JOHN VERNON PROCTOR

Funeral service for the late John Vernon Proctor, 85, Antigonish, was held October 22, in St. Ninian Cathedral, with Father Donald MacGillivray officiating.  Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Mr. Proctor died Oct. 17, 2019, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish.

Active pallbearers were Eric Proctor, Joshua MacDonald, David Proctor, Jarret MacDonald, Scott Cameron and John Stewart.

Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Synishin, Bo Chisholm, Conrad Poirier, John Somers, Kenny Stewart and Al Masters.

Readers at the funeral Mass were Darlyne Proctor, Jane Synishin and Jordyn Proctor. Great-granddaughters Rylan and Lila Doiron, Laura Doiron and Blair Doiron presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by Emery van de Wiel and the St. Ninian’s Choir.

Born July 16, 1934, in Evanston, Cape Breton, he was a son of the late Wallace and Edna (Power) Proctor. He attended St.F.X. University for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1955, as well as a Bachelor of Education, in 1957. He furthered his education by travelling to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta to receive a Master’s Degree in Education. Upon returning to Nova Scotia, he accepted a teaching position with the Antigonish School Board. He mostly taught at St. Andrew Jr. High, where he was an exceptional and beloved math teacher to many students in Antigonish County until his retirement in 1989. He married the love of his life, Donna Purcell, Dec. 27, 1958, and last December they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  He served on many volunteer boards. His dedication to his local parish, St. Nanina’s, was exemplary. He served in many volunteer roles over the years; director of the Bergengren Credit Union, town councillor in the 1980s,  president of the Antigonish Golf and Country Club and Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Canadian Cancer Society. He was a key individual in the initial fundraising efforts to establish the Cancer Society Lodge That Gives. He also had many other passions and hobbies, including gardening. He also had a great sense of humour and always appreciated a good joke.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; five children, Kenneth (Janice), Antigonish; Trisha (Reg) Landry, Tatamagouche; Paul (Darlyne), Cape George; Ann Marie (Paul) Cameron, Antigonish; Therese, Halifax; 11 grandchildren, Eric, Laura, David Proctor; John, Steven, Nicole Landry; Jordyn Proctor; Allison, Scott Cameron; Joshua, Jarret MacDonald; two great-granddaughters, Rylan, Lila Doiron; brother, Mervin; two sisters, Anne, Rose.

He was predeceased by three brothers Michael, Wallace, Arthur; three sisters, Ellen, Loyola, Judy.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice.

Online condolences:  www.clcurry.com