POTTIE, Thomas Patrick

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Patrick Pottie, 84, on May 2, 2020 in Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home. Born in Halifax on May 8, 1935, he was a son of the late Maxime and Denathilde (Chaisson) Pottie. Tom attended Saint Mary’s Boy’s School in the South End of Halifax. He went on to Saint Patrick’s High School and then to Saint Mary’s University. He spent his entire professional career at CBC, as part of the finance department and was active in the Pensioner’s Association after his retirement in 1990. Embracing his newfound "Freedom 55", he purchased his first car so he could enjoy favourite activities like golfing and bowling. Tom’s enjoyment of Sunday afternoon family card games was surpassed only by his love of music. He sang with his brothers as a member of the choir at Saint Mary’s Basilica in his youth. Through the years, Tom was a cantor, director, and a member of the choir at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, where he also served as a lector. He was a member of the Chebucto Community Singers well into his 70’s, and was active in the Barbershop singing community for over 50 years as a member of the Atlantic Swells and later the City of Lakes Chorus. He spent countless hours perched on the side of the bed, pitch-pipe in hand, belting out his baritone part. Tom would often corral some of his children and force them to learn parts of a music tag, which they would then sing for one of his many barbershop quartets. The word "SPEBSQSA" will always bring a smile to the face of his family, and he passed along the love of music to all of his children. He will be welcomed by his heavenly family of his parents; his brothers, Wilfred, Rev. Joseph, and Father Kenneth; sisters, Sister Anna, and Shirley who died in infancy; and brother-in-law, Nick Walsh. He will be missed very much by his loving wife, Mary (Cable) with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage; children, Christine Doering (Wade), Thomas (Colleen Graham), Stephen (Gay), Paul (Janice), Heather Macintyre (Mark Theriault), Karen, Mike (Michelle) and Sharon Creaser (Chad). He is also survived by his sister, Marie Walsh; brothers, Father Charles S.J. and Wayne (Jean); and sisters-in-law, Kaye Pottie and Jackie Horrocks. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Ryan, Gregory, Charlotte, Colin, Nicholas, Andrew, Haielee, Alex, Gabrielle, Logan, Duncan, Kiera, Jensine, and Reagan; and loved by many nieces and nephews and extended family. We wish to thank Dr. David Tilley for his excellent care, especially over the past three years. We also wish to thank the staff of Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax for their compassionate care. Tom has been placed under the care of J.A. Snow Funeral Home. A family burial will take place in Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Sackville. Donations can be made in memory of Tom to Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home Foundation or to Hope Cottage. Details about a memorial mass will be shared at a later date. Online condolences maybe made by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com