John Finlayson

John Finlayson 

Sydney Mines

It is with heartfelt sadness that we the family announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and uncle, John Finlayson, 91, a resident of Sydney Mines on Wednesday June 9, 2021, at the Cape Breton Regional hospital.

 Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late John Finlayson Sr. and Violet (Bonnar) Finlayson.

John worked for DEVCO for several years as a miner. He loved working in his woodshop making and fixing things along with doing odd jobs for family and friends. He had a passion for reading and was known for storytelling and sharing tales of the local history and families. He enjoyed watching hockey and discussing the players and games. In his younger years, he loved playing hockey, bowling and fishing. He was a great teacher whether it was showing how to fix or build things or to give great advice.

John is survived by his four children, John William (Lana Lee), Cape Sable Island, NS; James Russell, Toronto, ON; Vivian Diana (Robert) Charron, West River, NS; and Anita Violet (Kyle) MacNeil, Albert Bridge, NS. His seven grandchildren, Brea Elizabeth, Alexandra Noelle, Danielle Suzanne, Jonathan Robert, Gabrielle Michelle, Benjamin Lucas, Steven Emile; along with many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Wilfred) Theriault, Sydney Mines; sisters-in-law, Ann Finlayson, Sydney Mines; Sandra Newman, North Sydney; Helen Drake, Florence; Annette Finlayson, Florence; Francis (Ivey) Connelly, North Sydney; and brother-in-law, Victor Gale, Sydney Mines.

 John was predeceased by his wife Anita Vivian Finlayson, sisters and brothers Johnena, Louis, Mary Catherine, Russell, Helen, Alexander, Murdock, Diana, Soloman, Daniel, Walter, and Katherine. Sister and brothers-in-law Don Smith, John Lannigan , Brenda Finlayson, Dan MacDonald, Larry Graham, Helen Finlayson, Lydia (Edward) Yetman, Beulah (Harold) Steele, Vera (John) Gouthro, Harold (Hattie) Ivey, Stanley (Mary) Ivey, Russell (Mae) Ivey, James (May) Ivey, William Jr. Ivey and Robert (Emma) Ivey.

In keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no visitation and a private service will be held at the gravesite. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northside General, Harbourview, and Regional hospitals, the VON or the Red Cross.

We, the family, would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful and caring workers at the Northside General, Harbourview, and Regional hospitals, the VON, and the Red Cross. You are lovely and caring people. Your kindness to us and our father during this difficult time will always be in our hearts.

“The heart that is generous and kind most resembles God.” Robert Burns Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com