Sydney
January 8,1943 – October 12, 2025
It is with deep sadness, we, the family, announce Clarence’s passing on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Sydney.
Born in Sydney, Clarence was the eldest son of the late Willie John and Cecile Chiasson.
Clarence is survived by sons, Bill (Darlene), Sydney, and Charley, Toronto; grandchildren, Samantha (Ryan), Zachary (Jenna), and Erin (Terry); great-grandchildren, Luci, and Jake; brother, Tommy (Brenda); sisters, Elaine (Leonard), and Charlotte-Anne (Bruno); special nieces, Joanne and Marlene; as well as, many other nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends, all of whom he was close to over the years.
Besides his parents, Clarence was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sheila; son, Michael; sister, Linda Marie, and brother, Fred (the late Judy).
Clarence worked for the Sydney Steel Corporation, as a crane operator until his retirement. He was a very social person, for he could strike up a conversation with anyone. If Clarence didn’t know you, he’d find a connection to someone you both knew, that was his ‘gift’.
Clarence enjoyed sitting on his front step having conversations with his many friends, going to the dances, the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and of course occasional trips to the horse races. In his later years, he was the caregiver for his dear wife, Sheila, until his own health failed him.
The family would like to thank the staff of MacGillivray Guest Home for the wonderful care and friendships Clarence made while at the home and for the care he received during his many hospitalizations at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A special thank you to Dr. Bonnar, whose empathy and care was greatly appreciated by the family.
In keeping with Clarence’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service.
Donations in Clarence’s name may be made to Cape Breton SPCA or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“Rest in Peace Dad, you are now with Mom and many friends.”
Online Condolences
My sincere condolences. My dad, Arthur LeBlanc, and I were frequent drop-ins at the Chiasson home after Sunday morning mass at St Theresa’s church. We were always made to feel very welcome. Fond childhood memories at the Chiasson home. Tea and a tea biscuit were always on the menu.
From: Kathleen LeBlanc
Clarence was a lovely person who resided across the hall on Rankin Road from my mother Marion MacKinnon. Always enjoyed my chats with Clarence. Sending along our sincerest condolences to Clarence’s family and friends.
From: Marion MacKinnon
Sorry to hear of his passing he was a good friend.
From: Gerald Pino
We were so sorry to hear about the death of Clarence. He was a great friend for many years
From: Ray MacLellan
Dear Elaine, Tom, Charlotte and Billie and Charley,
My sincerest condolences on the passing to Eternal Life of Clarence, brother and father to you, cousin to us in Halifax, Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg.
May his passing from this life into a life more abundant with those he loved bring peace and gratitude to you as well as he rests in the fullness of peace and love. May your hearts be consoled in gratitude for all that he brought to you and to so many friends as well.
I am grateful for a visit I had with him a few years ago when I was visiting Sydney, as well as good memories of visiting him and Sheila on Ashby Rd with my sister, Sr. Anna.
Blessings to you all.
From: Charles Pottie-Pate, sj
Tommy & Family
Very sorry to hear of Clarence passing. He was a fine gentleman and the last of the Ashby Rd. boys of decades ago. May he rest in peace.
From: Nikki & Stan MacLellan
So sorry for your loss Becky and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From: Brenda and Peter Chuppa
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Bill and Charley and families. It was truly a pleasure to get to know your dad and to be a part of the care team at the home. He was so witty and full of fun and just a joy to be around. It always did my heart good to see his dedication to his wife Sheila. They are now reunited in heaven. May God strengthen you all and may you be comforted to know that your dad was loved by us all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he now rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss Bill ,Darlene and all the family
May he rest in peace
Our sincere condolences to Clarence family. May Clarance rest in peace.
Cousin Paul Ryan, Waltham, Mass,
Thomas and family
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your brother.
Warmest regards
Jeff and Kellie Larsen
Clarence was truly a gentle man but loved to have a banter back and forth, which I loved to banter with him :). The sweetest man and most devoted to Sheila and his family.
Rest easy Clarence, till we meet again.
Sending our sincere condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Sending our sincere condolences to Clarence family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincere condolences to Bill,Darlene and family . May all your wonderful memories provide you comfort you at this sad time.
During my time at the Steel Plant Clarence and I were crane operators in the same department – just a down to earth good guy . Loved bumping into Clarence when out shopping or whatever great talker and humour ❤️
Had a wonderful phone call from Clarence just last Wednesday night. His passing was unexpected but we chatted about camping, Bear their dog, trips Sheila and I took with Club. My condolances to Billy and Charlie and their families.
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to Clarence’s family and friends. Clarence and my Dad worked in the Open Hearth at the steel plant for several years. I myself worked there for a short time. I have fond memories of those times. Clarence was a great guy. He will be missed.
Another Ashby anchor has passed. Clarence was a wonderful friend and put me up for a time during his years working for CN at their Mimico train yard in what was then called New Toronto. This was a time when people had little but shared a lot. To Clarences’ family, please accept our dearest condolences on your loss. May he rest
In peace. Martin & Patricia MacLellan
Loved Clarence & Sheila beautiful people. Sympathy, courage, & strength to the family 🪽♥️
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Bill, Darlene and all the family on the loss of your father Clarence, he will be missed ….George Prosser and family
I worked with Clarence in the open hearth for a few years always made the shift go faster and the work load lighter a good man and friend sorry to see you go
Our Sincere Condolences to Clarence’s family. John and I were friends of Clarence and Sheila. Two wonderful people. We have fond memories of time spent with both of them. Rest in Peace Clarence
So sorry to here about Clarence’s death, he was such a nice man and always appreciated everything that was done for him.He will be deeply missed.
John knew Sheila and later, Clarence, since he was a little boy. I met them through John. You couldn’t find nicer people anywhere. Always a welcoming smile and a nice chat when we would see them. Our condolences to all of you. John and Audrey (Martell)
Deepest condolences to Bill, Charley, Tommy, Elaine, Charlotte and families. May your memories of Clarence give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Rest in peace Uncle Clarence and thank you for all the wonderful memories that we will cherish. You will be truly missed by so many. 💖
Thinking of you all at this very sad time ..
Theresa & Barb Macpherson ❤️
To all Clarences’ family, I want to express my sincere condolences at this very difficult time. Being a Victoria Road guy, he was one of my best friends all through our Constantine School years. I really enjoyed every time I bumped into him thereafter. My thoughts and prayers are with you….
Sending my sincere condolences Bill and Charley on the passing of your father. I missed you and your parents when you moved from Gray Street in Ashby many years ago.
i am so sorry to her about Clarence passing. he was a great friend of mine, for, a long time. we often talked, when we met on or off , the steel plant. i will pray for him and his wonderful family.
Sending my sincere condolences on Clarence,,s passing
Your great memories will help you during this sad time
Condolences to you both Billy and Charley and family. Reels of memories playing through my mind of both your parents. It brings me peace to know they are reunited.