Wilfred ‘Buddy’ Kehoe, 84

Louisbourg, N.S.

With heartfelt sadness, love and admiration we announce the passing of Wilfred ‘Buddy’ Kehoe, on May 19,2025, in Hospice Cape Breton. He was born to the late Gordon and Margaret (Kehoe) Kehoe on September 3, 1940, at Louisbourg. His older brother named him Buddy shortly after he was born.

Buddy met and married the love of his life Mary Lahey, they married on November 23, 1968, and enjoyed 56 years together. Without children of their own, they acted as second parents to many nieces and nephews. Both Buddy and Mary enjoyed having them spend the weekend at their house watching movies and eating junk food. Buddy also loved his three dogs, Slick, Jack, and Kelly. Buddy enjoyed walking, particularly around the lakes behind his home, always accompanied by a dog; he also enjoyed exploring the beautiful Wild Cove and Gooseberry Cove.

Buddy, known for his strength and capability, held various positions throughout his career. He retired in 1995 as the manager of the NSLC store in Louisbourg. He enjoyed mowing grass, shoveling snow, and helping his neighbours. He was a dependable volunteer at Stella Maris Church working with his pal Bill, for more than thirty years, doing whatever was necessary.

Along side his wife Mary, Buddy is survived by a sister-in-law Francoise Kehoe; nieces Shawna (Tony Bertone), their children Nicole, Brayden, Drew; Gail Bond (Kevin), their children, Nicole (Elwyn Peters), Jeremy Bond (Kendra), their children Shayla and Keaganne: Nephews David Skinner (Karen), their daughter Mackenzie, Jody Skinner (Lloydine), their children Brylee, Taylor and Kyle; John Marc Kehoe (Chandra), Patrick Kehoe (Lyann), their children Madi, and Shay. He is also survived by in-laws Sarah Smith (The late Gary), Peggy Kennedy, (Bob) Rita MacDonald, (Alex) Judy Magee, (Roger), Irene Gouthro, Perry Lahey (Sandy).

Besides his parents, Buddy was predeceased by his brother Gordie and a sister Eileen (Carl) Skinner.

Being a kind and gentle man, Buddy treated everyone he met with the utmost respect. He also had a very dry sense of humour, and it was remarked, if he did not insult you then he did not like you!

Buddy was well taken care of by doctors and nurses since his ordeal began in December of 2022. Special thank you to the staff at Sydney ICU, Doctors, John Archibald, Asim, Miller Beechem, Keating, George Burns, Andrew Giornio, and Ann Frances D’Intino. Acknowledgment to the nursing staff at the Cancer Unit, Palliative Care, and Hospice Cape Breton. Buddy had great respect and appreciation for all his care givers, especially the VON, his family, friends, and wonderful neighbours.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, 902-849-4199.Visitation will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 11:00-1:30, and a Funeral Mass will be held following the visitation at 2 p.m., all in Stella Maris Church, Louisbourg, with Fr. Alphonsus Iwuji presiding. Reception to follow after the mass in Stella Maris Parish Hall.

Donations in memory of Buddy may be made to the Stella Maris Maintenance Fund or to a Charity of your choice.

Words of remembrance may be shared with Buddy’s’ family by visiting www.tjtracey.com