Obituary of Michael (Jeep) James Southwell, Tower Road

We the family of Michael James (Jeep) Southwell, age 97 of Tower Road are very saddened to announce the passing of our father and mother’s right-hand man. Michael (Jeep) passed away on Sunday, February 11^th, 2024 at Victoria Haven Nursing Home, Glace Bay.

Born in Port Morien, Michael was the son of Mary (MacLean) and John Southwell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa (Nolan) Southwell, sons, Mike (Eileen), Jim (Donna), Jack (Christene) and Rob,

grandchildren, Michael, Andrea, Jenna, Tyler, Mary, Christene and Katie along with six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, sisters and brothers, Catherine, Josie, Bernie, Mary (Dolly), Mag, Viola, John- Joe, Richard and Mary Margaret.

Da retired from the Glace Bay Street Department after many years as a heavy equipment operator. He was a role-model of self-initiative, honouring your word and working hard. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

He quietly held strong to his faith and placed love of family first which included great devotion to his wife of over 70 years, to his four lads, their families along with his extended families and friends. He welcomed and embraced new ideas and had little time for outdated thinking.

In his younger years and into his retirement, he enjoyed spending time going to “the country” where he had a summer cottage overlooking Loch Lomond Lake. He loved going there to work on “the bungalow,” fish, swim and be among the community on the hill. With his sons, friends and extended family, he built a home in Tower Road for his retirement. He loved having a Sunday morning kitchen waltz with our mother.  He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed the simple things, a good yard sale, a flea market and never met a dollar store that he didn’t like.

He will be truly missed, but we are grateful that he passed very peacefully with our mother holding his hand.

We want to express our sincerest appreciation to the staff at the Glace Bay Victoria Haven who welcomed him and treated him and us as family.  To Father Norman MacPhee for his spiritual guidance, to Dr. Gordon Spencer for his years of care, the Geriatric Department at the CBRH along with Glace Bay Continuing Care, we extend special thanks.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 19th from 6-8 pm in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. The funeral mass, officiated by Fr. Norman MacPhee is Tuesday, February 20^th at 10 am in Holy Cross Church, Glace Bay. Interment at a later date in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca