JOHN 'JACK' ALEXANDER DOYLE

Funeral service for the late John ‘Jack’ Alexander Doyle, 92, formerly of Post Road, Antigonish, was held December 9 in St Ninian Cathedral with Father Donald MacGillivray officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Mr. Doyle died December 5, 2019, in R.K MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish.

Reader at the funeral Mass was Amanda MacDonald. J’Lynne Doyle, Brody Beaton, Cyprus Beaton and Delaney Beaton presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by St. Ninian Funeral Choir, under the direction of Emery Van de Wiel.

Active pallbearers were Steven Doyle, Shawn Doyle, Kevin Vigneau, Jimmy O’Brien, Tony Hart and Russell Hart.

Honorary pallbearers were James Teasdale, Murray Teasdale, Everett MacDonald, Lorna MacLellan, Mike MacPherson, Kenny MacDonald, Mike MacIsaac, Ronnie Smith and Greg Murphy.

Born in Pugwash, he was the son of the late John Alfred and Lilly (MacKay) Doyle. He started work in the delivery business delivering from his horse and wagon. At the age of 14, he began driving a pulp truck for his father’s pulp mill. Later, he delivered lobster for J.A. Doyle and Sons in Lismore. He worked on the Canso Causeway as a heavy equipment operator and was employed as a heavy equipment operator with the Department of Transportation from 1954 until his retirement in 1986. He had a natural talent for rebuilding machines most notable the two dozers he assembled in his workshop. He enjoyed cutting pulp on his own land and being out in the woods. He was a man of very strong faith. He loved cats and dogs. Besides bringing up their own family, he and his wife opened their home to more than 53 foster children over 40 plus years.

He is survived by 12 children, Jackie, Eileen Doyle MacDonald, David, all of Antigonish; Brenda (Kevin) Vigneau, Ohio; Sandy MacFarling, Keppoch; Daniel Pelerine, Ricky Moore, Lorraine Murphy, Leotta, Ann, Donna, Alena; 12 grandchildren, John, Steven, Cindy, Amanda, Laura, Gina, Stacy, Shawn, Ryan, Kendra, Jason, Krista; eight great-grandchildren;  sister, Mary Doyle, Pugwash; loyal friend, Tracey Nickerson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth (Murphy); two sons, Vaughn, Jay; one grandson, in infancy; three brothers, Warren, Vaughn; one in infancy; sister, Jean Ackerman; special aunt and uncle, Winnie (Doyle) and George Matheson.

Memorial donations may be made to CARMA or N.S. Alzheimer’s Society.

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com