John Hugh O'Connor

John Hugh ‘Buddy’ O’Connor passed away Nov. 28, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

He was born at Glencoe Station, Inverness County, on Jan. 2, 1924, to Joseph and Mary Ann (McMillian) O’Connor. He was the eldest boy in a family of 13 children.

As a young man he worked as a track section labourer for CN Rail but volunteered for war service in January 1942. He trained as home defence anti aircraft gunner, but transferred for service overseas. Buddy served with both armoured divisions from the Battle of the Reichswald forest through the liberation of Holland, ending the war in Northern Germany. He remained in occupied Holland until August 1946.

He returned to Inverness County and the CNR, marrying Doris Jane Gordon in 1951. They raised eight children and are survived by Marilyn LaRusic (Bernie), Vanderhoof, B.C., Colleen, Sydney, Joan, Sydney, Joe (Nancy), Vancouver, B.C., John, Okotoks, Alta., Kathy Adams (Rick), Calgary, Alta., Carolyn O’Connor Stowell (Gary), Calgary, Alta., Jonathan (Barb), Conception Bay South, N.L.; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

John served as president of the credit union and co-op stores in Port Hood and was a strong believer in the Antigonish movement.

The family moved to Cape Breton County in 1960 when John was promoted to track section foreman at Leitches Creek. He was transferred to Sydney Yard and served there until retirement in 1989 with credited service of 49 years and 10 months.

Buddy loved all things Celtic and was a great dancing partner — and he danced until he no longer could.

A funeral mass will be held for him at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at Saint Anthony Daniel parish with a reception to follow at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff of the An Cala palliative care unit of the regional hospital for their caring and kindness during John’s last hours.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.dignitymemorial.com.