Obituary of Ignatius 'Naish' Bernard Matlock, New Waterford

It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Ignatius 'Naish' Bernard Matlock, 85, on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Waterford Heights, New Waterford. Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Joseph and Genevieve (Berger) Matlock. Naish was a lifelong resident of New Waterford. He was employed for 40 years with Devco at No. 12 Colliery, Lingan Colliery and the International Coal Pier. Naish had a fondness for traditional music. He was a very knowledgeable and avid fan of baseball including the Toronto Blue Jays and little league. He was a man who possessed a deep Christian faith and devoted much time as a volunteer with St. Leonard's (St. Michael's) Parish Cemetery Committee. He could often be found in his back yard, tending to his vegetable garden. He would often donate his extra harvest to the neighbourhood. The Lord will definitely find a special place for him nurturing His garden. Among Dad's many blessings were his caring and supportive neighbours and friends. Surviving are his children, Bernard (Mary), Stillwater Lake, N.S., Bernadette (Robert) Lewis, Gardiner Mines, Michael (Kimberly), Bible Hill, N.S., Ronnie (Jodi), Stellarton, N.S.; sisters, Vicky Boutilier, New Waterford, Irene MacIntyre, Lois (Gerd) Luneberg, both of Hamilton, Ont.; grandchildren, Jennifer, Roderick, Daniel, Matthew, Christopher, Claire, Jillian, Megan, and Mallory; sister-in-law, Sister Therese Arsenault. Besides his parents, Naish was predeceased by his wife, Blandine (Arsenault); sister-in-law, Germaine Bourgeois; brothers-in-law, Thomas Charles Bourgeois, Donnie MacIntyre and Russell Boutilier. There will be no visitation. A private funeral service will be held in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, New Waterford, with Father Peter MacLeod officiating. All are welcome to attend the graveside prayers being held in St. Michael's Cemetery, River Ryan, on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required. The family would like to thank the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. Many thanks to everyone at Waterford Heights for their unending care and kindness. Words cannot express the family's gratitude to his 'buddies' who provided the most special care imaginable. Donations in Naish's memory may be made to the St. Leonard's (St. Michael's) Parish Cemetery Committee. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.