Obituary of William John "Jack" Head, New Waterford

William John “Jack” Head

New Waterford, NS

It is with broken hearts that we, the family of William John “Jack” Head  age 86 of New Waterford, announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  The baby of his family, Jack was born in New Waterford on August 28, 1931 to his devoted parents Louisa (Soper) and Bill Head.

 

Jack met the love of his life, Catherine, at an early age.  They wed on Catherine’s 24th birthday in 1956 and spent the next 60 years providing their four children and six grandchildren with love and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.  They were each other's rock and when Catherine passed away in November of 2016 the biggest piece of Jack’s heart went with her.  We find such peace in knowing that they are together again with their beloved son Kevin.

 

Jack was the true epitome of a gentleman.  He worked hard to provide for his family and to help those in need.  He was affectionately known as Papa Jack to his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.  He was so proud to welcome his first great grandchildren, Ella and Arlo.  Even though Jack was a man of few words, he always enjoyed telling stories of his childhood and his days spent fishing with his father and brothers. 

 

From a young age, Jack worked odd jobs to help out at home including King’s Garage and Albert LeDrew’s Contracting.  He finished his working career as the Public Works Supervisor for the Town of New Waterford.  Numerous snow storms were spent transporting nurses to and from work and making sure that the ambulance and fire service could get to their calls.  His knowledge and advice of the town’s roadways and sewer systems was still sought well after his retirement.

 

Jack always showed an interest in doing bodywork on vehicles.  Many of his retired days were spent in his garage fixing and painting cars and trucks.  It is one of the things that kept his Parkinson’s at bay for so long.

 

A fourth generation, uniformed member of the Salvation Army New Waterford Citadel, Jack served many roles throughout his life including; Corps Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant-Major.  He was a valued member of the Corps band both in New Waterford and most recently Glace Bay.  Jack and Catherine enjoyed volunteering their time for the Red Kettle Campaign at the Mayflower Mall. 

 

Jack will be loving remembered by his three daughters and their husbands;  Brenda (Hilary) Romard, New Waterford, Helen (Bernie) Corbett, Halifax, Bev (Leo) Gallant, New Waterford, his six grandchildren; Aimee Romard, Alyssa (Mark) MacDonald, Robyn Corbett (Murray Bain), Tyler Corbett (Louanne Comeau), Jonathan Gallant (Alyssa Aucoin) and Jennifer Gallant (Scott Pettigrew) and his two great-grandchildren; Ella MacDonald and Arlo Bain.  Jack is also survived by sister, Maude Dodson, Sydney and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 

He was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Catherine, his only son Kevin “Koogie”, sisters; Blanche, Lillian and Edith, and brothers: Ralph, Dan, Henry and Art.

 

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 5pm to 9pm at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford.  A funeral service to celebrate Jack’s life will take place on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 2pm in the Salvation Army Citadel, New Waterford with Majors Rocky and Janet Bishop and Major Linda Watts officiating.  A luncheon will be held in the Salvation Army Hall. Interment will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown.  Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Canada or to the Salvation Army, New Waterford. 

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

 

Special thanks to the amazing staff of Medical Floor and Dr.’s Ajuwon and Lange at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Jack over the last two months.  Sincere thanks are also extended to the wonderful staff of New Waterford Homecare, especially Susie MacLean who Jack referred to as his girl, for their compassionate care of Jack over the last year. 

 

Your loss is immeasurable but so is the love you left behind.