89, Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Tom Hartigan on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Sydney on Feb. 4, 1924, Tom was the son of the late Patrick and Mary (Barron) Hartigan.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Tom meet Margie, the love of his life and were married on May 28, 1946, in Holy Redeemer Church.
Tom was co-owner of Ashby Radio Sales and Service for over 40 years.
Tom enjoyed playing and watching many sports throughout his years — baseball (especially his beloved Boston Red Sox), bowling, hockey, skating, golf, swimming and also playing games of tarabish with friends. For the family, playing cards on Thursday nights was a fun night that will always be cherished.
Many of our best memories are of summers spent at the cottage in Johnson’s Harbor with family and friends, especially with Tom playing horseshoes, diving off the end of the wharf and building bonfires for the kids.
Tom will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Margie (Gillis) of 65 years; daughters, Dale (Tony) Orychock and Kathy (Jim) MacKillop, both from Sydney; son, Robbie (Lisa) Hartigan, Bedford; daughter-in-law, Brenda (Bernie) Hanratty, Sydney; and grandchildren, Scott (Jennifer) Orychock, Bedford, Lisa (Jamie) Whytewood, Miramichi, N.B., Ryan (Tracey) Hanratty, Sydney, Connor and Liam Hartigan, Bedford; step-grandchildren, Gina MacKillop, Edmonton, and Jamie MacKillop, Quebec; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Kyle and Eric Orychock, Hanna Whytewood and step-great-grandson, Rhys Hanratty. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Johnny Gillis and Harry Tobin and sister-in-law, Colleen Johnston. Tom is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and he will be especially missed by nieces, Colleen Tobin and Evelyn Sutherland, who both spent many hours at the family home. Tom will also be missed by the canine family members, Maggie and Holly.
Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by his son, Donnie, son-in-law, Jim MacKillop, sisters, Florence, Bride, Irene and Rita, and brothers, Gerald, Lawrence, Paddy and Johnny.
Visitation for the late Tom Hartigan will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Wednesday (today), Feb. 13, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the mass, reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County or Bereaved Families of Cape Breton.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Please accept my very sincere condolences. You are all very much in my mind and in my heart, more especially your Mother. I know the family will be strong because you always are so supporting of one another, in your family as with your friends. Beautiful family.I will see you and wish you much courage to face your immense loss.
From: Christiane Tanner
Saddened to hear of your recent loss. Through genealogy research Thomas is related to my family of Placentia, Newfoundland.
From: David Hartigan
Heartfelt condolences to the Hartigan family from Peggy (Johnston) and Jack Ouellette….Peggy with many wonderful memories of the Harbour and the folks to be found there. Our sincere regrets that we are unable to attend the funeral as Jack is recovering from surgery.
From: Peggy Ouellette
Dear Margie and family, I am sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Tommy well and what a great guy he was, when we were growing up. My deepest condolences.
From: Bill Jessome
Rob, our thoughts and prayers are with your family, your Mom, and your sisters at this difficult time. We had many a good time on Cottage Court, and God love your folks for being so patient and allowing us young folks to be ourselves. Tom was a great Dad!
From: George Thorne
Dear Dale & Kathy: So sorry to hear about your Dad. We know how close your family was. Always cherish the special moments and the happy times you all had together. Please send our condolence to the rest of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
From: Priscille & Andr? Maillet (Cheticamp)
P.S. Our condolence especially to Scott…
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
From: Kay Gillis
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time
From: Sylvia & Andre Boudreau
Sending you our love and prayers remembering good days and Tommie’s bon fires at Hay Cove may he continue to light up the skies.
From: Diane & Greg
Cathy, Dale and Family, Please accept my condolences on the passing of your dad.
From: Chuck Drohan
Dear Margie,Dale,Kathy and Robbie, Sorry to hear of Uncle Tommy’s passing. He left us with many fond memories. I will always remember when he asked me to bowl on the Ashby Radio Bowling Team.I was so proud to be bowling with my uncle. He may not have been the best bowler on the team but I soon found out he was "THE TEAM" He will be missed by all.
From: Frank