With insurmountable sorrow, the family of John Edward Hastie announces his passing, at his home in Marion Bridge. He was surrounded by the love of his wife, children, mother-in-law, and niece.

John will be deeply missed by his wife, Anne (Buchanan); son, Stephen (Mary); daughters, Melissa (Justin Whitty) and Audry (James Carey); grandchildren, Gabrielle, Sierra, Bradley, Reagan, Greyson, Chloe, Jordan, Jada, Ava, Layla, and Lucas; brothers, Bill (Heather) and Johnson (Terri); sister, Helen; and his fur baby and best pal ever, Lexie.

Also left to mourn are his mother-in-law, Shirley Buchanan; his nieces, Karen and Ashley (Kevin), and nephew Donald (Jaclyn); his great-nephews, Sage (Dyani), Joseph, Matthew, Madden, and Theo; his aunts, nieces, and nephews; and amazing friends – especially our close-knit neighbours.

John was predeceased by his son, John (Sept. 19, 2025), grandson, Zander, parents, Johnson and Mary (Connolly) Hastie, from North Sydney, and brother-in-law, Bill Buchanan.

A welder by trade, in younger years John worked for Farmers Dairy and Petro Can and also tended bar. In later years he worked on the west coast as a labourer and truck driver. He was a quiet person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life – family, days on the Mira River, walks with Lexie, and fishing brought him great joy.

He loved nature and being a lifeguard to all who loved to swim, although he himself preferred to stay out of the water unless in a boat. He enjoyed time at the rink cheering on his favourite players and most of all being the best Poppy – a title he cherished. John also liked the great political debates with his mother-in-law, Shirley.

John’s journey with cancer is over and he is now at peace with no more pain. His final weeks at home were peaceful – surrounded by love of family and friends, the breeze off the River, and the sound of the waves. We are forever grateful to the many healthcare professionals who were in his circle of care over the last 16 months. Special thanks to Dr. Matt Ernst, Dr. Stacey Northgrave, Dr. G. Yeung, Dr. Dale Miller, Chris Browner NP, Dr. C. Oja, Dr. R. Azer, Erica Buchanan RN, Dr. Dawn Brown, Dr. G. Burns, Dr. J. Ritter, Brett Gillis RN, staff and nurses of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, and the VON.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom McNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund or the Marion Bridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, October 9, from 1 pm to 3 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at 3 pm with Reverend Norma Mills officiating. Reception to follow. Family and friends are invited to wear denim to help honour John’s memory. Words of condolence may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

John faced his diagnosis with courage and bravery. His passing leaves a huge void in our lives, but the love he shared with us will remain forever. We are endlessly grateful for the love and support shown to us during John’s journey, especially the last three months.

Love you!

"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us."