Obituary of Lionel King, River Ryan

We are saddened to announce the passing of our father, Lionel King, in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Sept. 20, 2021. Born in Scotchtown in 1936, Lionel served in the Canadian Army, 5 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from 1954 to 1958, spending most of those years stationed in Sennelager, Germany. Upon his return to Cape Breton, he trained as a carpenter and for a time operated his own contracting business, becoming well known throughout industrial Cape Breton for the high quality of his work. Lionel married the love of his life, Bernice, in 1961 and together they raised four sons. He was a member of the New Waterford branch of the Knights of Columbus where he enjoyed many Friday night dart games. He and Bernice enjoyed a long and fulfilling retirement together, enjoying travels and visits with family and friends. Lionel was predeceased by his parents, the late William and Ruby King; his loving wife, Bernice; his sister, Mildred; his brother, Russell and a daughter, Judith Marie, who died in infancy. He is survived by his sons, Bradley (Denise), Russell (Darlene), David (Jennifer) and Christopher (Atousa); four grandchildren, Dana, Taylor, Alexandra and Sara and his sisters, Ida MacKinnon, Donna Hiscock and Gloria (David) McGaw. Special thanks to Dr. Ryan Kelly and the staff of the 4C and An Cala Units of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their excellent care during Dad’s final days. Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service for family will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel in New Waterford with Father Peter McLeod officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lionel’s memory may be made to the Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County (hospicesociety@nshealth.ca). Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.