Category: Obituaries

On September 18, 2025, Joseph Gelas Camus at the age of 67, left us in grief to be reunited with his precious daughter Daphne, who he missed dearly.

With his wife, Giselle, they raised their family in the old homestead at Redman.

Gelas worked as a plant worker and fisher buyer for the past 50 years.  Everyone that knew him, enjoyed his sense of humor, easy going and joyful personality.  His closest friends knew him as “Minou”… he will surely be missed on the wharf by so many.

In the past few years, he got to live his passion in riding his motorcycle, four-wheeling and snowmobiling with friends.  His true joy in life was to spend time with his three grandchildren.

Gelas leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Giselle; his son, Bradley (Rosie); and his three grandchildren, Isaac, Isaiah and Ava.  Also grieving are his brothers, André (Gisele), Léonel (Lorraine); and his sisters, Patricia and Dauphine.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Daphne; parents, Napoleon and Jeanette; brothers, Pierre Joseph, Alphonse; and brothers-in-law, Clovie and Michael.

A special thank you to all the staff at the Cardio Vascular Unit at the QEII in Halifax for their dedication and wonderful care during his short stay.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.

We will all miss you dearly and forever be in our hearts….fly high and watch over us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Senior Citizen Hall, Cheticamp from 1-4 pm followed by a graveside service in St. Peter’s Cemetery with Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating.

In Loving Memory of Maurice

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maurice LeLièvre, 71 which occurred on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp.

Maurice will be remembered for his thoughtful nature and deep appreciation for life. He shared with his family and friends a love of travel, especially with his niece Nicole, of a good conversation and a commitment to community that touched the lives of many. Maurice spent many years living in Ottawa, where he built lasting friendships and meaningful professional relationships. He was a proud St FX Alumnus, class of 1975; this year was his 50th class reunion. Maurice will be remembered for his good humour and his deep love for friends and family. He never took those moments for granted, and his legacy is one of connection, kindness, and quiet dedication.

Seventeen years ago, Maurice returned home to his beloved Cape Breton. He settled ‘au p’tit lac‘, a place that brought him great peace and joy. Though he embraced the slower pace of life, Maurice wasn’t quite ready to fully retire. A dedicated volunteer, he generously gave his time to numerous committees, always striving to make a positive impact. He was acknowledged for his volunteerism in 2024 with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Public Service. He continued to share his time and talents through his work with the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ), remaining active and engaged until the time of his passing.

He leaves behind his sister, Josephine and brother-in-law, Leandre whom he spent much time with; his brother, René and sister-in-law, Marie; numerous nieces, nephews and even grand-nieces and nephews. He was affectionately known to many simply as Uncle Mau. He will also be missed by many cherished friends and colleagues.

He was predeceased by his father, Marcelin; mother, Jeannette; step-father, Denis; and brothers, Hector, Adrien, and Marcel. Maurice’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Maurice would often say, “La vie est belle”, a good reminder to appreciate all the little moments life has to offer. Thank you to the staff at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, especially Doctor Kassy and Doctor Amélie.

Visitation will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 9:30 am until time of funeral mass at 11:00 am with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to La Paroisse de Saint Joseph du Moine, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Stanislaus “Lionel” Poirier, 94, after a long and fulfilling life, on August 25, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his family. He was a son of the late Nazaire and the late Lucy Anne (Marchand) Poirier.

Born on August 12, 1931, he lived nearly a century, surrounded by family and friends, doing the things he loved. Today, we know Lionel as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. His love and commitment were truly immeasurable. He was the unwavering cornerstone of his family, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement for anyone who needed it.

Known to many as “Coyote Man,” Lionel was a true outdoorsman and an avid trapper. His passion for the wilderness was a defining part of his life, a craft he honed with skill and respect for nearly a century. He spent countless hours in the forests and fields, trapping everything from coyotes and foxes to bobcats, bears, and rabbits. His deep connection to the land was evident to all who knew him. And if he wasn’t in the woods, you could find him by the sea, fishing rod in hand, catching a feed for the family.

The last 10 years of Lionel’s life were spent in his new home at the other end of town. He moved in with his daughter Lucie Anne and her husband Donald. With the help of family members from time to time, Lucie Anne and Donald offered Lionel the best care and the most love they had to give. He was treated like a king. Even in his advanced age, you could find Lionel out and about, taking drives, fishing and visiting family.

Having lived through hard times after big losses, and surviving 6 heart attacks, these circumstances never managed to stop him. Even up until the final weeks of his life, Lionel could be found sitting around the table with the gentlemen of the Coffee Club. He had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. He truly knew no stranger; whether he met you for five minutes or five years, with his warm smile and easy conversation, he could befriend anyone, anywhere.

His presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will forever cherish the times spent around the table, coffee in hand, sharing his many stories of life experiences and adventures.

He is survived by his sons, Amedee John (Georgina), Daniel (Lucille) and Emile; his daughters, Lucie Anne (Donald), Marie Cecile and Lisette (Aurel); and his brother, Patsy; grandchildren, Barbara, Marky, Scott and Nathan; great-grandchildren, Sienna and Élianne.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Marguerite; son, Nazaire; daughter, Brenda; grandson, Shawn; and great-grandson, Christopher; son-in-law, Bobby Haché; brothers, Richard, Vincent, Napoléon, Sammy, and Jean Marice; and sisters, Pauline, and Agnès.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5th, from 6-8pm at Cheticamp Funeral Home. A grave-side service (at Saint Peter’s old cemetery), will be held on Saturday, September 6th, at 10:30am with Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. A light lunch will follow at the Knights of Columbus. Everyone is welcome.

Memorial donations can be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund.

 

Age 51, of Cheticamp passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Charlene was a daughter of Joseph Arthur Camus and Margaret “Jackie” (Burns) MacNeil.

Charlene was loved by an abundance of family and friends. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. She also loved her cats. Charlene worked at the Fish Plant for many years as well as the Harbour Restaurant.

Besides her parents, Joseph Arthur and Jackie, Charlene is survived by her sons, Tylor (Tanya), Cody (Mya), Riley, and stepson, Christopher; daughter, Kayden; brothers, Neil, Jimmy, and Kevin; sisters, Barbara, Darlene, and Debbie; and grandchildren, Ava, Scarlette, and Jace.

Charlene was predeceased by her brother, Michael.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Cheticamp.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlene’s memory to any SPCA.

Age 77, Grand Etang passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. Daniel was a son to the late Wilfred and the late Catherine AuCoin.

Although quiet in nature, Daniel made an impression on all who got to know him. As a father, he always made time for his sons, whether it was throwing a baseball or going fishing. It made him very happy to be able to experience that with his grandchildren as well. He may have been a welder by trade, but spent a good part of his life as a fisherman, mostly lobster, crab and even tuna. After his retirement, he loved having the opportunity to volunteer at the church with his special friend, Dora. Daniel will be remembered as being a caring father, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Daniel is survived by his son, Brent AuCoin (Julia); his brothers, Leonard AuCoin (late Patsy), Alphonse AuCoin (Kay), and Henri AuCoin (Yvonne); and grandchildren, Jaylon AuCoin, Owen AuCoin, Quinn AuCoin, and Isla AuCoin.

Besides his parents, Daniel was predeceased by his son, Dwayne AuCoin (Kim); Special Friend, Dora Delaney; sisters, Odette Delaney (late Wilfred) and Marie-Anne Arsenault (late Jean-Paul).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 9:30 am until time of funeral service at 10:30 am in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine with Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Sacred Heart Hospital Charitable Foundation.

Age 95, Cheticamp, formerly of East Margaree passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025 in the Foyer Père Fiset Guest Home, Cheticamp. Marie Alice was the daughter of the late Joseph and the late Rose (Aucoin) Cormier.

Mom was an excellent cook. Many people enjoyed the meals that she prepared at the Paul Pix and Harbour Restaurant. In their younger years, Mom and Dad enjoyed house parties and dancing.

Marie Alice is survived by her son, Evan LeBlanc (Dave), Port Dover, Ont.; daughters, Majella Arsenault (Ed), Kensington, PEI, and Marielle Robinson, Halifax, NS; and 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Marie Alice was predeceased by her husband, Paul “Jim” LeBlanc; son, David LeBlanc, infant daughter at birth, Margaret Michelle LeBlanc; and brothers, Alphonse, Jean Phillippe, Wilfred, and Jean Roland.

A private family burial will be held in St. Michael’s Cemetery, East Margaree.

Memorial donations may be made to Foyer Père Fiset.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George Grant Fraser of Pleasant Bay, who died peacefully on August 4, 2025 at the age of 74 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, educator and community leader, he will be remembered for his love of family and unwavering commitment to his community.

Born and raised in Pleasant Bay, he remained deeply rooted in his hometown for his entire life. After graduating from NDA in 1969, he continued his studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University in 1973 and a Bachelor of Education from St. Mary’s University in 1975.

George married Lily, the love of his life, in 1974, and together they celebrated 51 years of marriage.

His career reflected his deep commitment to education and community. He served as principal of Pleasant Bay Elementary and later worked as a small business owner, government inspector, and manager of the Whale Interpretive Centre. In every role, he was known for his integrity, dedication and strong sense of community – always working with care and pride for the place and people he loved.

