KAVANAGH, John Joseph

With aching hearts, we announce the passing of John Joseph Kavanagh who died peacefully from lung cancer on October 22, 2021 surrounded by his devoted family.a dedicated public servant and skilled conversationalist, possessor of profound intellectual curiosity, lover of literature, music, art and culture, as well as an exemplary father, husband, colleague and friend, his passing creates a void that will be impossible to fill.

John is predeceased by his mother Thelma, father Cyril, brother Peter (Debra Goodwin), and stepmother Katherine. He is survived by his twin brother Paul Kavanagh (Barb), sisters Kathy Martin and Mary Mccurdy (Daniel Mccurdy), four adoring sons Rhys (Samantha), Elliot (Taylor), Byron and Owen, three grandchildren, Nella Anne, Lucy Rose and Henry John, and his wife, the love of his life and best friend, Anne Mason-browne.

Born in Deep River, Ontario, John and his siblings moved across Canada until settling in Sydney, Nova Scotia. John recognized a deep love of the humanities and a commitment to civil service from a young age. Following graduation from Sydney High School he attended Saint Francis Xavier University where he completed a double honors degree in political science and philosophy. He continued to nurture his natural talents while working across Canada in various positions, including cabinet minister liaison officer in Ottawa, economic development researcher in Sydney, journalist in Antigonish, and worked as a manager with the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in Halifax. In 1979, while working in Sydney, he met

Anne and with her began a life-long love story, marrying in Louisburg in 1986 and over the next 35 years fathering their four wonderful sons: Rhys, Elliot, Byron, and Owen.

Described as a treasured colleague and mentor, “thought leader” and the “heart and soul” of ACOA, John’s career was dedicated to the economic development and prosperity of Atlantic communities. His contributions were instrumental in the success of the Centre for Women in Business, the Black Business Initiative Society, Atlantic University Business Development Centres, and a number of significant economic initiatives in the region.

In addition to his work accomplishments, John was ardent about his volunteer involvements and was awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He was particularly passionate about the work of Halifax Thinks and was a spirited

member of the Board of the Halifax Humanities Society. He has been lauded for his curiosity and thoughtfulness and contributions in bringing the power of the humanities to Halifax and especially to its marginalized communities.

Notwithstanding all of his accomplishments during his career and in the community, they pale in comparison to who he was as a friend, father, and grandfather (“Pops”). A fixture in local downtown restaurants for lunches with friends, known for transforming any conversation into an erudite yarn, fondly remembered for being spotted (and heard) at high school football or little league baseball games (often with a new book under his arm), or sharing his peanut butter with young family members. His thoughtfulness, insatiable curiosity, kindness and love are reflected in all his family, which he always described as his “greatest accomplishment.”

John was an irrepressible enthusiast and wonderful optimist and was always reluctant to end any endeavor involving friends and family – even in his last days encouraging visiting friends to come back “next week” for another visit. For the moment, we take some comfort knowing that our next visit with John is simply postponed and not cancelled.

The family are grateful for outpouring of kindness from John’s wide circle of friends and his extended “ACOA family”, as well as the work of the numerous health professionals with Cancer Care and Palliative Care, and Hospice Halifax.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10:30am at St. George’s Round Church, 2222 Brunswick St., Halifax, NS. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and masks will be required for attendance. There will be no visitation. Messages of condolence may be sent to https://www. dignitymemorial.com/. In leu of flowers donations should be directed to the Halifax Humanities Society through: https://halifaxhumanitiessociety.ca/?page_ id=238.