Thomas Gregory Coleman passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026 with family by his side.

Dad was born in Glace Bay in 1934 and was the youngest son of John (Jack) and Nellie (MacInnis) Coleman. Dad often shared fond memories of growing up with his two brothers, (Gerard and Allister) on Pleasant Street. After graduating from St Anne’s High School, he furthered his education by receiving his teacher license through the Nova Scotia Teacher’s College in Truro.

A dedicated industrial arts teacher for 39 years, Dad started teaching at Whitney School before becoming one of the original staff members of Ashby Complex when it opened in 1967. During his career in education, he held the positions of both teacher and then School Principal. His administration career was both at the school level and as well as an administrator of the Continuing Education Program, where he initiated the establishment of the Community School Program. Dad also had an entrepreneurial spirit evident in his partnership with Dugga MacNeil & James Hollohan of the Crow Pub and president of Cottagedale Land Development - one of the first residential subdivision developments in the Sydney industrial area.

The Irish say that the word father means “shelter from the storm” and that is what our Dad provided for his family, literally and figuratively. Dad built the home he remained in until his passing. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father. A steadfast brother, determined teacher and passionate builder. He was a skilled craftsman and self -taught musician with a fondness towards church and his cottage.

Words cannot adequately describe our anguish that Dad is gone. Even though we will always lament his absence, it is reassuring to know that Dad is reunited with our mother, Pat, daughters, Leanne and Marybeth, and grandson, Nathaniel.

He was also predeceased by his parents and brothers, Gerard (Jean) and Allister (Helen).

Dad leaves behind his four boys: Greg Jr. (Lisa), Johngary (Elizabeth), Rhyan (Danielle) and Grahame (Angela); grandchildren, Katie, Lauren, Leah, Marybeth, Thomas, Rory and Sam and three great grandchildren. Also left to mourn are his brothers’ children who were an important part of his life and son-in-law, Rob Kamphuis.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to his care team that helped allow him to stay at his home over the last few years, staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Floor 4B, Palliative Care and Hospice, as well as Dr. Chris Lawand (Pier Medical Staff-Wendy Ferguson), Dr. Kate MacInnis, and Dr. Philip Curry. Your dedication to our father provided our family with great comfort during this challenging time.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 31/26 at 11:00 am at St, Theresa’s Parish. A reception will follow after the mass at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

"He was the steady hand that guided us, the warm heart that sheltered us, and the quiet strength that will forever live in our souls."

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