Obituaries

 

John Charles Landry

Passed 06/30/2020

Text:

Obituary For John Charles Landry

John Charles Landry, Age 85 of Halifax, died on June 30, 2020.

Son of the late Dr. Joseph T. and Agnes Landry of Halifax, John was born into a physically active family that sparked the outdoor interests he would enjoy throughout his life. He swam, skated, curled, skied, biked and hiked at every opportunity but most of all he loved the beach and was happiest at the cottage in Queensland. Many beachgoers will remember him as the guy with the flippers who swam out beyond the buoys and did laps along the beach.

He began his working career at the Household Finance Company and returned to Saint Mary’s University to complete a Bachelor of Commerce and a degree in Education. He taught at Queen Elizabeth High School before joining the Business Administration teaching staff at Dartmouth Vocational School where he would stay until his retirement as a Vice Principal at the Akerley Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College in 1994. He also taught bookkeeping in the Halifax continuing education program for many years.

In his wife Colleen, John found the love of his life and the ideal partner. Their interests, determination and work ethic were entirely in sync. Whatever they did, they did it as a team and they worked at it whole-heartedly. Child raising, home repair, helping friends; they did it together. Their shared sense of humour was the bond that kept them laughing together for over 53 years. They put down deep roots on Arlington and in Queensland where their neighbours became life-long friends.

John was openly proud of his children and grandchildren and supportive of their goals and accomplishments.

John’s curiosity and interest in other people was legendary. He engaged everyone he met in conversation and collected their stories and family histories. (His family referred to these meetings as interrogations.) He was particularly interested in construction and felt that an open building site was an invitation to visit. It is safe to say that if you have constructed a home on Saint Margaret’s Bay in the last 40 years, John has probably enjoyed a full inspection led by your carpenter whom John had befriended.

He will be deeply missed by his children Mary Lou (Lauchlin Meagher), Patrick (Shelly Meider); grandchildren Austin, Gus and Spencer; brothers Joe and Peter; sister Linda Partington and many other loving relatives and friends. John was predeceased by his wife Colleen (Courtney); his son Christopher; sisters, Lila Gray and Nancy Hubley; brother Paul.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral will be held at 11 am on July 10th at St. Agnes Church, 6903 Mumford Road, Halifax. Due to Covid-19 restrictions no reception will be held. Covid-19 may make you feel uncomfortable about attending a funeral and if you wish to honour John’s memory in your own way, we suggest a walk on the beach, a long bike ride or a conversation with a stranger.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rockwood, Catherine-Anne Murray and Terri Buckland of the Geriatric Ambulatory Care Clinic for mapping out our path and helping us find our way. We offer our deep gratitude to Cindy Bishop, Kayla Burton, Ethel Mooney, and Darlene Nickerson for caring for John at home. We are thankful for the Palliative Care Team at the VG for their exceptional kindness and attentiveness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

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Condolences

  • 02/12/2022

    Pattrick AMJ Dunphy

    I went to 53 Arlington Avenue on Tuesday February 8th to Ask John if he would like me to clear away the fallen tree and clean up the Brush for him after the big storm a week before. I was deeply saddened when a gentleman answered the door and informed me of His Passing. I live down the street at Conrad and Fitzgerald Road and would run into John many times over the years. We would compare notes of our times teaching school and laugh about the things that happened each school year. When we rented from the Renouf's just up the street, john would come by once a week to collect the mail. He was so kind, thoughtful, always asking if we needed anything. My last meeting was by chance as he was out for a walk near his summer cottage. We had a wonderful chat never did I suspect that he would be gone soon after. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Dad. I'm am here for you all if you require anything and will be happy to clear away the tree and debri, it would be an honour. Rest in Peace John Patt Dunphy 19 Fitzgerald Road Queensland 902-448-9065

  • 07/08/2020

    Jack Greenough

    I was very sorry to learn of John's passing.John and I were colleagues at Akerley Campus NSCC from where we both retired in 1994. John was a dedicated and caring teacher who earned the respect of both his students and teaching colleagues. He was a valued member of the administration team and his contribution to Course Development & Programing and the success of the Campus is noteworthy. Sincere and Deepest sympathies are extended to Peter, Mary Lou and Patrick, take comfort in knowing that our Prayers and Best Wishes are with you at this difficult time. Jack Greenough

  • 07/07/2020

    David Cunningham

    Heartfelt condolences to Mary Lou and family on John's passing. He was a true gentleman and it was a pleasure to share conversations with him over the years. Offering prayers for the family. May he RIP.

