Leonard Gordon Rose “Gordie”, 57
North Sydney
It is with deep and profound sadness that we, his family, announce the peaceful passing of our kind, happy and loving soul on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and family, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Systemic Lupus, Cancer and other complications.
Born in North Sydney on Nov. 23, 1964, he was the baby brother and youngest of 6 children, and the only son of the late Gordon and Dorothy (Groves) Rose.
Gordie is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Florence (Blinkhorn), sisters Stella Howatson (Bruce Fraser), Linda (Rick Kendall), Sharon (Dale Murdock), Ellen (Ron MacSween), and Grace (Ron Miller). He is also survived by sisters in law, Wanda (Chuck Bond), and Sharon Matthews (David DeLazzer), brother-in-law Bernie Blinkhorn (Debbie), mother-in-law Donna Blinkhorn (late Joe MacNeil), and father-in-Law Bernard Blinkhorn (Betty Cass).
Also left to mourn are his nieces and nephews – Chris Howatson, Blair Howatson (Robin), Ricky Kendall (Brett), Natasha Kendall (Stephen), Janice Norman, Matthew Devoe (Barbie), Andrew Devoe, Brent MacSween (Jenna), Craig MacSween (Katie), Joshua Rose, Tiffany Rose, Jacob Blinkhorn (Crystal), Summer Almon (Eric), Paige Bond, Mason Matthews, Thomas Matthews, many great nieces & great nephews, special Aunts and Uncles and cousins, and Gordie’s three special Godchildren, Natasha Kendall, Paige Bond and Lily Blinkhorn.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by grandparents, Augustus & Margaret Groves, Bertram & Grace Rose, baby sister Doreen who passed in infancy and brother-in-law Cyril Howatson.
Gordie was a graduate of Memorial High School and had many good times with his best buds, who hung out often at “the barn” in North Sydney. He loved listening to KISS, David Bowie, Chicago and The Eagles. Gordie was an avid Boston Bruins fan from a very young age, and met his hero Ray Bourque and got his autograph. He enjoyed Saturday hockey nights with the boys, Chuck, David, Jackie and Eric.
Gordie worked many years at National Sea during and after high school. He then moved to Ontario and worked in various places, till he moved to Connecticut with Florence and furthered his studies and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. He loved his job and his residents and they loved him. Gordie was recognized and awarded for his dedication and great work in diabetic teaching and wound care.
Due to his ongoing health issues, Gordie and Florence moved back to Cape Breton. Gordie got up everyday with a smile and never complained. He loved spending time with family. He was affectionately known to many as “Uncle Gordie”. He and Florence travelled while they could and enjoyed all their adventures over the years.
Knowing his time was limited, he always stopped to smell the roses and enjoyed life’s little moments, big and small. Always saying I love you, happy to chit chat with friends on the front porch, and watching Mass for Shut-ins every Sunday.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kohlsmith, Dr. Lazovskis, the staff in Palliative Care, Deacon David Lewis and Continuing Care.
Let’s not forget to live for today. Celebrate his life with us at his funeral by wearing colors and Bruins fans, wear your jersey.
Visitation will be Friday, June 17, 2022, from 5-7 pm in J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A funeral mass of celebration will be held Saturday, 10 am, June 18, 2022, at Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Please pay it forward and be kind. Words of comfort may be forwarded to Gordie’s family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
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