McLELLAN, William James (Billy)

Sydney

It is with great sadness, we, the family of William James McLellan, regret to announce his passing on Friday, November 17, 2017, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 3, 1929, in Halifax, he was the son of the late John and Catherine (Sturgess) McLellan.

A proud veteran, Billy served with the Merchant Navy during World War II and with the Royal Canadian Regiment during the Korean War. He was a life member of the Army, Navy, Air Force Unit 217 in New Waterford, the Korean Veterans Association and the Cape Breton Naval Association. William was also a retired firefighter at the Sydney Airport.

An avid sports fisherman, Billy loved spending his leisure time fishing the brooks of Cape Breton with occasional fishing trips to Alberta and Ontario. When he wasn’t fishing he attended local boxing events and watched fights on television.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mary (Stapleton) Littlewood; children, Raymond Littlewood (Nancy), Quispamsis, NB, Danny Littlewood (Terri), Sydney, David Littlewood (Sarah Jane), Barrie, ON, Andrea Northcott, Ajax, ON, Susan MacLennan (Stephen) South Bar and daughter, Rhonda (James) Gallant, PEI; grandchildren, Jordan, Kali, Donald, Thomas, Allison, Erin, Brandon, Meghan and Michael, and great granddaughter, Aevan.

Billy was predeceased by his first wife, Joyce (Ede), and daughter, Beverly McLellan.

There will be no viewing as cremation has already taken place. There will be a private family service held at Sydney Memorial Chapel with Father Duaine Devereaux officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Murphy for his excellent care for Billy over the years, as well as the Taigh Na Mara Veteran’s Wing. The family is forever grateful to Dr. Mark Sampson, Dr. Giorno and the nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Sydney Regional Hospital for the care and thoughtfulness shown to Billy in his final days.

Memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@sympatico.ca.