WITHERS, Walter

North Sydney

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, Walter Withers, age 91, on Friday, May 26, 2017, at the Northside General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Marystown, NL, he was the only son of the late John and Elizabeth (Hooper) Withers.

Walter had been employed as a painter and carpenter with the maintenance department of the Northside General Hospital for many years until his retirement.

He was a talented wood worker and took great pride in everything he built, especially his family home.

He was a quiet, easy going man with a dry sense of humour. He enjoyed fishing in Margaree and Lake Ainsley; listening to Lawrence Welk and Newfoundland music and playing his harmonica.

Walter is survived by his loving children, Victoria ‘Vicky’ (Art) Bonnell, Regina, Saskatchewan, John (Denise) Withers, Marystown, NL, Marlene MacIntosh (Joe Skinner), North Sydney, Elsie (Steve) Sully, Lethbridge, Alberta, and his nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Nettie (Ongo) Withers in 1987; two sons, Paul, in infancy, and Frank Withers; his grandson, Nicholas; longtime companion, Lydia Fitzpatrick, and three sisters, Victoria, Emily and Mary.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. John Kirkpatrick for his many years of caring for Walter and also to our sister Marlene, for always being there to care for Dad.

Visitation for Walter will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, at St. Joseph Church North Sydney, with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.

Memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.