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John H. "Johnny" Yates

1941-2017

John H. "Johnny" Yates
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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Service Date
Thursday, September 14, 2017