Sydney
With profound sorrow we announce the passing of John Cathcart, 84, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care on Friday, March 10, 2023, with his loving wife by his side.
John was the son of the late Gordon and Kathleen (Dauphinee) Cathcart and grew up in Glace Bay where he was known as ‘Donnie’’ to family and friends. John had an unwavering faith in his traditional Catholic upbringing serving as an altar boy in his youth and later in life joining the Third Order Lay Carmelites. He was completely devoted to Our Blessed Mother and the Rosary.
John’s working career began in the military where he served many years in both the Canadian and American Armed Forces. It was in 1968 that he was assigned to Vietnam where he served with honor and courage during that conflict in the rank of Captain.
When he returned to Cape Breton, he became owner operator of Little Putt Miniature Golf Course in Sydney where many may remember him. He had a wonderful sense of humour, was an engaging story teller, kind and compassionate and always gave of himself to family, neighbors and anyone in need. He was a loving husband and father and leaves behind a void that can never be replaced.
John will be greatly missed by his very close and loving wife, ‘Billie’ (Wilma Burroughs) Cathcart; cherished daughter, Dawn Allyn (John) Fikis, Minnesota, USA; brother, Gerard, New York; many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly; sisters-in-law, Jean MacDonald, Sydney and Glenda Wilneff, Glace Bay; brother-in-law, Ron Burroughs, Newfoundland; god-son, Kolbe Burns and special god-daughter, Tasia Boucher.
Besides his parents John was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Ellen and nephew, Billy Cathcart, USA; father and mother-in-law, Johnny and Florence Burroughs; sister-in-law, Patsy Burroughs Harland, and brothers-in-law, Jack Burroughs and Joe MacDonald.
A very heart felt thank you to all the nursing staff and care givers at MacDougall Court, Harbourstone who were there for John in his time of need. Your compassion and kindness will never be forgotten. Thanks also to Noelle DeCourcy and Mike Mischiek for your help.
By request there will be no visitation for the late John Cathcart. A private funeral Mass will be held at a later date. Interment will be in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Glace Bay.
Donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Sorry for your lost to his family .I was a neighbour when he ran the Minnie golf. A great man and lovely family.
From: Edgar Chiasson
Hi Billie, Colin & Mary Waye here, sorry to hear of John’s passing. We really did appreciate John such a good neighbour, friendly, helpful, and interesting. Helped me on many occasions, I didn’t have a green thumb. John was very interested in the neighborhood and we all benefited from his presence.
From: Colin Waye
I am so sorry for your loss
John was a great man
Condolences to you both Billie and Dawn Allyn
From: Denise Coadic
Sending my sincere condolences. I remember John and Billy very well. They were so kind to all the kids of Rock cliff Cres. God bless you John.
From: Heather Sparling
Sincere condolences to Billie and family on John’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time
From: Bob MacVay
Hello Wilma, I did not know your husband John, but he sure sounds like a great guy with a full life. I’m sorry for your bereavement and offer you and your family my deepest sympathy. Hugs & Blessings with lots of fond memories of our school days.
From: Eymard (Mardy) LAMBERT
Billie, I just found out. My deepest condolences to you, Dawn Allyn, and all the rest of the family. John was a wonderful person, always pleasant. You lost your husband twice. Not an easy thing to go through. My husband passed almost seven months ago. If you need an ear, please reach out.
From: Lori (Spear) Emmett
Donnie, you are missed. I’ve missed our chats on Sunday afternoons at Mumma’s and Da’s. I know Da would want to be first in line to welcome you to Heaven. May God’s strength be with Billie and Dawn through this difficult time.
I met John about 33 years ago while being friends with his daughter Dawn. We enjoyed many day’s playing mini golf there but it was his love of german shepherds that got me hooked on the breed that ive now owned for 30 years. It was also him who convinced me to looking into dog grooming and back then there was very little need for it. Now 30 years later im still grooming and owning shepherds ❤️. Thanks John you will be lovingly remembered. My deepest condolences to Dawn and Billie 🌹🙏🏻
Thanks Trish.
Sorry to hear of Donnies passing. Always enjoyed his company whether it was visiting Donnie and Billie in Germany, playing pitch and put , visiting at home, he was always warm and welcoming with a great story or stories to tell. He lived his faith and we had some great conversations about the Church and especially Our Lady . I am sure he is in her loving care. ❤️
My deepest and most sincere condolences to everyone who knew and loved my cousin Donnie. My mother Anita Dauphinee has a deep and lasting affection in her relationship with her beloved nephew. They are together again ♡
Thoughts and Prayers with you at this sad time in your life Billy. 💕🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️ Wonderful memories help us through these difficult times… Thinking of you and Family.. Condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dawn Allyn. He is in a better place and at peace.
My deepest sympathies to Dawn and “Mrs. Cathcart” on the passing of John. I remember heading over to the Mini Putt with Dawn Allyn and friends and the many sleepovers we had when we were young. You were always so kind to us. God Bless.
Lots of fun memories growing up. Your mom was also kind and welcomed us all on top of her own 4 kids. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
Billie, Dawn and Family: Sending sincerest condolences during this time of sadness. Today and always may wonderful memories help to bring you peace, comfort and strength. Keeping you in my prayers.
Thanks for reaching out and the same to you, Angela.
Cesar and Ellen Marie (Fortune) Vanneste, Kanata, Ont.
Please be assured Billie of our prayers for the happy repose of Donnie’s soul and for his loved ones who mourn his loss. We will miss our summer visits with you and Donnie, the dinners shared in your cozy home, our lively chats about our Catholic Faith, the days at the Red Bridge in Dominion when he visited his maternal grandparents, and sharing our lofty thoughts on world affairs. Sending our love, prayers and condolences to you Billie and Dawn Allyn. Requiescat in pace Donnie.
Dawn, I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Please accept my sincere condolences.
May He Rest in Peace.
I appreciate the kind words, Isabell.
Sincere Sympathy to You Billy and Dawn and Family.
Tom & Sue Mac Rae
My deepest condolences to Dawn, Billie and family. John left an indelible positive impression on me at an early age. I will always look back at those days with fond memories.
I am so sorry for your loss
John was a great man
condolences to you, Billie and Dawn Allyn
It was a pleasant surprise when you reached out yesterday. Talk about a blast from the past. We appreciate the kind words.
Billy and family, I was sad to hear about Donnie. He would always stop and talk and have a little joke to tell.I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you all at this time.
Sincere Condolences to the Cathcart Family on their recent loss. May Donnie rest in Peace.; God Bless the Family. From Dan Jim and Betty White, Glace Bay.
God Love Donnie,
I have the fondest memories of He an Billy (Mini Putt) when i was growing up.
Such a lovely and sweet man, always cheery , delightful, kind and compassionate. He always had an ear to listen when it came to the neighborhood kids.
I am so very Sorry to hear of his passing.
I know in my heart the Soul lives on forever, and our heavenly Father has a special place for Donnie.
Deepest Sympathies to You Billy & Dawn Allyn , and to all those who so dearly loved Donnie. What a spark of Light he was to this world.
Such a profound loss.
God Bless
I want to express my sincere condolences to Billie and Dawn Allyn on John’s passing. I remember fondly, our weekly chats in the Mini Putt and the many laughs we shared. He was a very good friend to me when I was a young salesperson learning the ropes and he taught me many a thing about character and what it was like being in business. May he rest in peace, I will remember him always.
Billy and family,john was such a hudge part of our lives growing up in ashby and hanging around the store.he never let any of us get in trouble,in fact he went out of his way to keep us all safe and sound.he always told me stories and when you left him you were always a bit wiser.i will never forget his wisdom and kindness.a great man.
I’m saddened to learn of John’s passing. To Billie and Dawn Allyn, my condolences. Memories of my old friend will always bring a smile to my lips and a warmth to my heart.
Dawn Allyn and Billie: So sad to hear of John’s passing. I spent a lot of time at your house and at the Mini-Putt. John was great man. Sending you love and strength during this difficult time.
Dawn and Billy, My deepest condolences on John’s passing. He was such a presence in our neighbourhood. John always had lots of funny stories or good advice. Your family store was a gathering place for neighbour’s and friends. Sending hugs, thoughts and prayers as you grieve his loss.
Oh my Heart,,, so sorry Billie and Dawn, for your loss,,,, my favourite all time Job was the Mini Putt with my Favourite People,,, so much fun and laughs,,, John and Billie the best Bosses ever,,,, must be 40 years or more ,,, thank you John and Billie for great smiling Memories,,,
Sending you our love and deepest sympathy our dear friend. We were bonded through our Faith and love of Tradition. John had so many amazing memories and stories to tell which were captivating and full of humour. Such a kind, gentle and beautiful soul. Sending love and prayers.