Sydney
It is with broken hearts that we, announce the passing of our beloved dad, Thomas Patrick Lynch, age 75, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at home after a short battle with cancer.
Born in Sydney, Tom was the oldest son of the late Leo and Lale (Downing) Lynch, and brother to Nancy (Carmen D’Intino), Jane Arnold, and Bryan Lynch. He spent his early years at the family home on Lynch Drive in Sydney River. He attended Riverview High School and obtained a Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. After university Tom moved back to Cape Breton to run the family business Ideal Ice Cream until its closing.
Anyone who spoke with Dad knew how proud he was of his girls. He is survived by his daughters, Stacy Spoletini (Kevin) of Calgary, Jenn Dickerson (Adam) of Middle Sackville, Heather Lynch (Mike Oliver) of Enfield and step-daughters, Paula Blois (Jordan Wadden) of Bateson, Michelle Blois, and her daughter Peyton Steinkey of Port Coquitlam, BC. He was the best Poppy to Luca, Bria, Nora, Maeve, and his ‘Little Timbit’ Lachlan. He also loved his grand-dogs and never failed to sneak them a treat. Tom is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dad became a well-known business owner in the Sydney area. For 35 years he owned Mac’s Convenience Store on George Street. All five of his girls worked in the store during their teenage years. Over the decades he gained the most loyal customers and lifelong friends. There weren’t many places he could go in Sydney without hearing, “Hi Tommy, how are ya?”
Dad was a very proud Cape Bretoner and an avid supporter of the Screaming Eagles. Our Christmas gifts over the years often included Cape Breton memorabilia, a reminder of where home would always be. His heart belonged in Northside East Bay, at the bungalow, where he had spent every summer since he was a child and where he made sure our greatest memories were created. Those summers were filled with BBQs, swimming, boating, bonfires, and the endless treats that came with having a father who owned a corner store. We will always remember the stories he told us and the way he listened to ours—shaking his head with that knowing grin. Dad recently shared that one of his favourite memories was spending our very first Thanksgiving in East Bay this past October. We will cherish these memories forever.
Dad was a past member of the Sydney Kinsmen Club, where he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. Through the Kinsmen, he gained another family—his closest friends. Words cannot express how thankful we are for his many friendships. For more than 30 years, he met with the Dinner Club every month, and he cherished those times deeply. John, Toni, Walter, Deborah, Bill, Millie, Shirley (Greg), as well as George and Marilyn Peters – thank you for your friendship, and especially for the support you gave him over these past few months.
Dad had a wonderful sense of humour, a kind heart, and a love for good conversation. He will be forever missed and remembered by his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him. In honour of Dad, gather with family and friends and raise a toast in his memory.
As per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction Pier Community Funeral Home and there will be no service. A private gathering with family will take place in East Bay at a later date. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Oja and Dr. Orrell for their care and compassion.
Donations in memory of Thomas may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Love you dad, a bushel and a peck.
Online Condolences
I