John H. "Johnny" Yates
1941-2017
John Howard “Johnny” Yates. Age 76 of Upper Cornwall
ended his battle with cancer peacefully on September 7, 2017. His
wish to pass at home with his family holding him close was fulfilled.
He was born in Halifax, the son of the late Clyde and Florence
(Johnston)Yates. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend,
Bonnie (nee Settle) of over 55 years. His adored daughter, Dawn Marie
Yates-Hambly and her husband, Steven; eldest grandson, Nicholas
(Bonnie) Yates; grandchildren, Anthony and Taylor Hambly; great
grandsons, Jensen and Rylan Yates, all from St. Albert, Alberta. His
brother, David, Kingston, N.S.and his aunt, Margaret MacDonald, St.
Lazare, Quebec; many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and
grandnephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Margaret Harrison, Carol
Desjardins and Patricia Noyes and brothers, Bernard, William, Robert
and Brian. Johnny became active in the Labour Movement at a young age
and held various positions and offices while living in Halifax. He
volunteered his time and skills to the union. He worked several years
at Farmer’s Dairy and then at Archibald’s Fuels. He
became employed by the Nova Scotia Nurses Union as a Labour Relations
Officer in 1975 until his retirement in 1995. He had also become
interested in politics at a young age. He first became a member of
the CCF party and later the New Democratic Party (NDP); he ran as
their candidate in two federal elections. In 1980 soon after
re-locating to Upper Cornwall, Lunenburg County he joined the Cornwall
Volunteer Fire Department now known as the Cornwall & District
Fire Department. After a few years he became their Fire Chief for the
next 23 years and also a Medical First Responder (MFR). He resigned
as Chief and a few years later took on the position of Treasurer until
his recent illness. He remained a firefighter and MFR. Those who
knew Johnny Yates know that anything he believed in he gave it his
all. He was hard working, dedicated, stubborn and strong willed to
the end. He dearly loved and respected the Volunteer Fire Service and
all of those involved. He was a family man; he loved his wife and
daughter and each of his grandchildren were precious to him. He has
left each of us wonderful memories and taught us about the value of
hard work, honesty and loyalty. He was a believer and as such will be
with our Lord and Saviour and all our family and friends who went
ahead. Johnny did not have a “bucket list” to fulfill
because he said he was lucky enough to have done and seen everything
that he wanted to. He lived a full and satisfying life. Special
thanks to Kerry South, Palliative Care Nurse; VON; EHS Paramedics and
Cornwall & District Fire Department personnel especially John May.
We wish to thank family, friends and neighbours for your many acts of
kindness and consideration to us. Visitation will be held 7:00pm to
9:00pm, Wednesday September 13, 2017 at the Mahone Funeral Home, 32
Parish Street, Mahone Bay. Funeral service will be held 2:00pm,
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the New Cornwall Baptist Church, 2222
Cornwall Road, Middle Cornwall, followed by a reception at the
Cornwall & District Fire Hall, 2588 Cornwall Road, Middle
Cornwall. Cremation has taken place. Family flowers only. Memorial
donations may be made to: Cornwall & District Fire Department;
New Cornwall Baptist Church Local Mission Fund or New Cornwall
Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone
Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
(902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca
MAHONEFUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
"Founded in 1883 - Serving the Community for 134 years."
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