Obituary of Paul Laidlaw Prendergast

Paul Laidlaw Prendergast New Waterford It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Paul Laidlaw Prendergast, on September 22, 2016. Paul, 72 was born and raised in New Waterford. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Maureen, daughters, Paula (Lorne) Guy, JoAnn (Kyle) Sandford and Kelly (Craig) Whitman. Paul treasured his 7 grandchildren, Jenna, Shannon and Connor Guy, Marley, Amelia Sandford , Charlotte and Kate Whitman. He loved spending time with them. Paul is also survived by his sisters, Patricia (Wayne) Gillis, New Waterford, Helen (Rob) Mackey, Georgina and Vivian as well as his many nieces and nephews and extended family. Paul attended Mount Carmel in New Waterford and received his Bachelor of Arts from UCCB. He became an electrician and worked in Toronto as well as volunteering in Zambia where he met his wife, Maureen. They returned to New Waterford where they raised their family and shared their lives together. Paul was a local historian and photographer, logging many miles around Cape Breton creating picture books that he generously donated to local businesses, parishes, the diocese, Beaton Institute and the Chestico Museum. He was an active member of St. Leonard Parish serving at mass and bringing communion to those who could not attend. He volunteered with Saint Vincent de Paul in New Waterford for a number of years. Poppa was renowned for his love of gardening, and famous for his meatballs. He had a passion for all things Irish, being well versed in its history, literature and music. He was fortunate to have recently had a family trip overseas to spend time with our relatives in Europe. Everyone in our extended family looked to Poppa to chronicle the family history and capture every special moment in photographs. Paul is predeceased by his parents, George and Mary ( Laidlaw) Prendergast and his brother, Peter. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday September 28, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard’s, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Reception to follow in the parish hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca