Obituaries

 

William John Hackett

Passed 05/17/2023

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Obituary For William John Hackett

William John Hackett passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 17, 2023. He will forever be missed by those whose lives he touched during his 84 years. John was born in St. Bernard’s, Newfoundland in 1938 to the late Genevieve and Clarence Hackett. The eldest of 11 children, John left his hometown at 15 to come to work in Nova Scotia, painting the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge alongside his father, the beginning of a painting career spanning more than six decades.

On December 26, 1963, John married Sheila Hynes, the absolute love of his life. Together they raised four children, John, Jill, Adele, and April. John was a hard worker and dedicated father who loved having his family around. He would often make a big pot of stew, chowder, fish cakes with dried fish from home, or pea soup. Nobody left hungry and everyone was always welcome in his home. Both Sheila and John instilled in their children and grandchildren a strong work ethic and kindness above all.

Although John and Sheila left for the Maritimes early in their marriage, Newfoundland was always home to John. He used to listen to Newfie 30, watched the Newfoundland news daily, and looked forward to phone calls from his siblings and nephews. John always found great happiness outdoors and he enjoyed countless weekends hunting, fishing, checking snares, and berry picking. Up until very recently, John cherished the time he spent out in his boat and in the woods with his good friends Wilf, Ian, Billy, Hector, Sam, and his grandson Jordan.

John will be held dear in the hearts of his wife Sheila, his children John (Jennifer), Jill, Adele (Stephen), April (Jim-Kaytlin, Jordan, Erika), as well as his siblings Felix (Rita), Betty (Carl), Clarice, Maureen (John), Evelina (Gus), Clar, Jenny (Terrence), his sister-in-law Vera, and his brother-in-law Jerome. John was predeceased by both of his parents, his brother Kevin, sister Jean, sister Solange and her husband Calvin, sister-in-law Juanita, and nephew Clarence.

John will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Jordan (Taryn), Lindsay (Matt), Alek (Kaylee), Kirby, Eden, Rowan, Genevieve, and Nellie, and his great-grandchildren Elle, Gia, Royce, and Beau. We hope Poppy’s gifts of storytelling and fishing expertise will be passed along through many generations to come!

John’s family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the wonderful staff on 4.1 at the Halifax Infirmary, and the nurses at the Palliative Care Unit of the Victoria General Hospital for caring for him with such compassion.

Donations in John’s name can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada.

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Condolences

  • 05/25/2023

    Judy Bell

    A lovely man , my sympathy to all the family. Judy Bell

  • 05/24/2023

    Bailey Hynes

    Thinking of (Aunt) Sheila and family, sending our deepest sympathies♥️ Edward, Bailey, Beau and Owen

  • 05/23/2023

    Sherry wilson

    Condolence to the Hackett family, thinking of you Sherry wilson

  • 05/23/2023

    Christine (Whitman) Murphy

    My sincere condolences to the entire Hackett family. RIP John

  • 05/23/2023

    Jen Haley

    Dear Jill, Sending condolences as you grieve the loss of your father. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

  • 05/23/2023

    Deanna Battcock

    Sending our condolences to Sheila and family, may you find comfort in all the wonderful memories, Yvette (Peters) and family

  • 05/23/2023

    Tom and Sue Hindle

    Tom and I were so sad to hear of Johnny's passing. We are sending our condolences to Sheila and family. May his memory be a blessing.

  • 05/23/2023

    Lisa Jarvis

    Sheila and family, Deepest condolences on the news of Johnny's passing. Dave has some fond memories of Johnny... from his early working days in Halifax, to many hunting and fishing trips. May the beautiful memories you have tucked inside your heart bring you comfort in the coming days. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dave, Lisa and Brad Harland and Marion

  • 05/22/2023

    Annette Bouchard

    Sending my condolences to Jill and the family. Thinking of you all and RIP John.

  • 05/22/2023

    Eden d’Entremont-MacVicar

    My deepest condolences to one of the kindest, most loving families I've ever known. Thinking of each of you with much love and fond memories.

  • 05/21/2023

    Danielle Laflamme

    My condolences Jill, to you and your family. May your dad rest in peace. My thoughts are with you during these sad moments.

  • 05/21/2023

    Sue & Jim Hoadley

    Sending our heartfelt condolences to Sheila and family, so sad to hear of Johnny's passing, such a great guy with a gentle soul ❤ Jim and Sue Hoadley

  • 05/21/2023

    Wanda Myles Coombs

    Deepest sympathy to Sheila and the Hackett family at this sad time. Take Care and God Bless.

  • 05/20/2023

    Rodney Organ

    Our deepest condolences to you Sheila and all the family. So many fond memories of Johnny at work and outside of work. He will always be remembered for his great stories and looking after many of us who worked for him. Rodney and Lisa Organ

  • 05/20/2023

    Rick and Pauline Lee

    Our condolences to his family and friends. 😔

  • 05/20/2023

    Bernice Scott

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Bernice Scott

  • 05/20/2023

    Debbie & Jerry Johnston

    Dear LeeLee and family Our sincere condolences and sympathies are with you during this time. Jerry shared his fond memories of Willie John taking him fishing when he was a child and how much patience he had. Thoughts & prayers are with you Debbie (Scott / Johnston)

  • 05/20/2023

    Mary &Bill Strachan

    Condolences to all the Hackett family.John was a very sweet man and his entire family follow in his footsteps.I know there is a special place for him in the heavens above.RIP John

  • 05/20/2023

    Harvey Francis

    Our condolences to the family from Harvey and Ruby Francis

  • 05/20/2023

    Barbara Warren

    My deepest sympathy to the family.I have many sweet childhood memories of Willie John.The nicest person to everyone he knew.God Bless his family🙏🌷🌷.

  • 05/20/2023

    Angie MacIsaac

    Sending condolences to the entire family. In all the years I spent close to this family the love they add for each other was evident. Johnny was a family man at heart and he raised them all to put family first. He did a fantastic job doing that! What a job to be proud of.

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