GRACIE, John William ‘John Bill’

Glace Bay

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of John Bill Gracie, age 74, on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility, Sydney surrounded by his loving family. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Thomas and Rita (Buckley) Gracie.

For the majority of his career he spent at Cape Breton Dairymen (Scotsburn) for 35 years. He was employed for a brief time in the Army, the first Battalion Black Watch, from 1962-1965. He also worked in Montreal at Domtar Construction and in the DEVCO mines. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family, he lit up when seeing or speaking about his grandchildren and enjoyed rocking them in his favorite chair. John Bill enjoyed reading and going for walks. He was always up for a good laugh and always had a sarcastic comment.

John Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary (MacNeil) Gracie; two sons, Thomas (Angela) Gracie, Glace Bay and Todd (Deirdre) Halifax; daughter, Norita (Bruce) Pilling, Glace Bay; ten grandchildren and one great-grandson; brothers, James, Joseph (Carol) and Terry (Betsy); sister, Anne (Gerry) MacNeil; the extended MacNeil and Mugford families, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Thomas and Rita, he was predeceased by daughter in infancy, Karen Gracie; sister and brother-inlaw, Emelda and Bobby Burns; sister-in-law, Marion; father and mother-in-law, John MacNeil and Mary MacNeil-Mugford.

A special thank you to the staff of Harbourstone Enhanced Care for their kindness and support.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS, 902849-4199. A Memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Father Duaine Devereaux officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Alzheimer’s society.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.