  • 07/07/2020

    John Landry

    Dear Peter and Mary Lou and Patrick, Sorry for your loss of a brother and a father. John and I shared a couple of decades together at Akerley Campus under his capable leadership for the business section. After hours we enjoyed the late Friday afternoon curling. Our family enjoyed the invitations and sharing of his Queensland getaway on a number of occasions. Prayers and blessings, Ian and Laraine MacDonald

  • 07/07/2020

    Cindy Bishop

    Dear Mary Lou, Paddy and Family: I am deeply saddened by your father's passing. 'John Boy" was very special to me, and I want to thank you for the opportunity of caring for your father these last 2 years. He was always a gentleman, very caring, kind and full of adventure. In the beginning, I remember meeting him at his Queensland Cottage where I would see him walking down the road with his flippers in one hand and a big beach boulder under the under arm to add to his collection around his bushes at his home on Arlington Avenue. His cottage, home, family and neighbours gave him much pleasure, and even when he was slowing down, I can hear him say "Here Comes Johnny!" He was titled "Iron Man" at the Canada Games Centre by many young men in the weight room displaying his strength and joy in being a part of other keen members. I will also miss sitting next to him at St. Benedict Church every Sunday morning at service along with my mother. He always reached out his hand to the parishioners introducing himself and had a way of making people smile. I was fortunate to spend the time I did with John and he helped fill the void of the loss of my own father. As your daughter expressed to me, you died on the last day of school, and you were a wonderful teacher of life to me as well. I was given the honor of hearing and seeing many pictures of your wonderful and active life and meet many of your family and friends. Thank you and may you rest in eternal peace. I will miss seeing your twinkling blue eyes, charming smile and companionship. I have been fortunate and blessed to have been a part of the last chapter of your life and may you rest in peace, John Boy. My family and I will miss your presence and using our favourite end of day expression, my final ''Toodaloo"! Cindy Bishop, Charlie, Jan, Janelle, Jared, Sara and our grandson Kaden (and our fur babies BigLey and MayLey)

  • 07/07/2020

    Dave Taylor

    John was a prof of mine at DRVS in the early 70's and a great influence on both my choice of profession and teaching style, He was good man, a wise man and though I never had the opportunity to meet the family if they were anything like their dad they will do well, albeit with big shoes to fill. My prayers are with all of us that called him friend

  • 07/06/2020

    Lana Ein

    John was such a wonderful neighbor.He was always so jovial and kind hearted.He will be dearly missed.Our condolences to the family.

  • 07/06/2020

    Jessica Mastnak

    We will miss John. He was always so cheerful and talkative. He was great with our children and made us envious of his lawn.

  • 07/06/2020

    Sharon

    Mary Lou and Linda, and families. Sorry for the loss of your father and brother. I grew up with Mary Lou's cousins, Michael, Peter, and Barbara Courtney and dearly loved their parents. Hope to see you soon, Linda, at the Waeg! My sincerest condolences! Sharon Cunningham

  • 07/06/2020

    Susan Gould

    The Goulds loved being neighbours of the Landrys on Arlington Avenue. We send all the family our sympathy and good wishes. Jim, Sue, John and Janie

  • 07/06/2020

    Patricia Lynch

    Mary Lou, Tom and I are sending you and your family our deep condolences. We know how difficult it is to loose a father. He sounds like he was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by his family. xo Pat and Tom Lynch

  • 07/06/2020

    Pat Meagher

    John had such a wonderful life full of adventures and making family memories. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. It made me smile thinking of him chatting with any and all people he met. Always curious and interesting. Mary Lou and Paddy have been blessed to have such a wonderful man for a father. I know there are many happy memories that will live on forever. Sending lots of love.

  • 07/06/2020

    Art Flynn

    So sorry for your loss. Art

  • 07/06/2020

    John Mason

    So sad to read the message of John's passing, but many happy memories of conversations with John over our back yard fence, be about repairing my fence or mowing & raking my lawn or some other important thing, it was always fun to hear him give me advise or opinions on what I was doing. He was a very pleasant person and a good neighbour, he is missed. Condolences to the entire family.

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