Obituary of John Michael Chiasson, New Waterford

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John Michael Chiasson, 77, of New Waterford on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the Maple Hill Manor in New Waterford.

Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Henry and Annie (Lefort) Chiasson.

John Michael was a teacher at Breton Education Centre for several years. He was also employed part time with V.J. McGillivray Ambulance Service in New Waterford. John Michael was a member of the Parish Church of St. Leonard, formely Mount Carmel Parish, where he assisted as an usher for many years. He also served as a Coal Bowl Board of Director. John Michael was a 3rd Degree Member, Council 3209 K.O.C, New Waterford, where he was a past Grand Knight and a 4th Degree member Father William B. MacLeod Assembly. John Michael was also a member of the K.O.C. District Choir. He was an honorary member of the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department where he held the Post of Treasurer. John Michael was a member of the Ostomy Association, Cape Breton Chapter and a Past President of Cercle Evangeline. He was a member of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and the Retired Teacher's Association. John Michael was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan who truly enjoyed his Saturday nights out at a restaurant and then for a glass of red wine at the K.O.C. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his longtime companion, Gail Power, and her sons, Kenny, who was like a son to John Michael, and Brad; aunts, Sister Mary Ann Chiasson and Nellie Chiasson as well as several cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place Wednesday, December 20 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Cremation will follow with burial in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date. Members of the K.O.C. will assemble for a prayer service in the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.  A luncheon will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, immediately following the funeral mass. Donations in his memory may be made to the Parkinson's Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.