Obituary of John Rafferty

John Daniel Rafferty John was just 59 years old when he passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020. He was born on December 22, 1960 here in Glace Bay to Carmie and John. John met the love of his life when he first fixed his eyes on Bev (Axeworthy). Together they gave us three gorgeous little boys, Clint, Kyle and Stage and their beautiful sister, Ashley. These children adored their father, made him proud everyday and strived to make him happy. In return, John gave them his eternal love and he and Bev made sure that these children were in want for nothing. John was very close to his family and friends. He had a huge heart and wore it on his sleeve. He was generous and caring. He had the strength of a lion, but could be as gentle as lamb. With his very distinctive laugh to his big smile, he was “shake’n trees” wherever he went. John spent his entire career working at Sobeys, where he began working when he was 15 and was their loyal employee for the next 45 years. John worked hard, but always enjoyed his life. He lived that life according to his own terms and let no one tell him how to live it any other way… and believe me, I tried. John, would simply smile, chuckle to himself, look up at you, and shout “Hot Damn!!!!” John always lived in Glace Bay, but his mind always loved to travel. Whether he was simply expressing his persisting dream to visit Ireland, riding his Harley until he was thirsty or waking up at the crack of dawn and roaming the roads looking to spend time with family, friends, or strangers – anyone who would open their door to him and share some laughs and cries. When that door opened, you heard “What’s up cat or Hey babe”. John certainly made an impression on each one of us. There were many wonderful aspects to John’s life, and many ways that he touched our lives. We all have long-lasting, loving memories of this wonderful man.He will be remembered as a loving husband, a caring father, a grateful son, a wonderful brother, a generous friend and a friendly face that was standing in front of the meat room at Sobeys. In all these ways and more, he made our lives richer and fuller. Now that he has passed away, of course there is emptiness and pain, confusion and maybe even anger at death coming to a man of only 59 years, but in many ways, the gift of John’s life is still here with us. He lives on in our memories and stories, and in what all of us have become because of him. So I encourage you to share today, tomorrow and in the years to come - your memories and stories, and to share the pain of your loss as well. In this way we will keep the gift of John’s life alive. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 10 a.m., with Fr. Duaine Devereau officiating, at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com