Obituary of Dr. Vince Kachafanas, Glace Bay

Vincent Kachafanas, husband, father, and grandfather of Glace Bay, passed away on the afternoon of September 15, 2023 at the age of 88 in the CBRH, Sydney.

Born in Glace Bay in 1934, Vince was the youngest son of Greek immigrants Demetri and Vasiliki (Chrisovergis) who settled in the town. They had three children, the eldest William was killed at the age of 22 during the liberation of Holland in 1945, and daughter Evangeline who lived in Halifax and passed away in 1996.  Vince spent his life in Glace Bay.  After graduating high school, he attended Mount Allison University receiving a BA, BED.  He returned to Glace Bay where he spent his entire career in education, first in the classroom and ending in administration. He furthered his education by receiving a PhD in 1982.

Vince is predeceased by the love of his life Katherine (MacLeod), and were married for 36 years. Together, they raised 4 children, experienced countless enjoyable moments and built a lifetime of the fondest memories. In 1997, life took an abrupt turn when Katherine died at the age of 56. Following her death, he spent his time jumping in his Jeep and visiting his 10 grandchildren, regaling them with adventurous stories of his youth, and following their lives in dance, sparks, girl guides and various sporting activities. 

He loved to entertain and be entertained. He was fortunate to have a close group of wonderful friends who were there for him in the years after Katherine’s passing and in the last number of years when he needed support.  He created more meaningful memories with new found people like his partner and companion Lorna Jean Pemberton, who helped him experience caring, kindness, understanding and a renewal of a loving spirit.

He was respected by both students and colleagues and forged so many strong connections with so many people. You would first hear his loud and friendly voice as he walked into a room where it soon erupted into laughter and on many occasions, broke out into song. In his early days he loved to play guitar. He was passionate about photography and loved to showcase his work. He will be remembered for his love and dedication to family, friends and community.

Vince is survived by his four children Lillian “Kiki” (Patrick), Demetri, William (Patricia), Nicholas (Shannon), 10 grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his partner Lorna.  The family would like to thank his primary care providers who attended to him with great compassion and provided excellent care.

For Vince, growing older was a privilege that has been denied to so many.  He said, “Well I’m on the road to new discovery, God Bless!” 

At Vince’s request there will be no visitation.  There will be a private service at Sts. Anargyree Greek Orthodox Church, Glace Bay, followed by a grave side burial.  Donations in memory of Vince can be made to The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Hospice Palliative Care or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca