Obituary of Cyril Adrian "LuLu" Oliver, Reserve Mines

Cyril Adrian Oliver
Reserve Mines

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Cyril Adrian Oliver announce his passing on Saturday, November 4th, 2017, at the age of 76.

Cyril, fondly known as, “ Lulu”, married his soul mate and the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Wilson.  Together, they confronted many trials and tribulations during their 55 years of marriage, but the depth of their love and commitment to one another remained strong.

Lulu worked in the construction industry for most of his career.  He was a devoted member of the Teamsters Union Local 927 and an advocate for workers’ rights and fair compensation.  After retirement, Lulu could be found at Becky’s Bed & Breakfast cooking breakfast, entertaining guests with his storytelling and promoting the Island that he so loved.  Lulu was a compassionate and caring individual.  He is probably best known for his colourful language, blunt honesty and larger-than-life personality.

Lulu was a pillar of his community, Reserve Mines.  He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Men’s Club for many years.  He was best known for his commitment to public safety – dedicating some 48 years of his life to the Reserve Mines Volunteer Fire Department.  Lulu held various positions in the department including Lieutenant of Smoke, Lieutenant of Engine, Captain of Smoke, and Executive Member.  He was Deputy Chief from 1979-1988 and 1995-2006, and became a Life Member in 2016.

He was well respected throughout Cape Breton by his firefighting colleagues and he sacrificed countless hours of time with family and friends to serve his community.  He was instrumental in advancing the construction of the fire hall and community centre; organizing community events; and raising funds for much needed firefighting equipment.  His community service was such an inspiration to his children and grandchildren that many followed in his footsteps to dedicate their lives to community safety and the protection of Canada.

He adored his children and grandchildren; instilling in them important qualities of compassion, hard work and community service.  They will be forever grateful for the precious memories created during their childhoods, namely Sunday drives, family gatherings, camping trips, walks during snowstorms, and magical Christmasses that he so loved. 

Lulu will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Rebecca; his children, Rowena (Rob), Joe (Kate), Donnie (Georgia) and Wade (Sherry); his grandchildren, Ceilidh (Rob), Andrew (Matt), Adrian, Sophia, Sam, Benjamin (Karen), Thomas (Lindsay), Sarah, Emily Meranda (Chris), Jillian and Ceara; his newborn great grandson; his sister, Sharon; his brothers, Barty (Burney), Cotter (Margie), Wayne (Ethel), Dwight (Nadine), Blaine "Jack" (Flo), Brad (Coleen); brothers-in-law, Albert (Jackie) Wilson and Sonny Anthony; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother, Margaret ‘Moxie’ (nee McMullin); his father, Johnny; his grandson, Adrian; his parents-in-law, Florence and Owen Wilson; his brothers-in-law, Russ Inkpen, Donald and Emerson Wilson; and his sisters-in-law, Lillian Anthony, Mary Gill and April Wilson.

Special mention to his best friend of 52 years, Kevin MacPherson, for his unwavering friendship, love and caring support.

To the staff of Seaview Manor, our heartfelt thanks for your patience and compassionate care given to Lulu during his stay. Many of you were not only his caregivers but he considered you as friends.  Your kindness during his last hours will not be forgotten.

And finally, we would be remiss in failing to recognize Becky – a devoted wife and nurturing mother – for her dedication, steadfast care and unwavering love.  You were Dad’s ‘Earth Angel’ and he was blessed to have you in his life.    

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay where a visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 2-4, 7-9 p.m.

The funeral  mass will take place in St. Josephs Church, Reserve Mines on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.  Fr. Norman MacPhee  officiating. A luncheon will follow courtesy of St. Joseph’s Parish CWL in the Church basement.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reserve Mines Volunteer Fire Department or Honour House Society in memory of Cyril “Lulu” and Adrian Oliver (https://honourhouse.ca/publications/donate/); or by performing an act of kindness for those in need.

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