Obituary of Charles Wilfred 'Charlie' Cadden, New Waterford

It is with deep sadness that we,the family, announce the passing of Charles Wilfred 'Charlie' Cadden on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Robert and Marion (Sheppard) Cadden.

Charlie was a member of Calvin United Church, New Waterford. For over 40 years, Charlie was a proud career and volunteer firefighter in New Waterford and remained an honorary member until his passing. His passion of fighting fires ultimately led to his illness. He also, at a very young age, worked in the coal mines. In order to be hired, Charlie had to eat four pounds of bananas to meet the required weight restrictions; a story, like many others, he enjoyed sharing with his family. 

Charlie was also an entrepeneur at heart who operated several businesses in town. He was known to be the first to provide 24 hour towing as well as offering a collision service to the residents of New Waterford. In addition, he was owner/operator of the Petro Fina Station in town and later, the proprietor of the New Waterford Sports Shop. Charlie was a loving granddad who helped make it possible for his grandkids to play hockey in New Waterford by selling several even split tickets every week. He was loved by his three grandchildren and had a special 'best buds' relationship with his oldest grandchild, Branden.  

Charlie was a proud member and volunteer of the Cape Breton Injured Worker's Association. We would be remiss if we didn't mention his cherished Tarabish games. He also, for a short period of time, dressed as Santa Claus for the Christmas parade in town. 

Charlie led a full and wonderful life and fought for every breath he took. He was the rock of our family who cherished his wife, Kathleen, for 56 years of marriage. He was so loved and will be missed by all.

Surviving are his wife, Kathleen (Young); daughter, Charlene (Earl) Cadden -Power; son, Shawn (Shannon), both of New Waterford; sister, Norma (Kenny) MacPhail, Kingston, Ont.; grandchildren, Branden, Aiden and Jackson; nieces and nephews, who were like immediate family, Michelle (Emile) Peckham and Melissa (Richard) Scott, Patricia - deceased (Gus), Alfred, Charlie, Paula, Derek and Dana, Wendalyn (Rob) Wood and William.

Besides his parents, Charlie was predeceased by brothers, Robert Jr., Alfred Sr. and William 'Billy'. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral service will take place Friday, August 17 at 11 a.m. in Calvin United Church with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Burial will be in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney, with a luncheon to follow at the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department Hall. Donations in his memory may be made to Calvin United Church, New Waterford. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

We would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses at the Cape Breton Regional ICU and New Waterford Hospital. Notably, nurse Lisa MacDonald for the dignity and respect shown to Dad. 

Also, a special thank you to Dr. Raed Azer for providing New Dawn support staff sitters to stay with our Dad which allowed the family some rest over the last several weeks.