A tireless volunteer, he was awarded the International Year of Volunteers Medal in 2001 for his longstanding contributions. He gave generously of his time to organizations such as the Pleasant Bay Volunteer Fire Department, Friends of Whale Watch Cape Breton, the Pleasant Bay Community Development Association, and the Nova Scotia Liberal Association. He played a key role in the development of the Cabot Trail Arena through his work with NIRCA and was instrumental in founding the Scouts Canada troop in Pleasant Bay. He also contributed to the Pleasant Bay Historical Society and Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Trail committee.

In addition to his many contributions to community life, he found great joy in nature, hiking, camping in his beloved “Lovebug”, listening to Beatles music, photography, playing darts and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness.

George will be remembered for his kind heart, quick wit and sense of humor, steady presence and lifelong commitment to the place he called home.

George is survived by his wife, Lillianne (LeBlanc) Fraser; sons, Duncan, Truro, and Lee (Amanda), Fort McMurray; daughter, Melissa (Chris) Ingraham, Margaree; brother, David, Cheticamp; sister, Helen Bernice MacGregor (Doug Kenny), Halifax; and grandchildren, Alex and Owen Fraser, and Jasper Ingraham.

George was predeceased by his parents, Duncan and Lydia; brothers, John Alexander, John Roderick, and Truesdale Kenneth; and sister, Pauline Slaton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in St. Andrew’s United Church, Pleasant Bay. Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm in St. Andrew’s United Church with Rev. Heather Cronhelm officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Bay Cemetery, Pleasant Bay.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Age 69, Cheticamp  passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. He was a son of the late Loubie and the late Marie Annie Mae (Romard) Chiasson.

Gelas married Anne Marie on December 2, 1977. In 1980, they welcomed their son, Troy…their pride and joy. Gelas was a truly devoted father…proud and always present; his life was centered around Troy. He took great interest in Troy’s passion for hockey, both as a player and later in life as a coach, always encouraging his dreams.

For 34 years, Gelas worked at Dean Evan’s Coal Mine until his career was unfortunately cut short due to an accident. He worked for John Chisholm for 4 years after that.

He found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Gelas loved watching hockey and golf, listening to country music; especially songs by Robert Bouchard and Serge Caissie. He also enjoyed taking his ATV out on the trails.

Gelas had a special place in his heart for children and enjoyed visits from his grand nieces and nephews.

Troy’s friends were always quick to tease Gelas, but he was quick with a witty comeback. His dry sense of humor always made everyone laugh.

Gelas is survived by his wife, Anne Marie; son, Troy; and brothers, Gary, Eric, and Wayne.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 10:30 am in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Foyer Père Fiset.

July 16, 1941 – July 1, 2025

Age 83, Arsenault Hill, East Margaree passed away suddenly at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was a son of the late Arthur and the late Margaret (LeBlanc) Doucet.

Isadore was a carpenter by trade and owned I. Doucet General Construction until his retirement. Dad’s passion in life was hunting, making blood pudding, picking berries (of any kind), and gardening. He was an active member of the KOC, and retired Chief of the Margaree Forks Fire Department.

Isadore is survived by his wife of 62 years, Delina (Arsenault) Doucet; daughters, Jeanne (Kevin), and Lucille (Rick); son, David (Bronwyn); grandchildren, Terry and Devon; and great grandchildren, Fyola and Wyatt. Isadore is also survived by his siblings, Dora (late Edgar) AuCoin, Dennis (Bertha) Doucet, Daniel (Marcella) Doucet, Rosella (Steve) Chiasson, and Stella (late Blair) McDaniel; sisters-in-law, Marie Stella Doucet and Mary Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Isadore was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Doucet; and sister Marie (late Freddie) LeBlanc; and daughter in law, Barb.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 6-9 pm at St. Michael’s Parish Hall, 1176 East Margaree Rd.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Church, East Margaree with Father Silvichan Dominic officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Church.

Age 86, St. Joseph du Moine passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at home. Hector was the son of the late Charles Elore and the late Virgine (Aucoin) Deveau.

Hector was born in Cheticamp on February 14, 1939. As a young man he started working at the fish plant in Grand Etang with his father, Charles. After a few years, Hector started to work at the fish plant in Cheticamp, where he worked for 35 years. Hector married Marie Cecile and moved to St. Joseph du Moine. After the moratorium on cod fishing, Hector continued to work various jobs as a carpenter, mowing lawns, some painting, and volunteer work. He had many hobbies, including planting his garden, bowling, playing pool, setting rabbit snares, and cutting his firewood.

Hector is survived by his wife, Marie Cecile (Chiasson) Deveau; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Hector was predeceased by his step-sister, Cecile (late Gracien) Roach; sisters, Yvonne Bourgeois (late Edmond), and Thérèse Celina (Jean-Marie) Landry.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 10:30 am in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine with Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.