Obituary of T. Troy Jenkins, Port Morien

Thomas Troy Jenkins, 46, of Port Morien passed away suddenly at his family home on Friday, March 13th, 2020 following a long health battle. Troy leaves to mourn his Mother, Anne (Yetman) Jenkins of Port Morien; son, Alexander “Sandy” Troy Burke, Glace Bay; Brother Todd Jenkins, Kitchener, ON; Father Albert and Step-Mother, June Jenkins, Margaree; special Uncle and Aunt, Rudolph and Doreen Jenkins of Birch Grove; 9 paternal aunts and uncles and 33 cousins. Troy was pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Mary Yetman (Port Morien) and paternal grandparents, Leah and Alex Jenkins (Carbonear, NFLD). Born in Sydney in 1973, Troy inherited a love for politics from his hero, a man he emulated in his speech, his gait and his attire: his Grandfather Thomas Yetman. He would wax philosophically and politically with his Gramp for hours from a young age, and anyone who knew Troy growing up can attest to this political passion. Later in life Troy completed his BA in Political Science with a certificate in Public Administration from UCCB. He worked as an executive assistant for a Nova Scotia MLA before being elected as the youngest Councillor in the history of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in 1997. In this capacity, he served on numerous boards and committees, leaving a trail of compassion and passion for influencing positive change, in his wake. Following, Troy served as a senior administrator in Nova Scotia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories until his health prevented him from working. Even to the week of his death, Troy was sending job postings from Waterloo, which would have allowed him to move to be with his Mom and Brother; although, in reality, he knew his health would not allow him to ever work again. Troy had a passion for antique fountain pens, carefully documenting the history of each in his ledgers, in fact writing with the pen as he described it so intricately. This was a hobby he recently passed on to his Brother, leaving notes throughout Todd’s house after his last visit doing the same. Another of Troy’s passions was his community. He loved his Port Morien and could be found as a youngster fishing down the wharf, swimming at the sand-shore across from his Grandparents’ house, back behind the family home on Long Beach Rd setting snares, or playing hockey on the “old pond” or at the train station. Although limited in mobility in recent years, he made a few trips out to the old mine with his metal detector. Troy was a former member of the Port Morien Volunteer Fire Department, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55, and to which he was most proud, the Masonic Lodge. Troy’s greatest passion was his family; his adoration for his “Boy” Sandy was unmatched. He was so proud receiving updates about Sandy’s sport successes, especially in his hockey league. They shared a love for hunting and fishing (Inherited from his Father), spending time together at his various posts in Alberta over the years. His biggest regret, as it is with many from our Island, was that he had to go elsewhere to work, which he did until he could work no more, to ensure Sandy was taken care of. To Troy, being a Dad was his #1 job. Troy was so proud of his little Brother, always bragging about any and all of his academic achievements over the years, capped off with being present in Ontario in February when Todd secured a lifelong dream position – even coordinating his outfit and sending him off with a fresh notepad and fountain pen for his interview. He adored his fur niece and nephew, Oliver and Emmy (or as he called them, Oscar and Emily), and was looking forward to his return trip to spend more time with them. His Mother, Anne. Our Mother and Grandmother, we leave with Troy’s own words to her on Mother’s Day, 2018: Dear Ma, Because of you, I am me. I could not have hoped for a better mother in this life, because I don’t believe one exists. Thank you for all you have done for me and the sacrifices you have made for your sons and your grandson. You are truly one of a kind, and I am extremely fortunate to have you in my life. Love Troy. Dear Son, Dad, Brother and Friend: YOU were truly one of a kind. And we were all extremely fortunate to have you in our lives. We will love you forever. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Center, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS. There will be no service at this time due to public health recommendations. A PRIVATE FAMILY visitation will be held at a future date, with a public memorial later in the year. Donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada or the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation in Troy’s memory. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca