VARRENCE, John Joseph New Waterford

It is with shattered hearts we announce the death of John Joseph ‘Joe’ Varrence on August 16, 2019. Born on May 23, 1943, he was the son of the late Louis and Florence (MacInnis) Varrence. Joe was a fun-loving guy and loved to fish and play darts. He was known as ‘Backhoe Joe’ as he spent many years driving heavy equipment. Joe was also a coal miner at Lingan and Phalen mines. Joe is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Gilbert (Shannon), LeDuc, Alberta, Kelly Leadbeataer, Yellowknife, NWT; stepdaughters, Tanya and Shannon MacLeod; son-inlaw, Michael Matthys; Sisters, Jean, Gail, Wendy; grandchildren, Ryan, Josh, Kaiden, Ryder, Ethan, Lucas, Kiley, Kinley, Brittany, Hannah, Aubrie; greatgrandson, Rowan. He will be sadly missed by close Friends, Dwayne Vardy, Malcolm Campbell and Dave LeBlanc. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his first wife, Velma Gilbert; daughter, Rhonda Matthys; sonin-law, Trevor Leadbeater; grandson, Brandon Varrence; brother, Duncan; sister, Cecilia Locke. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be Monday, Aug. 19th from 12-2 p.m., followed by a chapel service at 2 p.m., in the funeral home with Deacon Leo Penny officiating and a luncheon to follow at the Army, Navy and Airforce, Smith St. and all are welcome. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford 902-862-7500. Donations in memory of Joe can be made to Palliative Care or Cancer Patient Fund.

To send online condolences go to: mclellanfuneralhome.com