Mira Gut
It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. John passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
John was raised in Mira Gut. He left at the age of 18 heading for Toronto where John met the love of his life, Pat. They married and had two children. John missed “The Gut” so convinced Pat to move to the home of his heart, Cape Breton, and raise their kids by the ocean. John and Pat celebrated 59 years married on July 21, 2021. He loved to play his guitar and sing, sometimes making up his own lyrics, it was always a foot stomping time at the kitchen ceilidh with his son, Gumper lending a hand with his voice. When John wasn’t playing his guitar, he was telling jokes, so you were either singing along or laughing with him but always having fun. John`s musical talent will live on with his grandson, Travis. JW also loved to work on cars, you could always find him in his garage working on a motor with his oldest grandson, Tristian by his side. Everyone could count on John to help out with any mechanical issues, now we turn to Tristan.
John is survived by his wife, Patricia (Proteau); daughter, Debbie, who he lovingly referred to as Weasel; grandchildren, Tristan (Stephanie), Jessica (Christian) Tayler, Travis, Justin, and his pride and joy, great-granddaughter, Mackenzie. John shared a special bond with each of his grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Skippy (Marie), Rose, Theresa (Donnie), Beverly (Ralph), Rita (Frank), Reggie, Bernard (Juanita), George, Sarah (Benjie), Maryette (Cameron) and James; the Proteau family, Don (Cathy), Jim (Debbie), Marlene (Regis), Rick (Sherry), Rob (Svenja) and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
John was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Evelyn Steele; beloved son, John ‘Gumper’ and siblings, Ursusla, Bobby, and David.
We would like to thank the many doctors and nurses, family and friends that helped us through this difficult time. A Special thank you to Jill Murphy whose musical therapy lifted John`s spirits and Bernard Steele, our rock through it all.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of John Steele will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.) Whitney Pier on Thursday, September 2, 2021. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. with the Memorial Service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Covid protocols will be practiced at the service. Live Streaming will be available on our website. Interment will take place in Loch End Cemetery, Catalone.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John`s name to the Hospice Palliative care unit of CBRH.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Life is short
So make it worthwhile
Don’t spend it grieving
Spend it with a smile
Online Condolences
My thoughts & prayers to Pat and family in their time of need.
May he R.I.P. Love Carolann
From: Carolann Howitt
Thank you for a lifetime of laughs, love and memories Uncle John. Stay humble
Xo Carla, Dave, Chloe & Aiden xo
So sorry for your loss Pat! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time! Big hugs 🙏🙏🙏❤️
My condolences to the entire family. May all your beautiful memories bring you some peace during this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Pat!Sending love and prayers to you and the family at this very sad time.xx
I’m so sorry to hear of JW’s passing. He was a one of a kind soul. I have many fond memories of him. Very sorry for the family’s loss. ❤
So sorry for your loss Pat my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Pat , debby very sorry for your loss, I wish to extend great sympathy to u all .a time to reminisce will come and it will be as he was always there , thinking of all good times will make you all have a time talking and laughing remember all the good , they do help to eat up pain , my heart goes out to all.
Pat, Debbie, and the boys.
Sorry to hear of John’s passing…. no more suffering for him. It is the loved ones left with the pain of the loss. What else can you say about a guy like John? Mr. Fixit, musician, and story teller just to name a few…..such sharp wit.
Charlotte and I are so glad we got to visit with you a few times this summer, and those visits brought us even closer.
Know this….. we are thinking of you and will light a candle, and toast a cold brew for John.
Please accept our condolences and warm thoughts from across the pond.
Sorry to read this .Condolences to Pat ,Tristan & Stephanie & all of Johns family .May friends & family help you through this sad time .
So sorry for your loss Pat.my thoughts are with you at this time
Deepest Sympathy to Pat, Debbie and Families. Also the Steele sibling. You have soo many memories to help you through this difficult time. Love and Prayers Kathy and Robert Burke.
My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to my sister Pat Steele and her family. John was a great man a good friend and a good ear to bend always ready with a joke or to pick up his old guitar and play you a tune he just made up. I have some very good memories of good old JW that I will cherish for the rest of my life until we meet again brother I love you with all my heart RIP
Sending our deepest sympathies, I know JW will be missed dearly. We feel very lucky we had the opportunity to meet him and spend Thanksgiving together last year. Sending love and hugs to the whole family. Today and always, may your favourite memories John bring you smiles, laughter, and strength.
Much love,
Jason, Tamar, Nola & Edie Marshall
Deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle John. I will always have the fondest memories of the wonderful man who loved to make people smile and laugh.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Love, Deanna, Colin & Liam Rowe
pat and debbie and extented family my sincere condolances on the passing of john he will be forever missed i will always remember the good times with his guitar playing and singing and the many parties we all shared .may he rest in peace …god bless
Pat, so sorry to find out about John’s passing. Our granddaughter is going to Australia & I thought of you guys, so I googled you. What a great time we had when MARTI & I visited Australia & when you & John came to the states & stayed with us. Think of you fondly. Gib & Marti.