John Fraser Napier

It is with deep sadness, and yet with extreme gratitude for his love of life and the positive impact he had on those around him, that we share the news that John Fraser Napier died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 26, 2018, at the age of 73.

Born in Campbellton, New Brunswick, on May 26, 1945, John was the eldest child, the brother of his beloved siblings, Mary and Michael. He moved to Halifax at a young age where he lived most of his life.

He was predeceased by his father, William Napier, mother, Lorna (MacNeill) Napier, nephew, Tully Napier, and mother-in-law, Louise Legato-Mackinnon, who loved him like a son. John is survived by his wife, Carmella Legato; daughters, Christy MacArthur (Jamie), and Sara Napier (Robert Moffat); siblings, Mary Levins (Ken) of Calgary, and Michael Napier (Adrienne Thomas) of Wolfville; sister-in-law, Louise Gremley (David); nieces and nephews, Todd Levins, Courtney Forseth, Devin Napier, Drew Napier and Michael Gremley; grandchildren, Zander, Hannah and Sophie MacArthur; and great nephews, Napier and Sam Levins and Charlie Forseth.

John grew up living on Bellevue Avenue, attending Gorsebrook, Queen Elizabeth High and Dalhousie University. His favourite childhood memories included visiting friends in Mason’s Point and Hubbards, going to Queensland Beach, summer camp at both Aldercliff and Big Cove, playing many sports, and sailing on the Arm. After graduating from Dalhousie, John became a Chartered Accountant and through his career he contributed greatly to many organizations in the financial, corporate and non-profit sectors. In recent years he played a critical financial and human resources role in support of his brother’s firm.

John wore his heart on his sleeve, and we are so grateful. By doing so, he inspired love in others and helped us all to be kinder. From a volunteer perspective, John always gave back to the community. His passion for those experiencing vulnerability and marginalization led him to commit greatly to many causes, including St. Paul’s Home, Phoenix House, other youth-focused charities and as the volunteer Chair of Meals on Wheels in Halifax. He also served in leadership capacities with the Boards of several condominiums, something he also treasured greatly. John was inspired and fueled by other volunteers and all of his client interactions, loving every single moment, especially those times when he was able to bring joy to others.

John loved tennis, hockey and humorous banter about everything sports and current affairs. He won a few tennis tournaments in his day at the Waegwoltic Club and more, continuing to play tennis and hockey with great passion until very recently. John was grateful for all of the friendships he developed through a shared love of the sport of tennis and its generous and supportive community. John also established great friendships through hockey, in particular through the weekly hockey league he organized, a group he played with for decades up until the past few years.

John’s daughters (with first wife, Isobel MacPherson), Christy and Sara, have always loved their Dad with all of their hearts. This is a sad time, yet a celebratory time of everything John has contributed to this wonderful world, including the legacy of kindness that his children will always aim to embody.

John’s best friend was Carmella and they have loved one another for decades, sharing an amazing bond. Christy and Sara first met Carmella at a Beach Boys concert in the 1980s, and their appreciation for her commitment and love for their Dad has never faltered.

John and Carmella had many close friends and family. Most notably, Carmella’s sister and family – Louise, David and son, Michael. John loved them all deeply and enjoyed their friendship, and all of the family vacations, travel and special occasions they explored together.

John was a kind, giving and genuine human being. Even when in hospital, his positive spirit shone through, with other patients and families, nurses, doctors, food services staff and housekeeping workers – that’s just who he always was. The family extends gratitude to every single person who cared for John especially the team on 8A at the Victoria General (VG), with special thanks to Dr. Wanda Hasagawa and Dr. Nebojsa Sparavalo. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Ruth Turner, his personal physician, Sandra Sullivan, John’s clinical nurse on the Hematology Unit, the Medical Day Unit team on the 4th floor of the VG and the amazing team in the ER of the Halifax Infirmary who graciously helped him and showed kindness to the family in his final hours. Thank you.

If you as friends of John are inclined to pay tribute to his legacy, in lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed at Meals on Wheels Halifax, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice.

To honour and celebrate John, you are invited to gather at J.A. Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive in Halifax for a reception with the family on Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and the service on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception will follow.