John A. (Sandy) Jardine

John A. (Sandy) Jardine

Leitches Creek

It is with tremendous sadness we mourn the passing of a great man, husband, father, grandfather, soon-to-be great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Sandy Jardine passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Sandy was born August 20, 1950 and grew up in Florence where he had many fond memories with his parents Nat and Katie and brother Carl (Florence).

He met his best friend and love of his life, Debby (Boutilier), in his teens. In August they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. With Debby came the large, close-knit Boutilier clan. Sandy created friendships and strong bonds with his in-laws Garf and Sadie, Donna Coady, Marcy and Billy Unsworth, Wendy and Jed McMullin, Carl Gardiner, Nancy and Dave Balah, Irene and Les Ferguson, Gary and Cynthia Boutilier, Cindy and Greg LeBlanc, Paul and Gayle Boutlilier, and all of their children and grandchildren.

Sandy was grateful to gain more family members, the Frasers, later in life with sisters Flora (Cyril Burns) and Corinne, brothers Curtis and William, and their lovely mother Bertha.

He was an amazing father to Nikki and Jason, so loving, kind, generous, and thoughtful, and always there to offer advice and a helping hand. He became very close to this son-in-law, Chris, becoming a project partner, confidant, and friend.

Never one to shy away from hard work, he spent much of his life as a heavy equipment operator employed with Martell’s and MacKinnon’s early on and eventually with the Department of Highways, where later in his career, helped develop and deliver the “Snow School”, a program designed to train and share knowledge amongst snow plow drivers across Nova Scotia. In addition to his work life, he spent most of his time tackling one project or another, putting his many skills to work. He was a builder, a planner, a mechanic, a carpenter, a problem solver, and above all, a giver, sharing his time and his jack-of-all-trades talents freely with those he knew and loved.

Thanks to his uncle Jimmy, Sandy was able to make his grandparent’s land in Leitches Creek his home. He had a keen interest in history and in the ways of working the land, always reading and learning more, allowing him to keep and serve his beloved horses and many pets throughout the years. Piper and Kaylee held a particularly special place in his heart.

He loved to gather with friends and family, enjoyed a good game of cards, and cherished gatherings on the beach and around the campfires at The Last Resort in Beaver Cove.

He loved to sing and dance, (Sandy and Debby sure could jive!) and he loved music of all kinds but his fondness for traditional songs led him play accordion, self-taught of course.  He was the life of every party and a big kid at heart, finding joy in every occasion.

His genuine interest in people was evident by the many friends and acquaintances he kept, all of whom share in this loss. He was a conversationalist, a natural story-teller, and could somehow make a connection, spin a tale, or find common ground with most everyone he met.

He was many things to many people. Whether you knew him as Sandy, Dad, or Jordy, friend or neighbour, his helpful nature, kind heart, and positive outlook no doubt had an impact. He will forever be remembered and loved by everyone who had the fortune to know him, especially by those who knew him as Pa, his granddaughters Emily, Megan, and Madison, whom he adored. There wasn’t a birthday party, volleyball game or “date” that he would miss. He loved spending time with his girls.

To refer to him as remarkable somehow does not suffice. The pain of this great loss is only made easier by knowing that he led a life well-lived, and one lived to the fullest. And by his parting words, “All of my wishes came true.”

The family would like to send a heart-felt thank you to Dr. Kohlsmith, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Sampson, and all of the nurses on 4B of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

In lieu of flowers please share a story or a memory of Sandy. Donations may be made to the Cancer Patient Care Fund – Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the Arthritis Society of Canada.

“A grandparent’s love is a different, but special kind of love. I always hoped everyone could have the relationship and love with their grandfather that I did with mine. I’m so fortunate that he was such an active part of my life and that he was here to watch me grow into the person I am today. There won’t be a single day that goes by where he isn’t missed by those who knew him. He was simply the best and I’ll love my Pa forever.” Emily

“I didn’t just lose my grandfather, but also my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the man who taught me almost everything. Pa was the kindest, goofiest, best man I’ve ever been lucky enough to have been so close to. I’ll love and miss you forever angel.” Megan

“I love you so much Pa, you were the best grandpa I could have ever asked for. You are the best man I know and I hope you rest in peace and have all the people who loved you so much to be surrounded by you. Goodbye Pa.” Madison