Ernest Joseph Chiasson

I, Ernie Chiasson , passed away peacefully and comfortably February 22, 2015, at Shoreham Village nursing home in Chester – a facility that gave me great care and cared for me. Previous to that I resided at Williston House in Sydney, a comfie cozy place where all my amenitie were met. A special thanks to nurse Julie, who was kind, caring and attentive.

I was born in New Waterford, a son of the late Hattie (Bierge) Aucoin and Charles Chiasson.

I received my early education in New Waterford and at St, Anne’s, Church Point. I graduated from St.F.X. in 1949 and then pursued a career in education. My first teaching position was in Judique, followed by St. Joseph’s and Sydney Academy. I then became principal at New Victoria. Later, I accepted positions as supervisor of French education and curriculum and later assistant superintendant, then superintendant, of the Cape Breton County School Board. I retired as CEO of the amalgamated Cape Breton and Sydney District School Board.

I was a member of St Theresa’s Parish, Sydney, a member of the Knights of Columbus, minister of the eucharist, and a lector. I enjoyed serving the community in various positions including officer in Sea Cadets, minor hockey coach, and a longtime member of the board of directors of MacGillvary Guest Home. I played golf for many years at Lingan Golf and Country Club and cheered for the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Yankees. I loved to garden and a good game of cards.

I worked at Minimaar Metals which led me to meeting my wonderful wife of 54 years, Anne. We met many times across the counter of Thompson and Sutherlands on Charlotte Street and the rest is history. We raised 5 wonderful children on Columbia Street in Sydney. There we had much joy watching our children grow and forge great friendships with the other families on the block and in the neighbourhood. So smile when you think of me and “ gee whipsa Molly ” and “ cryly dyin’ Moses ” !

Ernie was a loving husband, father, doting grandfather, and an overall great guy. He was a lover of life and people.

Ernie is survived by daughters Claudette (John) MacDonald, Kentville, and Mary Eileen (Andrew) MacPherson, Lower Sackville; sons Charles (Rose), Lower Sackville, Keith (Kim), Sydney, and Karl (Shauna), Whitby, Ont.; grandchildren Ashley, Andrea, Lachlan, Hilary, Jordyn, Adele, Natalie, and Kieren; a sister, Eileen, Massachussetts. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Anne; and a brother, Michael.

Visitation for Ernie will be held Thursday, February 26, from 7 – 9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney. Funeral mass will be held Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, Sydney, with Fr. Jim Oliver officiating, assisted by Fr. Dan MacInnis.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Shoreham Village Home for Special Care, Chester, or to a charity of your choice.