John Willis Thurbide

It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our dear brother, uncle, and friend, John Willis Thurbide, age 81, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Northside General Hospital.

Born in Alder Point on April 30, 1944, John was the eldest son of the late Lewis and Mary (Devoe) Thurbide. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Madonna (Donna) LeBlanc, and his lifelong best friend and brother-in-law, Cyril (Zeke) LeBlanc. Although they had no children of their own, John and Donna lovingly devoted themselves to their many nieces and nephews. Fondly known as Uncle John, he will be remembered as a kind, soft-spoken, and generous soul—a true reflection of his parents, Lewis and Mary.

John’s love for the water lasted a lifetime. In his younger years, like his brothers Edward and Emerson, he sailed the Great Lakes before turning to fishing, a career he proudly carried on alongside his brother Edward for 40 years. Notably, John’s very first job was clearing line corridors for Eastern Light and Power—with Edward by his side. John also enjoyed a good game of cards, listening to music of all genres, and spending time with his nephew, John Compton, who often entertained him with his guitar playing.

In later years, John made his home at the Northside Community Guest Home, residing in Theresa Terrace, where he was cared for by a devoted staff who showed him kindness and understanding. For this, the family is truly grateful and commends the work of all who attended to his every need. He especially cherished the outings and found comfort in being near the sea, his greatest passion.

Generous to a fault, John gave freely of his time, love, and support to family and friends alike. His presence was a blessing to many, and he will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

John is survived by his brother, Edward Thurbide of Alder Point; brother-in-law, Leonard MacLean of Point Aconi; sister-in-law, Joyce Paquet of Alder Point; and by many cherished nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, his wife Donna, and his best friend Zeke, John was predeceased by his brothers Augustine (Gussie) and Emerson (Emsie); sisters Evangeline (Vange) Mitchell and Rosalie (Rosie) MacLean; brothers-in-law Frank, Joe, and Willie LeBlanc; and sisters-in-law Mary O’Toole, Lil Forrest, Veronica Thériault, and Marguerite Compton.

Visitation for John will be held at J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines, on Sunday, October 5, from 2–4 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Little Bras d’Or, with Father Victor officiating. A reception will follow in St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Little Bras d’Or.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Dear Uncle, Brother, Friend

A precious gift, a shining light,
Kind and humble, loving, bright—
Through darkest nights, your soul shone through,
With simple ways and hands that knew
The worth of work, an honest stand,
A steady heart, a guiding hand.

Donna, your love, your soulmate dear,
Steadfast, waiting, always near.
Though children never filled your home,
Your love reached far, it freely roamed.

You treated many as your own,
With gentle strength, no harshness shown.
A life lived by the golden rule,
Quiet wisdom, calm and cool.

The world was richer for your smile,
Your warmth, your humour all the while.
And when our journeys find their end,
We’ll see you there—dear uncle, brother, friend.

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