKinnon, Madonna Mitchell, Mary MacNeill and Rose Jenkins.

Freddy was predeceased by his only son, Aaron, who he loved so much. His parents, Emmanuel and Edith Tobin, his sisters Linda and Marjorie and his brother Buddy. He was also predeceased by his parents-in-law, Walter and Gena Jenkins; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Nick and Mary Viva, Skip Jenkins, Louie and Mary Jenkins, Joe and Betty Jenkins, Ann and Harvey Clarkson, Viva McInnis, Joe Mitchell, Shirley and Wayne Adams and Barrie MacNeill; his beloved nephew and niece, Steven Jenkins and Laureen Jenkins, as well as many aunts and uncles.

Freddy was very lucky to have been surrounded by so many knowledgeable practitioners during his battle with ALS and his family has so much gratitude for that multidisciplinary team, from Cape Breton and Halifax. The family would also like to thank the ICU staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care for Freddy during his stay; Veterans Affairs and ALS Society for contributing to his care; and the many VON staff who visited Freddy frequently at home, especially Marlene.

A visitation for Freddy will be held Friday, August 2nd, 2024, from 5pm to 8pm at JM Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at 11am at JM Jobes Funeral Home with a reception to follow at the Fireman’s Hall, Sydney Mines. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society.

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