Obituary of AB McCormick

Austin McCormick Glace Bay It is with great sadness, the family of Austin Benedict ’A.B.’ McCormick, age 100 of Glace Bay, passed away peacefully Saturday October 19, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Bernard and Mary Rose McCormick. Austin, fondly known to many as AB, was widely known for his devotion to his loved ones. In 1940, at the young age of 16, he began his career as a hard-working coal miner with DEVCO, stepping in as the breadwinner following the passing of his father. In 1956, he went on to marry the love of his life, Mary Campbell, and through their love, they brought ten beautiful babies into this world. Their love, literally, lasted a lifetime. Although Mary passed in 2004, their love remained alive in Austin. Throughout their 58 years of unbridled and unwavering love, Austin and Mary lit up plenty of dance floors, which quickly evolved into Saturday becoming Austin’s favorite day of the week. A day he looked forward to because he got to hold her close and spend time with friends and loved ones. Sundays were a close second where they’d often be heard yelling bingo at various halls within the CBRM. Other days were reserved for hosting card games for family and friends, filled with lots of high decibel laughter and solidifying long-lasting memories. Following his retirement from the Coal mines, in 1989, he embraced his athletic side by lacing up his ice skates joining the Devco hockey league, skating alongside two of his sons, Ricky and David. He was the oldest player on the ice and was wildly respected by everyone in the league. He was the Boston Bruins’ most devout fan and meeting Ray Bourque was a moment of pride for him. He was also a long time member of the bowling league at Knox Hall, leaving many in awe of his determination and drive, despite his age and defiance of the odds. It is no coincidence that on Saturday, he danced his final dance. But this time, he danced his way back into the arms of his beloved wife, Mary. Austin is survived by his six sons, David (Arlette), Blair (Susan), Ricky (Joan), Jimmy, Robert and Kenneth (Barb), New Brunswick; two daughters, Sharon (Don Flynn), Ontario, and Mary ‘Ninnie’; one sister, Bernadette McDonald; 22 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and nine great great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife Mary (Campbell) of 58 years; son, Austin; daughter, Gloria; brothers, Joseph and Francis; sister, Delores; grandson,Dwayne;great granddaughter,Sydney. A special thank you to the New Waterford Homecare, Golden Girls, VON Cape Breton and Palliative Care for their kindness and care provided to our father. Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held Friday, October 25, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 1p.m. with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding, all taking place in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS 9902-849-4199). Interment to take place in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Wallace Rd., Glace Bay. Donation may be made to the Palliative Care Cape Breton. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists.