Obituary of Harold Lever, Glace Bay

Harold was born in Glace Bay on April 28, 1930, and died peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital March 8th, 2024. His strong Catholic faith was the foundation for his community and family life.

Harold was 17 years old when he joined the men’s choir at St. Anthony’s, the youngest of 25 men, mostly miners. This was the beginning of over 60 years of sharing his beautiful voice and love of liturgical and choral music. First, as a choir member and then as director of the ladies’ choir at St. Anne’s. Singing was our father’s greatest joy.

As a young man, Harold left Cape Breton to join the Air Force in Penhold, Alberta. He later studied at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton before returning home to Nova Scotia. After studying at the Coady Institute in Antigonish, and a period of work in Honduras, Harold started his teaching career at the Adult Vocational Training Centre where he worked to help his students return to and enter the workforce. It was a job he was well suited for; he enjoyed his students and colleagues and was very well thought of in return.

Upon retirement, Harold took up golf and spent many happy mornings on the course at Lingan. Harold was predeceased by his wife, Annette (McEachern). He came from a large family of 17. His sister, Lorna Lever, is the last remaining sibling.

He is survived by his children, Matthew (Jessica), Glace Bay, Catherine (Richard), Truro and Mark (Sarah) Halifax. Harold was a very proud Papa to Sebastian, Hannah and Ella.

Visitation will take place at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay, on Thursday, March 14th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday at Holy Cross Church. The family is very grateful that our father’s long time friend Father Norman MacPhee will be presiding. We invite all willing vocalists to join the choir for the funeral celebration. A reception will be held in the church hall.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, particularly the teams in the ER and on 4B. Donations in Harold’s memory can be made to the Glace Bay Food Bank or a charity of one’s choice. Dad loved his breakfasts at Colette’s; perhaps treat a friend sometime soon.

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