Sheldon J. Smith

We, the family regret to announce the passing of Sheldon J. Smith, Birch Grove on April 26, 2023 at Taigh Na Mara. Born on January 12, 1934, he was the son of the late Eugene and Alice (Taylor) Smith and was a lifelong resident of Birch Grove. He was a retired employee of Seaboard Power Generating station. He was a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Morien, a member of the church choir, and was a former member of the Inspirational Singers. Sheldon was an active member of the Birch Grove Volunteer Fire Department for the past seventy years and served the department as secretary/treasurer for sixty-five years. He enjoyed gardening and giving fresh produce to neighbors and friends. He was an avid early morning walker and enjoyed walking on the Broughton Road. He is survived by his partner and wife Bernadette Burke whom he loved and adored, sons Brent, Birch Grove, Jerry, Glace Bay, daughter Shelley (Randy) Dyer, Sydney, step daughter Kim (Allan) Sullivan, Sydney, grandchildren Brandon and Amber, step grandchildren Thomas (Liz), Sydney, Danica, Sydney and eight step great grandchildren, sister-in-law Donna Smith and also several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Ralph, Kenny, Jerry and sister-in-law Doreen Smith. Sheldon had a passion for skating, fishing, dancing, bowling and cherished his Honda Goldwing motorcycle on which he and Bernadette enjoyed many outings. He was a member and former vice president of NSGREA Sydney and was a loyal fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and was a longtime season ticket holder of the Cape Breton Eagles. Visitation will be held on May 1 from 2 – 4 pm and 7-9 pm at Patten Funeral Home, Glace Bay. Funeral service to be held on May 2 at 1 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Morien with Reverend Dorothy Miller officiating, burial at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Black Brook. A reception will follow at Birch Grove Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Taigh Na Mara for their kindness and compassion during Sheldon’s stay there.