It is with loving hearts and profound sadness we announce the courageous and peaceful passing of a wonderful husband, son, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, Jack Lessie, of Sydney, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital An Cala Palliative Care unit on Sunday, March 29, 2015, with his loving wife, Debbie and family by his side.
Born on Nov. 24, 1944, in Sydney, Jack was the only son of Louis and Viola (Weatherbee) Lessie.
Jack was employed with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, retiring after 30 years of service in 2000. He took with him many lasting friendships.
Jack was a member of Holy Redeemer parish, Whitney Pier, and also was a member of the Men’s Club of the Italian Hall, Dominion, which he was very proud to be part of.
Jack loved to play his guitar and challenge anyone to a game of tarabish or crib, especially his brother- in-law, Kenny.
With his quiet demeanor and love of nature, Jack would find himself casting his fishing rod at many beautiful lakes and rivers throughout Cape Breton.
Jack was a true gentleman and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He believed, “It was better to give than to receive”.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Debbie (French) Lessie; sisters-in-law, Beverly (Elmer) Muise, Germaine (Kenny) MacLeod and Annette French; brother-in-law, David (Mary) French and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by his loving father and mother-in-law, Cecil and Evelyn (Lively) French; brothers- in-law, Ronnie, John, Eddie, Bobby and Terry French, Harry Burt and Eric Brophy; sisters-in-law, Peggy Burt Brophy and Sylvia French; as well as several aunts and uncles.
As per Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Committal will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home with light refreshments to follow in the reception area.
On behalf of his wife, Debbie, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for Jack during his courageous journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, Holy Redeemer Building Fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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Online Condolences
So sorry for your lost,Jack was a great friend and a special person to us.Sorry we are not able to be there at this sad time,all our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
From: Selena & Albert
From: Peggy Margetti
Debbie & Family: So sorry to hear of Jack's passing, he was a great friend for 50 years. Please know that our thoughts are with you. We are still away, so we will be unable to attend the service.
Debbie I am so truly sorry to hear of Jack's passing.He was a kind and wonderful person who will always be remembered for that great smile of his. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
From: Pauline Cameron
Debbie, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Jack.He was such a great guy! You, Jack and all the family will be in our prayers. R.I.P. Jack
From: Chick,Billy,Karen and the boys
From: Jay and Debbi Duguid
Debbie..you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I wish I could be there to give you a "hug". My dad(Eric) was very fond of Jack and yourself. One more angel looking out for us. Cecilia
From: Cecilia Stanford