John Joseph Kavanaugh

Kavanaugh, John Joseph, 81, June 19, 2013. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather. He was our fearless leader, a man of great conviction, endless faith and kind beyond words. He is survived by the love of his life, Joyce (Renaud), and his children, who were the light of his life: Chris (Kate), Deborah, Cookie Fraser (Jeff), and Jeffrey (Debbie); grandchildren Reid Tingley, Richard, Ryan and Megan Fraser, Isaac, Aden and Elliot. Born in the potato farming community of The Portage, near Grand Falls, NB, in 1932, he was the son of the late Roy and Monica (Rideout) Kavanaugh. He came from a large, loving family of ten brothers and one sister. From humble beginnings with Foundation Construction of Canada in 1950, he worked on projects across Canada until he arrived in Halifax, NS, in 1965. Here, he found a home and made the transition to Foundation Maritimes which eventually emerged as Eastern Canada Towing. In 1973, John took the helm as President and General Manager. Although outsiders may have perceived the tugs as under-sized or underpowered, John was extremely proud of them and especially their crews, who often succeeded in marine salvage operations where larger companies and larger tugs had failed. Early on in life, John recognized the importance of his community, Dartmouth, and at a time when an Alderman’s job was considered “part time” and much of the work was on a volunteer basis, he made an active commitment. He served for six years as Alderman of Ward 1 and as Deputy Mayor of Dartmouth; he served on the Board of School Commissioners, Dartmouth Lakes Advisory Board, Director on Halifax-Dartmouth Port Development Commission, the Board for Brightwood Golf Course, Dartmouth Library Board and Chairman of the Dartmouth Industrial Commission, which resulted in the initial development of the Burnside Industrial Park. During his municipal service, he championed recreational lands within the community, by-laws related to construction, the Woodlawn Branch Library facility and many other positive changes. Devoted to his faith and his Church, he was a parishioner of St. Clements (Gaston Rd), and received the Archdiocese Medal of Merit. He was an active member of the Kinsmen Club of Dartmouth, he was a participant for the United Way, supporter of the Sea Cadets (RCSCC Magnificent), Missions to Seamen, Hope Cottage, IWK Health Centre and Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie and Mount Saint Vincent Universities. Many of his accomplishments are still unknown but to those whom he assisted or touched during his life. John served on the Board of Directors for Expo 86, representing many Atlantic Canadian companies and at retirement, was Chairman of the Board for Eastern Canada Towing. His favorite hours were with his family but he also had a passion for playing bridge, golf and downhill skiing. In later years, John and Joyce spent a lot of time at their second home in Annapolis Royal, entertaining their family and golfing at Annapolis Royal Golf and Country Club. John’s career and travels took him to five continents but he always returned home to tell his family how glad he was to be born a Canadian and how we should never forget how fortunate we are. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1995, John struggled with the disease that robbed him of his ability to participate in community activities and limited his functions with his family and friends. A special thank you to Dr. Lewis and the staff of Drummond Hall, 4th floor, Shannex Parkland, for the loving care and support they provided John. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Nova Scotia, to ensure that the funds are used in Nova Scotia. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Clements Church, Gaston Rd. on Thursday, June, 27 at 10 AM. Father Gilbert Bertrand OMI officiating. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com