Obituary of Edmond J. White, New Waterford

It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Edmond J. White, 33, of New Waterford, following a 10 year battle with ALS. Edmond was a kind, loving and gentle soul to all who were lucky enough to have known him. He loved skateboarding, creating beautiful pieces of artwork, playing guitar, and was a history buff – but his most beloved pass time was spending time with family, especially with his “Noahbear”. Ed enjoyed “making videos of himself and friends skating at local parks” and learning new tricks. He developed his love of art, especially sketching at a very young age, and has passed that passion onto his equally talented son, Noah. Edmond also passed on other wonderful attributes to his son Noah such as being inclusive to everyone, sense of humour, ability to forgive, storytelling genius, intelligence, and genuine kind nature. His talents did not stop at skateboarding and art though. He was a self-taught guitar whiz. You would ask him to play a song and within a couple of hours he would not only be strumming away perfectly, but would be singing along too! Ed also had a love for all things hockey (Montreal Canadiens) and enjoyed watching games with friends and his stepfather, Glen. They rooted for opposing teams so it would make for an interesting game to say the least. There was never a dull moment with Ed. He was always keeping everyone around him in stitches laughing with his quirky comebacks and hilarious sense of “dry” humour. Ed could always find the beauty and “good” in everything. Edmond was the definition of a good father. He was the best. He devoted his life to his cherished son, Noah. He worked hard to provide a happy and amazing life for Noah, and succeeded. Edmond wanted nothing more than to spend quality time with his son be it watching movies together, playing video games, or sketching together – he always wanted “just a little more time” with him. Ed will always be known for his bravery. As a little boy he loved dressing up like an “army man”, rolling around on the ground during fire works because he was “under attack” and playing endless hours with the little green plastic men. As he got older he served in the Militia, spending summer after summer working hard and was promoted to Master Corporal; eventually becoming an instructor. He was honorably discharged to fight his battle with ALS. He was a solider to the very end and won this last battle too. He will celebrate his victory in eternal peace and comfort he so deserves. Ed was also employed with Ensign Drilling in Alberta. Edmond will be sadly missed by his forever loving son Noah; devoted mother “mudder”, Carol Edmond and stepfather, Glen Young; his loving sisters, Amanda (Mike) Burris, Trisha (Steve) Rushton; nieces and nephew, Hannah, Maddox and Isla; step siblings, Kiki, Lanaya, and Fabian; grandmother, Wanda Edmond; all his loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, and friends, including special frineds, David ‘Cheesie’ White and Beverly MacDonald; his fur babies, Maggie and Marlie. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Bernie Edmond. A special thank you to all the hospital staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital (Unit 4A and ICU) for your kindness and support over these past several years. Some of you really went above and beyond in becoming “family” and for that we are forever thankful. Ed called some nurses his hospital mom, hospital dad and best bud. Thank you to the ALS society and those who donate and participate in the walk each year. Also to Veteran Affairs for your support and assistance in so many ways. Ed was and always will continue to be the true definition of kindness, bravery, and strength. His legacy will carry on in all lives he has touched whether it be through love, friendship, or as a story of hope and determination. WE love you and miss you always bud. XO. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Ave., with Father Jim Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Glace Bay. Donations in his memory may be made to the ALS Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. "However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." – Stephen Hawkings