Sydney
It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Alphonse Gerard Chiasson on Saturday, March 11, 2023, with immediate family by his side.
Born on November 29, 1947, in Sydney, Phonse was the son of the late Moise and Mary (Fraser) Chiasson.
Phonse will be remembered as a respected schoolteacher. In retirement he volunteered with his wife in Action Week and found his passion with the Cape Breton Chordsmen.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 48 years, Eileen (MacDougall) Chiasson; son, Stephen (Dr. Lydia) and grandchildren, Kelly, and Angus; daughter, Lesley (Cory) Treichel; daughter, Annette White, and grandchildren, Olympia, Alexandria, and David Dunn Jr. Phonse is also survived by a brother, Dr. Rolland (Gayle) Chiasson.
Besides his parents, Phonse was predeceased by his sister, Bernadette Sturgess.
Visitation for the late Phonse Chiasson will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A celebration of Phonse’s life will be held in the funeral home All Faith Chapel on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.
Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
Please share a joke or your memories of Dad in the book at the funeral home or on the website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phonse Chiasson Choral Music Bursary in his honor to be awarded to a student in a music program in university. Cheques can be made out to the Cape Breton Chordsmen. Donations can also be emailed to donate@cbchordsmen.ca
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
I am saddened to read of your loss. Sending sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all the Chiasson family at this very sad time
From: Sarah Woodrow
While not a funny memory, it is an endearing and enduring one….in that it has stayed with me for almost 50 years.
I remember Eileen sharing this story soon after she met Phonse. She was living in Halifax at the time and met Phonse at his workplace – the VG Hospital – where he worked, at the time, as a Lab Technician. As their initial conversation was wrapping up, Phonse handed her a completed a requisition form that included her name, and he had filled in the Date section with 2 words….they read “any time”, and the rest, as they say, is history. She treasured that form, as she treasures the 50 years that have followed.
So incredibly sorry, Eileen, and family for your loss which I know is a great one.
Love, Trish
From: Patricia Comeau
A fine man…Very sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences to Eileen and their family. May he Rest In Peace 🙏
From: Theresa and Reggie MacNeil
Phonse was one of a kind. We both considered him a wonderful work colleague and a dear friend. He had a passion for his students and teaching, involving them in fun activities such as morning intercom announcements from a little studio. Always a smile and a joke from Phonse to brighten up any day. And he and Eileen had pretty special Christmas parties. Ah, the memories. He will be missed!
From: Bill and Dorothy Tennant
So sad to ĥear we’ve lost Phonse. We always think there’s time to visit and tell stories, laugh and remember but life moves fast. He was a joy. A kind man, smart and full of love, especially for his family. I am so sorry for your grief. I’m so happy you had him for a husband, father, grandfather and brother.
From: Mary E. MacIntyre
Dear Eileen,and Children, Brother Rolland and wife Gayle. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you for your loss. It was quite a shock to us to hear of your loss. Phonse was a very dedicated teacher and he arranged for many years to have his students tour Sydney Steel Plant to learn about its operation. He also had a very green thumb when it came to planting flowers. To my surprise he was also a very good singer and a member of the Barber Shop group.
From: Donald and Ida Coleman
I’m sharing a great ‘dad’ joke that combines both mining and music – nearly a perfect CB tribute.
What tone does a piano falling down a mineshaft make?
A flat minor!
The Ross Street Spencers are sad today. Our household knows too well the feelings of loss that come with the death of a parent/grandparent. The experience of grief cannot be rushed, it’s hard, but we live in it now and forever. I really liked the message today of ‘passing through, not simply passing on’ – now it is our responsibility to keep his memory and laughter strong. Through us Phonse will…
From: Geoff Spencer
Phonse was a part of my teaching career for many years. He always had a joke and a smile to begin the day. Phonse had a gently-firm approach that endeared him to his students. It is a pleasure to have known him. I am sorry for your loss.
From: Marilyn Boutilier
So sorry to read of phonse’s passing. We spoke only a short 6 weeks ago. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and yours
From: Judi Nagy
I am so sorry to hear of Phonse passing. God bless
From: Shirley Scott
With deepest condolences to the family from Jody and Marina Gillis & family ( Portage , Cape Breton)
From: Jody & Marina Gillis
Dear Annette, Olympia, Alexandria, David, Eileen and family. Sending my sincere condolences to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and sending you strength and love
From: Laura Livingston
We wish to express our sincere condolences to Eileen & family. I worked with Phonse for many years at Sheriff Jr High School and shared many a laugh with him. May he rest in peace! One thing for sure, he’s regaling the Angels with his repertoire of jokes and great sense of humour in Heaven!!
