Obituary of John Herbert (Jackie) Head, River Ryan

It is with sadness we, the family, announce the passing of John "Jackie" Head, 82, on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at New Waterford Hospital.

Born in Glace Bay, Jackie was a son of the late John and Beatrice (Donovan) Head.

Jackie graduated from St. Rita's Hospital as a Lab Technician in 1965. Soon after, he started his career at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and remained there for 35 years until his retirement. To Jackie, family was everything. He truly loved attending all of his kids' and grandkids' hockey and soccer games and was very involved as a hockey coach for many years. When he wasn't coaching, he loved socializing with other parents and fans at the games. Jackie also enjoyed gardening and was known for having an impeccable lawn.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Lorriane (Gibson); sons, Steven, Calgary, AB, and Shaun (Jen), New Waterford; brothers, Robert "Bob" (Mary), London, ON, David (Lorraine), Grand Bend, ON, Michael "Micky" (Linda), Glace Bay, Joe (Brenda), Halifax; sister, Doreen (Paul) LeBlanc, London, ON; grandchildren, Josh (Robyn), MacKenzie, Logan, and Holli; great-grandson, Jackson.

Besides his parents, Jackie was predeceased by brothers, Donald Joseph and Donald; fur buddies, his dogs, Benson and B.J.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will be held on Thursday, October 24 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating. A reception will take place at the K.O.C., New Waterford, with burial to follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Glace Bay. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.