William "Willie" Hurley

It is with great sadness that we, the family of William “Willie” Hurley, 89, of Gordon Street announce his passing at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital surrounded by his loving family members on June 22, 2018. Born in New Waterford on December 5, 1920, he was the son of the late Thomas and Angeline (Ranson) Hurley.

In his younger years, Willie played hockey, softball and loved to bowl. He enjoyed playing crib, and as a loyal, loved to watch the Toronto Blue Jays and would never miss a Toronto Maple Leafs game. Willie had strong work ethics that he carried throughout his life beginning at a young age working for Quawk Chaisson delivering ice, he picked potatoes in PEI, and was employed by Bushie’s Rink as the designated person in care of the establishment. Willie spent most of his life underground as a dedicated Cape Breton coal miner for 37 years, as he brushed and loaded coal in NO. 12 Colliery and then a year before the fire of 1972, he went to Lingan Colliery as a machine operator until his retirement.

Leaving to mourn and rejoice his life are his loving children Judy (Tony) Brenna, Davey, William “Wee Wee”, Hugh “Boo” (Susan), Carolyn (Mike) Viva, all of New Waterford, Steven “Dino” (Elizabeth) “Miss Betty”, Vancouver, Ray (Pam), Valerie (John) Campbell, New Waterford, Ann Louise (Darryl) Diebolt, Kitchener ON, Robbie (Sheri), New Waterford; sister Annie Fortune and brother Wilfred “Duck” Hurley; 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews as well as sister-in-law Norma Hurley.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years Mary Emma Gillis, who one week ago left everyone with broken hearts. They are together again.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ajuwon, the second floor nurses of the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and the staff of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 12 p.m. followed directly by a chapel service at 2 p.m. with Deacon Leo Penny officiating. Internment in Mount Carmel Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the K.O.C, Plummer Ave, all are welcome. Funeral arrangements are under the direction McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave, New Waterford, 902-862-7500. Donations can be made to the Dialysis Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. To send online condolences, go to: www.mclellanfuneralhome.com