From: Pauline MacLellan
In speaking with my sister today I was told of Phonse’s passing. I always remember him and his music and as a young man eating chips and drinking double cola. he was a nice man and a great neighbor on Union Street. May fair winds and following skies guide you home.
From: David Archibald
My deepest condolences to you and your family Eileen.
From: Allura Lawseth
So sorry about the loss of Phonse. He was a valued family relative and friend. He will be missed!
Love to you all.
From: Lynda/Michael Birks
Dear Eileen, Stephen, Leslie, and Annette. It was just today we learned that Phone has passed. Our sincere condolences. Phonse was a great guy. We shall remember him as a kind man who loved his family, friends, and of course music. We shall be ever grateful to the kindness that both he and Eileen extended to us and our children. Sending hugs and prayers.
From: Lorne and Mary AuCoin and family
I dont remember all of my teachers from the early 80s, but I will always remember Mr Chiasson. His calm teaching manner and devotion to his profession left a mark on me and my classmates. In addition to the education, he also left me with two unforgettable riddles: 1. What’s the difference between a duck? (One of his legs is both the same) 2. How long is a Chinaman. (So long ‘s his brother). I can honestly say I have never heard these outside of his classroom. Rest in peace and my condolences to his family.
From: Khristian Kowalski
Eileen & family so very sorry for your family’s loss….
My grade nine education was highlighted by having “The Fonz” for science. His quick wit and ability to connect with students was a skill I referred to during my own teaching career over the years. I hope you get to celebrate his life with family and friends. Take care. A.G. MacRae
Dear Eileen and Family,
The great almighty now has a new weatherman. Phonse could predict every storm for Sydney. How he enjoyed analyzing the weather maps and weather situations. He gave some great accuracies for up coming weather events.
And of course, there were Phonse’s jokes. Like: What do you call a cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!
We will miss his company and his wonderful sense of life.
Our sincerest sympathy is with each of you.
Much love
Pam and Andre
So sorry to hear of Phonse’s death. I worked with him at Sheriff and Sherwood Schools. He was a joy to work with. And who can forget his “Did you hear about…” groaners. “Two peanuts were walking down the road and one was a-salted”.
He was so easy to be with and he and Eileen were so hospitable and welcoming to everyone who came to their home. So much fun at their annual Christmas parties. He will be so missed! Regina
Dear Eileen, family and friends,
Madonna and I offer to you our most heartfelt condolences over the loss of Phonse. I know we will never forget him nor will all the people he touched when teaching and in his retirement.
When I first met him at Chordsmen, he had already told me a couple of corny jokes before we even knew our names! He always had a joke and always seemed to know when I needed one, to cheer me up. We’re really going to miss him.
Phonse, you and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. God love you.
‘Two peanuts walk into a bar, one was assaulted…’
‘Hello son! Know why I called you son? Because you’re so bright!’
Classic Mr C!
Rest in Peace
Eileen and family
Our deepest condolences.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.. Isabel and Marty.
Dear Eileen and family, Arlene and I offer our sincere condolences. Phonse was a hugh asset to the CB Chordsmen and he will be missed by all of us. His quick wit, and grounded opinions held us all close and kept things real. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Eileen and Family,
We are very sorry to hear about Phonse! He was easygoing, a devoted husband and father. Great community volunteer just like his mother. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Val & Paul Bates
So sorry to hear of the passing of Alphonse
‘Phonse’ Chaisson. I had him for Grade 9 Science at Sherwood Park. He was a down to Earth fellow with a great sense of Humor! He will be greatly missed by so many! Deepest sympathy to Family !
Phonse and Eileen were good friends with my sister Val who spoke very highly of them both. She would often speak of the Christmas gatherings at your home. I’m so sorry for your loss, Phonse was a nice man
Condolences to Eileen and family: we were all amazed how strong Phonse was right up to the end. In memory of Phonse I offer this:
A cheeseburger walks into a bar and the bartender says “Sorry but we don’t serve food in here.”
Eileen and family…I was so sorry to hear of your loss. It’s been years since I last saw you,but am sending prayers and love to you all. Judy and family
Sorry to hear of Phonse’s passing. We were classmates from primary to high school. I always admired the way Phonse lived his life,doing his thing quietly and never bothering anyone.
