Obituary of John Thomas Currie

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our father, husband, and Poppy, John Thomas Currie, 81, on March 31, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Tom will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jo-Anne (Barnaby) Currie, his sons, Lorne (Tammy), Adam (Angie), and daughter, Marlyce (John) MacMullin. Poppy Currie loved his grandchildren deeply and his absence will be felt by Julian, John Thomas, Morgan, and his camping buddy, Mya. Tom is survived by his siblings; Ann Marie (John) Leslie, Jeanine (late John Angus) MacLean, and Herbie (Heather) Currie; sisters-in-law, Kaye, Annette, Lucy Currie, and Claudette Barnaby; brothers-in-law, Jim Gardiner, Dennis (Elaine), and Bruce Barnaby. Tom also will be greatly missed by many of his beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Michael Currie; brothers, Micheal, Peter, Donald, Rannie, and Gerard; sister, Mary Gardiner; sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Cathy, Barbara Currie, Lorraine Barnaby, and brother-in-law, Billie (late Janette Berthelot). In earlier years, Tom enjoyed roller skating at Wheelies, square dancing, snowmobiling, and every summer you could find him camping. There was nothing that Tom loved more than sitting around the campfire and sharing a good laugh with his camping family. Everyone enjoyed his company, and he will forever be remembered for his dry humor and quick wit. Tom was a carpenter by trade and a member of Local 1588, United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He was a member and past president of the Cape Breton Home Builders Association. He and his late brother, Michael, also owned and operated Archway Development Ltd. in 1979 until he was given the opportunity to work on the Confederation Bridge Development in 1993 as a foreman. In 1996, Tom suffered two strokes which left him unable to work. Tom was determined to walk the 13 kilometers of the Confederation Bridge upon opening in 1997. With extensive rehab and walking daily, on May 31st, 1997, he did just that, and walked the 13 kms alongside 75000 others. What Tom put his mind to, he did. He was an amazing example of what strength and resilience looked like. Until the time of his death, his faith remained unwavering; he was a longstanding member of Holy Rosary Parish. Thank you to Fr. Douglas Murphy for his continued support. The family would also like to extend their sincere thank you to Doctor Melanie Adams for her care and compassion during his illness and Phyllis MacNeil, care provider, for her companionship. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Monday, April 22, 2024 2- 4 and 7-9. A Celebration of Life will take place Tuesday, April 23, 11am, at Holy Rosary Parish, Fr. Douglas Murphy officiating, followed by Interment in Holy Rosary Cemetery. Donations in Tom’s Memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.