CUNNINGHAM, John Vincent

John Vincent Frenchville Cunningham (Vince), of Sydney, passed away peacefully Monday, January 22, 2018 surrounded by his family at MacGillvray Guest Home. Born February 23, 1934 in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Vince was the first of three sons to the late John and Margaret (Cash) Cunningham. With his brothers Barclay and Paul, Vince grew up in Loggieville and Chatham New Brunswick, where he attended Loggieville Public School, Chatham High School and St. Thomas College. During his high school summers, Vince worked in the Chatham Industry mill yard as a sawer’s helper and in a cabinet and woodworking factory as a painter. From 1952 to 1955 he worked at Steel City Motors as a car and truck tire adjuster before attending Xavier College for pre-engineering (1955). Later, he received a Pre-Engineering Certificate from St. F.X. University (1958), and an Electrical Engineering Degree from the Nova Scotia Technical College (1960).

Vince started his early career in Montreal with CBC’s Engineering Headquarters from 1960 to 1965, and then moved to Cape Breton where he worked at Sydney Steele until the Hawker Siddeley decision to close the plant in 1967. Vince then transitioned his career to education, first earning his Bachelors of Education from St. F.X. in 1971 and then working for the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology (evolving to the College of Cape Breton), where he retired in 1988 as the Dean of Technology. After his official retirement, he enjoyed being a Technical Training Consultant in Hungary in 2000 and 2001. As a lifelong learner, Vince was a true-believer in the importance of education and was extremely proud of all his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Vince was an avid skier, and was usually found at Ski Ben Eoin either on the slopes or fixing machinery (whether it was broken or not). With his longtime friend Normie, Vince was a member of the Masters Race Team and was seen as the red flash, speeding through any course. During the summer months, Vince spent his time in Irish Cove with his family, where he enjoyed sailing his Hobie Cat and kayaking on the Bras d’Or Lakes. As a lover of all music, Vince often had a tune going in the background and looked forward to Celtic Colours every year.

Vince married his wonderful wife Joan (MacNeil) in May 1960, and he was the proud father to their five children, Greg (Ruth) Cunningham, Ann (Blair) MacKeigan, Paul (Sue) Cunningham, Joanie (Mathew) Cunningham and Carol (Robert) Cunningham Huott. Vince was also grandfather to Janice, Lauren, Jordan, Michael, James, Maria, Nico, Lily and Frances, also survived by brother, Barcley Cunningham.

Vince was predeceased by his special aunt, Annie (Cash) MacPherson; his brother, Paul Cunningham, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Cunningham.

Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney, Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys with Rev. Bill Burke officiating. A private interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MacGillvray Guest Home or a charity of choice.

Special thanks to the caring staff at MacGillvray Guest Home.

Words of Comfort may be sent to his family by visiting www.twcurry.com.