Here’s one I often tell my own science classes :
A proton, electron and neutron walk into a bar and each order a beer. The bartender says to both the proton and electron “that will be $5” and he then turns to the neutrons and says “For you sir, no charge!”
RIP Mr. C
A fine man.Very sorry to hear of his passing.Our condolences to Eileen and her family.May he Rest In Peace 🙏
The team at the IWK Foundation is sorry to hear of the passing of Phonse. We would like to acknowledge his volunteerism in support of the IWK through the annual IWK Telethon at our remote site in Sydney. Our thoughts are with Eileen & family during this difficult time.
Phonse and I were friends since Grade 7 . We shared lots of adventures together. We loved the free movies and free popcorn at the Paramount whenever there was something good to see. Notice I said free. Working at the Plant was memorable .We worked in the railbed. We were so thin we had to jump up so we could get leverage to flip the rails. Before hiring, we filled our pockets with stones so we could pass the weight test. After those hot summers when we decided to go to university. I have fond memories of our trip to Toronto in 1970 to buy my first car and we had the 24 hour trip home stopping only for gas. July 6 ,1974 was my fastest drive though. Real friendship is a treasure and Phonse was one of the best. May he rest in peace.
Terry
Dear Eileen, Stephen, Lesley & Annette,
Sincere condolences on the loss of your much loved husband & Dad. I taught with Phonse at Sheriff Jr. High from 1977 to 1995. He could always put a smile on our faces with his “jokes.” One that comes to mind was, “Did you hear about the guy who named his twins Pete & Repeat? Cherish your many wonderful memories.
Marie & Ray Oake
Eileen and family…I am so sorry. My most sincere condolences on the loss of Phonse.
Frank Coffin, Lower Sackville
Eileen and family … I was so sorry to read about Phonse’s passing. He was such a wonderful man with a tremendous sense of humour. He will sure be missed! My sincere condolences to you and to Phonse’s many friends! Sìth Dhé dha anam – God rest his soul.
Barb Morrison, Coxheath
Dear Eileen,
So sorry I can’t be with you for the celebration of Phonse’s life. I have such fond memories of our times on Allan Street when you first met, and our many encounters since then. Phonse was indeed a special guy.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. A special hello to Rolly and Gayle.
Love,
Bernice
Eileen and Family.. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was a real pleasure to work with Phonse, he was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor.
Eileen & family.
My deepest sympathy to all of you on Phonse’s death. I’m so sorry I can’t be there to celebrate his life & to reminisce over all his corny jokes.
The first joke I ever heard from Phonse was on the day we met. “I washed my kilt this morning & now I can’t do a fling with it.” As it was the first time meeting, I tried very hard not to groan. I learned very quickly that groaning was the natural reaction to one of his jokes.
Sending love to you all
Dorothy
Sending sincerest condolences to all of you during this time of sadness. I had the pleasure of having Mr Chiasson as a teacher back in my junior high days, he knew how to make us all laugh even when getting the point across. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Eileen & family:
So sad to hear the news of Phonse’s death – it has been too many years. Such happy memories of our visits from Newfoundland – always great conversation, laughter, and massive lunches for the ferry. Phonse was always excited about a new project, or a new plant for the yard, or a new Dad joke. We will miss you, Phonse!
Jessie, Claude, and daughter Colleen
My deepest condolences to the Chaisson family. Thinking of you during this difficult time
Dear Eileen,
I am so grateful for the privilege of knowing you and Phonse. I only wish I could have have known you both, for much longer. It was indeed a pleasure working with Phonse on many Chordsmen projects over the last several years. His dedication and passion he put into any task, and to the Chordsmen in general, was unsurpassed. If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.
My sincere condolences to Eileen and family ♥️ Phonse was a caring, kind, and thoughtful neighbour with a great sense of humour. He was truly a staple in our Bristol Drive community. I am deeply appreciative for everything Phonse and Eileen did for my mom. May his soul rest in peace. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Eileen,
I met Phonse through Cape Breton Chordsmen and for 10 years grew to know him as a ” fun to be around guy” as well as the ultimate organizer ( even when faced with adversity ) and a great singer. Phonse made one feel important. Nancy and I attended the funeral virtually , thanks for this. With a lifetime of great memories Nancy and I wish the best for you and your family.
eileen and family sorry to hear about your husband passing
*Eileen & family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I will remember Phonse and his great sense of humor fondly.