YOUNG, Donald Archibald

Our hearts are filled with sadness as we announce the passing of Donnie, 81, on Wednesday, December 14, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at Northside General Hospital after a courageous six year battle with cancer. Born February 9, 1936, he was the only child of Flora Young of Diggin Street, Sydney Mines.

Donnie was a family man who loved spending time with his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Especially spending time with his wife Marg who was his best friend and during illness was his care giver and his rock.

He worked from a young age at the Thompson coal mine for 15 years, from there he was employed on the Sydney Mines Street Department and CBRM until his retirement in 2001. ‘Da’ was an honest and hard-working man. He was very proud in having a 37-year career working in his hometown, where his coworkers became extended family.

Donnie was of strong faith and a long-time member of St. Pius the 10th (Holy Family) church.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Marg, of 58 years; children, Daniel (Barbara), New Glasgow, Helene and Jeff (Patsy), Sydney mines; the light of his life, grandchildren, Krista (Justin), Tiffany (Jeff) and Brehanna; great grandchildren, Emma, Olivia and his name sake D.J. (Donald James), and many cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends including longtime friend, Jack Gillis and family. Also survived by sisters-in-law, Peg Fifield, Lower Sackville, Elizabeth Weaver, Dartmouth, Phyllis Hillier, Sydney Mines and Shirley King, Ontario.

Donnie was predeceased by, his mother, Flora Young; motherin-law, Annie Riddle; brothersin-law, Jim Fifield, Ron Weaver, Harry King, Chesley King, Percy King, Ernie King and Charles King; sisters-in-law, Josephine Aubrey, Olive King, Del King and Anita King, and friends who were also like family.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Rajbir Pahil, his staff and Dr. Beth MacCormick for all their care, the Cape Breton Cancer Center, Palliative Care and the Nurses at Northside General for their professionalism and sincere care.

Special thanks to Michelle Finney for all she did for Dad. Also, a special thanks to his granddaughter Krista for being there when we couldn’t.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19 from 6-9 p.m. at Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home, 8 Clyde Ave., Sydney Mines. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20 at Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. J. Oliver officiating.

Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.

Donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, Palliative Care or a charity of your choice.