PARSONS, Robert J.

Our family is heartbroken to announce the death of Bob Parsons on Monday, October 23, 2017, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Bell Island, Nfld on July 7, 1945, he was the son of the late Jack and Madge (Kavanaugh) Parsons.

The family later moved from Newfoundland to North Sydney, where Bob began his career with Marine Atlantic, serving aboard their vessels as mate until his retirement.

Bob was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5109 for over 50 years. In this time, he was Grand Knight twice, a 4th degree member of Fr. William B. MacLeod Assembly, while serving in a variety of positions within the organization.

Bob was also a dedicated member of St. Joseph Church Bras d’Or, while volunteering on the parish council, Bras d’Or Co-Op, Sydney Mines Minor Hockey and the North Sydney Credit Union. Bob loved volunteering within the community and most of all helping people. To this day, he is still referred to as “Sweet Daddy” from baseball and hockey friends of his boys.

Leaving to mourn with loving memories, his wife, Ann. A proud dad and grandfather, he will remain in the hearts of his children, Bob (Jill), Chris (Kristen) and Nick (Shera); grandchildren, Madison, Peyton, Greta and Sadie. He will also be missed by his brothers, Myles (Claudette), John (Gail) and Gerard, and sisters, Beth (Bernie) Laffin and Kathy Jessome (Jimmy Day); brother-inlaw, Joe Druggan; sisters-in-law, Rose (Vince) MacLean and Shirley Jessome, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation for Bob will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, at St. Joseph Church in Bras d’Or with Rev. Peter McLeod officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Parish Cemetery, Hospice/Palliative Care of Cape Breton or the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.